The holiday season is upon us! For most people that have been working flat out during the year, this will be the time where you start winding down and taking it a bit easier. Gradually, as the schools begin to close and family's start heading off on their holidays, the roads in the once chaotic city hubs begin to thin out. However, this time of de-stressing and relaxing, may be the time of the year where you are most vulnerable.
Here are 10 self-defence tips for all those who may be either taking a holiday to some exotic destination, staying at home, or could be working still during this holiday period.
If you are heading off on holiday somewhere, here are 3 quick tips:
1. Criminals go on holiday too - This doesn't mean they take a break from their vocation, it means that where ever you may go for your holiday, be aware that there are criminals there too. Whether it is to separate you from your hard-earned cash or possessions, to more serious crimes such as assault, rape or kidnappings, just be aware that there are criminals where you are heading too. This doesn't mean that you have to be paranoid about the destination that you are heading off to, but it does mean that you must not let your guard down completely.
2. Heading off to a foreign country? Have you learnt a couple of key phases in the main language of the country you are going to for those "just in case" moments? Personally, a key phrase that I would learn is, "please help me"! Sounds simple enough, but very often, if I see a person screaming in some foreign language, I would have no clue what to do other than assume he is upset with bad service, arguing with their lover or spouse (or both), or just throwing a tantrum! By screaming a specific phrase in a native language, I reckon it would remove a lot of confusion and get some immediate attention should you require it.
3. Have you done your research? If you are traveling abroad, have you done your research to find out where the most crime hazardous places are and how you can avoid them? If you are like me and get bent on wanting to visit some places that are in a less-than-savvy part of town, make sure you take the necessary precautions such as arranging for a reliable means of transport to get you there and back.
If you are taking some leave away from work and will just be staying at home:
4. Touch base. As much as you want to just shut the world out and just "do your thang", keep abreast with local news to see what's happening out there. Very often, just listening or reading the news once a day or every second day, is suffice. Keep in touch with some people out there to let them know you are ok. It's easy to let the holiday bug to kick in and become a hermit.
5.Pottering. If you going to be pottering in and around the house, still keep your guard up at all times. During these vulnerable states of relaxation, criminals will exploit whatever opportunities that they can find. Whether you leaving the back door open for fresh air, or if you're on the basement, attic or store room cleaning, keep your wits about you.
6. Home alone? Well, great time to audit your security systems - check that the parameter of your property is secure and that whatever security features you have installed are functioning 100% properly. Very often people confuse the need of a security system. The primary reason is to secure yourself and your loved ones and the secondary reason is to secure your material possessions – not the other way around.
If you are one of the unlucky few that still has to work during this festive period:
7. Travelling back and forth between home and work will require you to be aware of those road users who might have had a little too much of the "festive spirit" still in them from that parties before. Also, not stopping at stop signs or traffic light seems to be the latest road trend lately. Unfortunately, with the winding down and de-stressing, many people seem to wind down their common sense too.
8. Company offices may be quieter than usual as many companies will only have a skeleton-staff on standby. This could include also the security staff. Unfortunately, this does leave the offices a bit more vulnerable to criminals who might decide to do a bit of Christmas shopping in your building. Notice any suspicious people and their behaviour and report it immediately. Don't assume that a person would just be wondering aimlessly in your work space. There is always a reason.
9. Retail workers get the worse of it this season. From irate customers and petty shoplifters, to the more serious organised crime syndicates, this is the season to be extra vigilant. It goes without saying that an irate customer just needs some understanding and firm handling. However, shop lifters can lead to more irrational decisions such as giving chase without regard to one’s personal safety. Organised crime syndicates are on the rise that can range from gang-shoplifting, to full-out assaults on retail stores with more high-value items. Both can be challenging, and all I can say is be aware of it and rather take some extra business insurance out - there is nothing else more valuable than preserving your own life or a customers' life. By the way, “extra business insurance” could range from higher premium stock-loss insurance packages, to actual extra security staff. Just do it. Don't be a cheap-skate!
And lastly,
10. You are on holiday! Don't forget that! As much as you are to be vigilant and situationally aware, still go out and have some fun! Party, drink, and dance! For some, this could be a short few days of relaxation that you have before you head back to the craziness of life. For others, you might be on a whirlwind, once-in-a-life time world touring experience! Whatever it is, have fun and enjoy it! After all, self-defence skills (which range from mental situation preparedness to physical responses) are there to allow you to live and enjoy your life to the fullest, without the fears and frustrations of not knowing what to do in a harmful situation.
