While only a small fraction of the material covered in the NRA Refuse To Be A Victim® Course, the following common-sense tactics provide a good start for your own personal safety strategy:
Home Security
Plant "defensive" shrubbery around your home, especially beneath windows. Bushes with thorns or stiff, spiky leaves are not good hiding places for criminals.
When moving into a house or apartment, always change or re-key the locks. Otherwise, the previous resident -- and anyone they supplied keys to -- has unrestricted access to your home.
Phone Security
Consider keeping a separate line or cellular phone as a security device. Taking one phone off the hook renders other units on that line inoperable. Using a separate line or cellular phone in your bedroom is a good precaution.
Automobile Security
Use a two-piece key ring with your car keys separate from your other important keys. Give parking valets or mechanics your car keys only. Supplying your entire set of keys creates an opportunity for duplicates to be made.
Check your surroundings before getting out of your car. If something or someone strikes you as out of place or threatening, drive away.
Personal Safety
Consider taking a self-defense course. A wide variety of courses are offered for self-defense and each should be considered carefully for relevance to your own situation. The NRA Refuse To Be A Victim® Course provides many useful personal-safety strategies and discusses the pros and cons of other training options.
These are just a few steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime. For a more in-depth study of these and other safety measures, attend an NRA Refuse To Be A Victim® Course in your area. Topics covered include:
- The Psychology Of Criminal Predators: understanding and avoiding violent crime against women.
- Home Security, strangers, visitors: lighting, locks and keys, alarm systems, dogs and their training.
- Phone Security: protecting private information, answering machines, cellular phones, phone scams.
- Automobile Security: carjacking, accidents, alarms, parking lots, gas station safety, car as a defensive tool.
- Physical Security: recognizing dangerous situations, elevators, walking alone, purses, trusting your instincts, what to do if confronted.
- Self-Defense Physical Training: classes, types and options.
- Personal Protection Devices: alarms, sprays, stun guns, defensive key chains and other devices.
And more...
To receive your Refuse To Be A Victim®: Your Key to Crime Prevention and Personal Safety brochure and information about courses in your area call 1-800-861-1166. |
