Staying Safe in an Unsafe World. Part II

Tonight, two transients walked off the highway, came through the bushes by the creek, and rang our back door bell.

I answered the door, but did not open the storm door. The tall fellow, about 20-something, dressed in black, said, "My phone is dead. Can I come in and use your phone?" His partner, also dressed in black stood by.

After my article in last week's BVD about not letting any stranger into your house for any reason, it was as though Providence brought a startling example of practicing safe behavior right up to our house.

I said, "No!" and closed and bolted the inside door. They turned and walked back through the willows to the highway, but the whole experience was pretty creepy.

So, folks, it only takes one naive opportunity for a bad person to do to you a harm that can change your life. Keep your doors locked, especially in the daytime, when criminals typically will try to get away with home invasions.

Following is the remainder of the "Stay Safe Practices" list. Of course, there are lots more, but this list contains the Top Ten:

6. If your car breaks down on the road, keep the widows rolled up and door locked. Do not open for anyone except a law enforcement officer or someone you have personally called to help you. We carry an air horn in our car when traveling, but criminals will typically leave you alone if you don't look like an easy mark. If you are pulled over by a vehicle with red and blue flashing lights, call 9-1-1 to check on this vehicle and see if it is really a law officer.

7. Park as close to the door of your destination as you can. When returning to your car, if a van has pulled in next to you, do not attempt to open your car. Return to the store and ask for an employee to come outside with you.

8. Do not go outside your house or car in response to some strange situation. Criminals have used ploys such as tape recordings of babies crying, or turning on the outside water faucet to let the sound of the water draw you outside, especially on a summer night. If you are alone at night and something strange starts happening, call a neighbor to come and help you investigate. Some young ladies, when driving alone, have noticed a $20 bill tucked under their wiper blade. When they stopped to retrieve the money, they were abducted.

9. Any form of protection you keep with you can probably be used against you by an attacker who may take it from you. The best protection is to not be in that dangerous situation in the first place! Guns, mace, bear spray or your physical strength can give you a false sense of security. An air horn is effective if it is deployed immediately because a criminal will not want to draw attention to his or her situation. Yelling "Help, Help" at the top of your lungs usually works, too. When I was attacked in a remote area of a Mexican resort, my shouting caused the attacker to run away.

10. When away from home, if you are using recreational drugs or alcohol, know that you are in a precarious state. Keep a vigilant eye on your drink container. In my last 30 years, two people I know have had "roofies" or "mickies" slipped into their drinks when they weren't aware and later they were attacked. This can happen anywhere, to anyone. Also, a person under the influence who is walking alone at night to their car or home is in a very dangerous and vulnerable situation. Go out in groups and keep one person sober!