Personal Security for Women

never hitch-hike
never pick up hitch-hikers
never allow yourself to be maneuvered into a vulnerable position where an attack or an assault is
     possible
arrange your schedule in such a manner that you to complete your tasks during daylight hours
never walk alone from your office to your car
if no one can accompany you, walk in a group to your vehicle
be aware of your body language, the way you site, your use words etc. Men may easily
     misinterpret your intention
if you do not wish to be involved any further, lean against the side of the car, hold your house
     keys in your hand and open the door immediately after he stops
if your "friend" insists on coming in, make an excuse
learn to say NO in such a way that your partner will immediately get the message
conduct yourself with confidence and courage.  Don't be indecisive, as this makes you an easy
     target
when you enter your home alone and it is late, do the following:
     - take a few deep breaths, this gives you courage and helps you relax
     - move your head and observe - you will always be more afraid of the unknown

  Barthol's Law

Barthol says - "if it comes to a choice between thee and me, it's gonna be thee!"

If someone attacks or assaults you, you are :

the victim
you did not start the problem!
you owe your assailant nothing
your life and your safety is of the utmost importance
don't be the victim
the devil with him!
he started it!

Get Angry
if someone attacks you, you should be so angry at this indignity that you can fight
if you are attacked in a public place, speak loudly and clearly
say NO - LEAVE ME ALONE!
remember Barthol's law
anger, anxiety, fear and panic release adrenaline into your bloodstream.  This makes you
     stronger, your reactions are faster and ability to endure pain is greater
show your anger when someone invades your privacy - don't smile - LEAVE ME ALONE!
practise your reaction in front of a mirror

Stress Training
You should practice this technique so that it becomes part of your life.  For example: A cowboy wears his holster on his left and draws crosswise with his right hand.  He does this for years and is used to this method.  Then he realises he can draw faster from his right-hand side.  He buys a right-handed holster and practices his draw for hours.  He finds himself in a emergency situation and instinctively goes back to his old style of drawing his weapon.  If you do not practice under stress, old methods will return and they can cause you harm.  Use your friends as role models when you practice.   Practice under stress. 

To Scream or Yell
if someone attacks you, be aggressive and angry.  If you scream you reveal your fear and you
     become an easy target.  If you yell and act aggressively, you show that you are not an easy
     target.  You are a tigress.
remember that you have rights.  You have the right to question the actions of others towards
     yourself
you have a right to decide who enters your home
you have the right to decide who touches you
you have the right to decide how close to allow another person
you have the right to react in any manner to defend yourself

  Safety and Security at Home

Rule number 1: make sure that your doors are closed and locked.  If you have security gates, make sure they are closed and locked.  A potential thief or rapist cannot surprise you and you will have time to call for help if necessary.

  Prevention (e.g. fire)

keep premises clear of flammable articles
restore / replace faulty electrical wires
remove any flammable / explosive materials

  Prevention is the best cure

If you are serious about you safety, take heed of the following advice and make sure that you practice it.  Your chances of being attacked will diminish.

   Prevention is the best cure

A criminal observes you environment closely and looks for a possible target.  Don't make your home a target.  A home that looks loved in is not an easy target.

   Signs of an empty house

• - don't leave newspapers and post lying around
• - dust and dirt in front of your garage door advertise your absence
• - stop newspaper deliveries and get someone to collect your post regularly, or use a drop-in
    post box (delivered post is not visible)
• - arrange with a friend or family member to visit your house regularly to check if everything is
    in order (inside / outside)
• - arrange for them to open different curtains, and turn different lights on and off
• - leave your curtains open - closed curtains advertise your absence
• - lock expensive items away as thieves normally check for such items before they take the
    trouble to break in
• - arrange for a vehicle to be parked on your premises
  - ask your assistant to leave articles lying lying around the lawn or in the vicinity of the front
    door to give the impression that the house is lived in (change position daily)
• - ask your assistant to mow your lawn and water the garden
• - never leave your garage door open when you are not at home
• - prevent anyone from obtaining a clear view into your garage through the garage windows
• - don't leave messages on your door
  - don't obscure the view to your front door with shrubs or walls

   House Preparation Program

• - set up a street protection unit
• - meet your neighbours, exchange names and telephone numbers
• - be on the alert for strange people, vehicles and so forth and note down particulars
• - don't hide keys outside your house - someone may be watching, or the keys may be
    easy to find

   Operation Identification

• - mark all movable items in your house.  Use an engraver
• - make a list of the model and serial numbers of all valuable items in your home
• - place a notice at the door to the effect that all items in your house are marked for police
     identification
• - make sure that your property is insured
  - thieves steal to sell.  If items are clearly marked, people will think twice about buying them
    because they are easy identifiable

Night Lights

thieves prefer darkness.   They are scared of being identified
outside lights scare possible intruders off and enable you to observe.  A light at the back of the
     house is important - thieves feel safer away from the street.
leave night lights on for protection, or install a sensor light to save electricity
leave the radio or TV on and leave more than one light to advertise your presence, even if you are
     out.  A person can tell if nobody is at home when only one light is on.  It is unnatural.
use a time switch to turn on different lights
set your lights to turn on automatically after dark

   Door Security

Doors (front, side, back) should :

be made of good material (solid and durable)
be securely installed
have hinges on the side
have a good lock, as well as a safety lock and chain
be secured with an extra deadbolt
have peep holes installed in all entrance doors to your house
aluminium sliding doors can be a problem as they can be opened easily
take a broomstick and place it on the sliding ridge of the door to prevent it from being opened
     easily

  Emergencies

if someone puts a hand or foot through a gap in the door, hit the hand or foot with a heavy object if your garage adjoins the house, make sure that the adjoining door is locked and secured

  Windows

secure with burglar bars
sliding windows can be secured the same way as sliding doors
bear in mind that you must be able to escape in the event of a fire
be careful of air conditioner windows and openings.  Ensure that the air conditioner is securely
     bolted to the wall.
position blinds in such a way that nobody can see inside

  House Noises

learn to distinguish between night noises and strange noises.  How? Lie on your bed with the
      lights off and listen for about 10 minutes.   Noises can be caused by wood shrinking or
     expanding, a fridge or deep freeze, plants scratching against the windows or walls, wind
     whistling through a    gap or crack, wind ratting a window or door, crickets or other night insects.         When you have identified the different kinds of noises you are more relaxed.