Stay aware and stay safe!

Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. When you are out, do you know where the locations of police and fire stations are? You should. Where are public telephones, hospitals, restaurants or stores that are open late?

You should do a personal safety and security audit of the locations you frequent. When you go into a place, do you know where the exits are? What environmental conditions are present that may make the area or location unsafe? What can you do to increase the safety of the area or at least minimize any unsafe conditions?

You must be prepared to attack back if necessary, but your first and foremost means of self-defense is your awareness so you can avoid dangerous situations in the first place, or escape them when present. Thinking about these things beforehand will make you more prepared in the event you must act. Stay aware and stay safe!