Self Defense-Parking Lot Safety

Shopping, generally speaking, is meant to be fun especially around the
holidays. Predators however are on the lookout for easy prey. And what
better victim than a single woman with an armful or cartful of goodies
making her way to her car in a poorly lit parking lot.

There is nothing more impressive than shopping in a mega mall with more
stores than you can visit in a year. The malls get bigger and bigger
every year. With more square footage and more stores comes bigger
parking lots. Bigger parking lots mean more and more customers have to
park what seems like forever away from the final destination. It is good
exercise for sure to make that trek however it is fraught with potential
risks among them are theft, vandalism, rape, assault, robbery and even
kidnapping.

Unfortunately, predators salivate at the thought of seeing a woman by
herself late at night in a near empty parking lot. It is just too much
of a temptation. A woman in those circumstances is virtually helpless.

Here are some tips to avoid potential trouble for women's self defense
and parking lot safety.

1. Lock your car on arrival. Keyless entry is best for time savings.
2. Park as close to your destination as possible.
3. If help is available, make sure you take advantage of it. Most
grocery stores still offer his service.
4. Try making most shopping trips during the day.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Is the parking lot well lit? Are there
areas where a predator could hide?
6. Listen to that inner voice. It is better and wiser to be safe than
sorry. If you don't feel comfortable get a manager or security guard to
go with you.
7. Upon approaching your car, look around, in, underneath and next to
your car. Last week I heard of a woman who had her foot licked by a
pervert as she was trying to get into her car. Be suspicious of a van
next to your car.
8. Once inside the car, quickly lock all doors. Most people let their
guard down once inside their car.
9. If you are alone wait until others walk by and join them.
10. Sorry to say but avoid strangers.
11. Carry some non lethal self defense weapons like a stun gun or pepper
spray or some type of personal alarm.

Distractions are plentiful when shopping. It is so easy to become
engaged in something else and not be aware of your surroundings.
Especially with children, the possibilities of harm seem to grow the
further away you are from the store. Be prepared and carry some non
lethal self defense weapons like a stun gun or pepper spray. Self
defense personal alarms can be useful as well. It is too easy to believe
nothing will happen to you.
Remember to trust your judgment-you can't ever be too cautious.