BASIC STREET SMARTS
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1. Keep up maximum situational awareness. Don't be an easy target.
2. Perceive possible threat from as far away as possible. Distance = Time = Options.
3. Take subtle measures to avoid possible threat.
4. Take direct measures to avoid threat.
5. Counter threat.
II. ESCAPE NOW!
III. NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!
6. Get outta there.
7. Check yourself for injuries.
8. Call 911 to get medical attention, whether you think you need it or not, and report incident.
Remember: Attacks will come when you LEAST expect them and are LEAST prepared to deal with them, in the STRANGEST situations!
SELF-DEFENSE IS PRIMARILY MENTAL
- Use common sense: "Don’t go to stupid places; don’t associate with stupid people; don’t do stupid things" (to quote self-defense instructor John Farnam).
- SURPRISE is a big advantage for an attacker. Don't let him have it!
- Know what is going on all around you at all times. Keep up a regular scan with ALL of your senses. Trust your gut! (See "AWARENESS" page)
- Beware of people paying extra attention to you or following you, on foot or in vehicles. Beware of anyone acting strangely or without evident legitimate purpose.
- Exude a non-challenging, but prepared and confident, aura.
- Have your keys ready when approaching your home or car so that you do not have to stop and fumble for them with your head down.
- Keep all doors and windows closed and locked.
- Keep your hands free and available if possible.
- Maintain your personal space when possible. Carefully monitor anyone who breaches it.
- Dress to run or fight when possible.
2. Perceive possible threat from as far away as possible. Distance = Time = Options.
- Determine best escape routes.
- Look for additional threats.
- Look for environmental advantages (cover, weapons).
3. Take subtle measures to avoid possible threat.
- Change route.
- Enter commercial establishment.
4. Take direct measures to avoid threat.
- Run away towards populated/secure area.
- Get to cover.
- Yell for help.
- Make weapon(s) ready.
5. Counter threat.
- Apply the Three Pillars of Survival Fighting:
II. ESCAPE NOW!
III. NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!
- Use and/or improvise weapons.
- Use the environment (obstacles, hard objects to knock attacker(s) into, cover, concealment).
6. Get outta there.
- Go as quickly as possible to nearest secure location (friend's house, police or fire station, hospital, commercial establishment).
- Beware of being followed by unseen accomplice(s) of attacker(s).
7. Check yourself for injuries.
- Check by feel and vision, have someone help if possible.
- Adrenaline can do amazing things in terms of concealing pain and potentially life-threatening injury.
8. Call 911 to get medical attention, whether you think you need it or not, and report incident.
- “I was attacked. They were killing me! I escaped. I need an ambulance at [your location].” That’s all! Do not give details before consulting an attorney.
Remember: Attacks will come when you LEAST expect them and are LEAST prepared to deal with them, in the STRANGEST situations!
SELF-DEFENSE IS PRIMARILY MENTAL