10 Holiday Safety Tips

• Nov 10, 2009

With the holidays upon us, and recent news headlines reporting an increase in violent crime occurrences in the home, workplace, and on school campuses, University of Phoenix is providing ten safety tips aimed to prevent you from becoming the victim of a crime this holiday season.

1. Be aware. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings at all times. By being alert, you may be able to stop an attack before it occurs.
2. Trust your instincts. Listen to what your intuition tells you. This will allow you to avoid a situation that does not feel safe.
3. Keep your cell phone handy. It is critical to have a cell phone at all times, but do not keep it glued to your ear. Talking on the phone causes people to be less aware of their surroundings.
4. Avoid presenting a victim profile. When out in public look people in the eye, keep your head up, and walk with a confident stride. This could prevent an attack.
5. Lock car doors and leave. Many people have the tendency to get into their car and sit. This gives an attacker the ability to break into the vehicle and cause bodily harm, or allow them to steal the car.
6. Keep your wallet close. Always carry your purse or wallet, do not leave it in the shopping cart. For added security, men’s wallets can be carried in the front pockets of their pants to help avoid pick pocketing.
7. Walk in pairs. When shopping alone and leaving at night, ask a security officer to accompany you to your car. When carrying several packages you become a target; safety comes in numbers.
8. When attacked, attack back. You need to make your attacker fear their own safety. Strike their weaker points: the eyes, knees or throat.
9. Almost anything can be a weapon. Everyday objects such as keys or pepper spray can be used against an attacker.
10. Take a self defense class. It does not hurt to be properly trained so if an attack occurs you’re able to protect yourself.