Stay safe with awareness, precautions

There are three reasons people are easy targets for random acts of violence:

•Lack of awareness- you must know where you are and what's going on around you. Using cellphones and iPods is distracting.

•Body language- keep your head up, walk with confidence and swing your arms.

•Wrong place and wrong time- never walk or drive alone in unfamiliar areas.

When parking your car, park in a well-lit area closest to the door. Look for security. If possible, never park next to a van with a sliding side door.

Have your keys ready before exiting the building. Never stand at your car, fumbling the keys.

While walking to your car, place your keys between your fingers and make a fist for an effective weapon.

Before getting into your car, look into the back seat and floor areas. If you come back to your car and a van has parked next to you, enter your car from the passenger side. Many abductions have been from pulling the victim into the sliding side door.

Look at the cars parked next to yours. If someone is sitting in a car, be aware of his or her behavior.

As soon as you get into your car, lock the doors, start your engine and leave. Do not sit and make a call or go over receipts, which can give an attacker the opportunity.

It is always better to be safe than sorry, and it's okay to be a little paranoid.

Always take an elevator. A staircase is a prime location for a violent crime.

If followed in your car, don't go home. Confirm that you're being followed and go to a police station. Get the car's plate number.

Don't be sympathetic. If someone asks you to help him or her into their car, go get someone else to help you. Serial killer Ted Bundy used this trick to abduct his victims by limping or using a cane and asking women to help him. Get someone else first.

If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, remain calm and kick out the taillights. Stick your arm through the hole and wave. The driver will not see this but others will.

Peter Carrube is the owner of Street Smart Self Defense, Simi Valley. For more safety tips, call (805) 890-9191 or visit www.getstreetsmart.net.