It’s the holiday season, an exciting time of year when we find ourselves shopping and socializing in new places with different groups of people and often in the evening. I’m blessed to have a great group of friends and acquaintances who have shared their advice for staying safe when out and about during the holidays. The following easy-to-follow, quick tips are sure to help you stay safe this holiday season.
Shelley Hill, creator of “Image Based Decisional Drills,” shared her top seven safety tips for women shopping during the holiday season.
Consider buying a large nondescript bag to put your purchases in so they are not on display.
Store your purchases in the trunk of your car. Also, consider parking under a street light and as close to the store entrance as possible.
Beware of pickpockets! Do not put your wallet in your purse. Instead, place your money in pockets that have zippers or buttons, because it is not easily accessible to others.
If you need to take a phone call, keep your head UP and on a swivel during your conversation. If you need to text, use text-to-speech or voice-to-text with your head up. If you don’t have that capability, text a few words and look around. Text another word or two and look around. Repeat.
There is safety in numbers; don’t shop alone.
Don’t pay in cash; use credit cards or other non-cash options instead.
LISTEN TO YOUR INTUITION!
I asked Kelly Sayre, founder and president of The Diamond Arrow Group, and author of “Sharp Women,” for her top safety tips for holiday gatherings.
Spend the first five minutes when you arrive, looking around. Find the exits, First Aid Kits/AEDs and physical obstacles that may prevent you from exiting.
When using a ride-sharing service, always make sure the license plate, vehicle make and model, and driver name match the app. If you’re riding solo, sit in the rear passenger seat so you can clearly see the driver. Do not enter a ride share if there is another rider you weren’t expecting in the vehicle.
Choose a self-defense tool appropriate for travel and your destination. If you are traveling across state lines, make sure you’re aware of any changes in what items are legal for you to carry. Keep in mind, just about any object can be used to defend yourself with some creative thinking.
Nationally known law enforcement writer, trainer, researcher and speaker Duane Wolfe offered his top verbal commands every woman should know for self-defense.
If someone attempts to distract you by asking you a question, keep your head up, look directly at him, and politely say, “I’m sorry, I can’t help you.” As you are saying it, quicken your pace around and/or away from the aggressor to create distance as you move to a safer location.
If someone is following you, let them and anyone else in earshot know that you see what they are doing. Look directly at them while you loudly and assertively say, “Stop following me!“
Setting personal boundaries is critical to effective self-defense. The distance you set up as your personal boundary will vary depending on the situation. When someone enters that area, in a commanding voice, say, “Stop! Don’t come any closer.“
There are a wide variety of situations you may find yourself in this holiday season. Take the time to imagine different scenarios. By having a predetermined response, you have enhanced your ability to handle the situation and stay safe.
If you are looking for more information on safety and survival, visit The Armory Life, published by Springfield Armory. Also, check out Springfield’s line of firearms.
Michelle Cerino, aka Princess Gunslinger, first entered the firearms industry in 2011 as co-owner, president and trainer at a national training company. She immediately began competing in both 3-Gun and NRA Action Pistol, becoming a sponsored shooter. Michelle is currently a columnist and Managing Editor of Women’s Outdoor News, as well as owner of Pervenio LLC. She also manages social media for Vera Koo and FASTER Saves Lives. Michelle encourages others to step out of the comforts of home and explore.
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