One of our parents at our martial arts school travels two hours a day to the city and asked me for some ideas on staying safe.
Driving into the city usually means having to park in a parking garage of one type or another. Very few parking lots are totally secure, so here are a few tips to keep you safe.
- When you arrive park as close as you can to the pedestrian exit you are going to use.
- Make sure your car is locked before you leave. I also recommend that you get training in using mace or pepper spray AND carry it on your key ring where you can use it quickly.
- Stay alert and focus on who is around you and what is going on around you. Do not use your phone or any other electronic devices that may distract you or attract a robber.
- If you enter or exit using an elevator, pay attention to who gets on with you, or who is in it before you enter. If you don’t feel comfortable getting on wait for the next one and if someone enters who looks suspicious get off.
- When returning to your car, have your keys in your hand and scan the area near your vehicle. If someone is loitering nearby you may want to leave and alert security. If you decide to go to your car have your mace/pepper spray in your hand and be prepared to use it.
- Lock the doors immediately after entering, start the car, pull out of your spot and leave the area. You can put on your seat belt before you drive out of the garage.
These are just a couple of tips. Remember…
As you go through your day, be aware and be prepared to assess every situation AND, this is VERY IMPORTANT, be ready to move to the RIGHT and APPROPRIATE ACTION.
until next time… be black belt strong and have a safe and happy day.
~ Peter Simon Liciaga
