Outdoor Safety Tips for Women:
SPOTTING DANGER
Situational awareness is your first line of defense. By recognizing "pre-attack indicators," you can escape a threat before it turns physical. ALWAYS honor your intuition and stay alert to your surroundings - not paranoid, just wary.
Signs for Spotting Danger
Kelly McCann, former U.S. Marine Corps Special Forces officer now of Team Crucible Security in Virginia says to watch for:
► Behavioral Shifts - Any sudden change in pace or demeanor as they approach you.
► Hidden Hands - A hand tucked away or motionless while walking is unnatural.
► Mirroring - If he stops and goes when you do.
► Challenges you: “What did you say?” “What are you looking at?” designed to start a conflict.
► The “Sandwich” - two people who split up before approaching you from different directions.
Watch for distant people as they come near. Many criminals "telegraph" their intentions (send signals), such as crossing the street to intercept you, and quickly looking around for any witnesses. Watch for groups that split up to encircle you.
Always carry a Personal Security Alarm (screamer or noisemaker) & Pepper Spray within instant reach. If you are targeted, use your pepper spray then start your alarm and run toward safety while yelling for the police.
Btw, females commit approximately 20% of violent crimes (per the FBI). So evaluate ALL strangers by their behavior and red flags.
See 7 Habits That Make You a Harder Target | video 14m36s |
00:44 Habit 1: Keep Your Head Up in Transitional Spaces
02:24 Habit 2: Prepare Before You Move
04:06 Habit 3: Trust Your Early Warnings
05:44 Habit 4: Use Distance as a Safety Tool
07:38 Habit 5: Carry Less Lethal Tools You can Access
10:11 Habit 6: Stop Being Polite When Your Safety is On The Line
11:29 Habit 7: Have a Simple Exit Plan Wherever You Go
13:54 Summary Recap of all 7 Habits
How To Help Solve A Crime
If you’re a victim or an eyewitness:
► During the crime, notice clothing and hair, though they can be changed. Especially notice things a criminal can’t change, such as his lips, teeth, eyes, nose, and walk.
► Afterward, tape-record or write down a description to fix your thoughts.
Spotting Suspicious Activity in Public Spaces
Possible warning signs if a mass shooter targets a public place:
► Someone returns often.
► Photographing or note-taking.
► Pumping you for information.
► Leaving a possible bomb – any package or vehicle – near a possible target, such as a main building or crowds of people.
If you see something suspicious:
► Quickly move away.
► Remember descriptions – especially a car’s license plate number.
► Notify the police IMMEDIATELY!
Enhancing Your Outdoor Safety Options
NO earbuds or staring at your phone. Deter a predator by carrying a Personal Security Alarm (screamer or noisemaker) & Pepper Spray in plain sight. Those pages show you how to most effectively use them when spotting danger. Also see Facing Danger.
NOTICE: This non-profit website is for informational purposes only and is drawn from the bibliography and USDOJ. Use the information at your own risk. See disclaimers.
Crime-Safety-Security > Outdoor Safety Overview > Spotting Danger
