Self-defense and safety are serious concerns in our world today, especially on a college campus. It’s important that everyone knows how to protect themselves. I think living in a college atmosphere we all find ourselves in situations where we feel uncomfortable. So here are a few safety tips that everyone could use.
1. Trust Your Gut
Never doubt your instincts, they’re usually right. There’s always that fear of overreacting, but it’s always “better safe than sorry” in that situation.
2. Safety in Numbers
Always stick together, it may seem self-explanatory but too often people think it’s fine to go somewhere by themselves. It only takes one loan walk in a parking lot to be put in harm’s way.
3. Share Your Location
If you use an Uber, or do end up driving or walking somewhere alone in a sketchy setting share your location. Even if you just do it for a short amount of time, let someone know when you’re leaving and when you’ve arrived somewhere.
4. Campus Friendly Self Defense Tools
You obviously can’t go around campus carrying weapons, but there are a few things that can help you out. Buy pepper spray, it can help in dangerous situations and provide some ease of mind. Another great tool is a Kubaton, which can also conveniently fit on your key chain. This tool is a great way to strike at an attacker because it’s harder than a fist and is designed so that someone can’t rip it out of your hand. Invest in a personal alarm for your keychain, this is loud and doesn’t require blowing like a whistle so it’s easier to move around. This helps you draw attention to a scene and acts as a signal for help.
5. Know Your Moves
Always try and do any damage you can, but certain moves are more effective than others. A crucial target area is the neck and face, one important area is the center of the neck. A crucial hit there or try to jab your fingers in the soft center of the neck. Another good move is to palm someone directly to the nose and face area. Palming is less painful to you compared to punching someone and can be very effective. I highly encourage taking a self-defense class to learn more moves and techniques. Check out these links for instructional videos.