I need a bodyguard!

[Tamia78]

Well, not really, but I've got a slight problem.

I consider myself a pretty strong woman, by which I mean I can take care of myself if I got in a fight (I've NEVER gotten into a fight), or something to that effect. I started a new evening job in a very rough section of downtown OKC (yeah, yeah, I know that's hard for some of you to believe--but it DOES happen, dammit 😱 ), and frankly, I'm a bit worried about my safety. By the time I get off at night, there are all kinds of shady characters just hanging around the building (it's a hospital), on the way to my car, which is parked by itself at night in a parking garage. Tonight, as I was walking to my car, I noticed another car pass me as I was approaching my car. The car actually turned around and went the wrong way back down the ramp toward me and my car....it was weird. By this time, I was in my car and out of there.
I hope my imagination was just running away with me this time, and whoever was in that car wasn't looking for trouble.

Anyways, I was thinking that in light of this new job situation, perhaps I should look into self-defense equipment. Mace, tasers, a gun? Keep in mind that I've never, ever even really seen a gun up close, much less held one. I'm just not sure what to do. All I know is that I don't want to become a statictic or a patient in the very hospital that I work in.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

--T

 

[Mitchell]

A friend of mine who lives in NYC carries key chain pepper spray. He has said that makes him feel a bit safer.

Hope that helps.

Mitch

 

[CurtWild]

you could take some sort of self defense classes if it`ll make you feel better.just so long as you don`t go around kickin ass and taking names....hmmm...on second thought 😉😀


Mitchell also made a good suggestion.that spray will stop damn near everyone.

 

[He-Man]

Don't forget self-defense classes--just in case you don't have time to pull out your taser or mace if someone does start trouble.

And if you don't feel safe, wouldn't you be able to ask security to escort you to your car or something? (even if you start taking self-defense classes, that might be a good idea..it takes awhile before you can do the techniques without even thinking)

Anyways, I was thinking that in light of this new job situation, perhaps I should look into self-defense equipment. Mace, tasers, a gun?

 

[maniactickler]

Id have to go with the mace option. or carry a small pipe or bat with you when you leave work. or 3rd option, ill be your bodyguard. but payment will be taken out in the form of tickling. your choice!

 

[huskys]

Having done martial arts for 15 years I totally agree with the self defense thing. It helps with self confidence as well as the physical stuff. 😀

 

[b0xr]

Carry a sock with a few rolls of quarters in it and keep it in your purse with your hand on it while you go to your car. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything that may arise. If someone threatens you just swing that sock right in his face as hard as you can and run to your car. I would also suggest getting yourself a can of mace as backup. Awareness is key. ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and be ready for anything.

 

[Ticklee1973]

Sounds like my job 8 years ago downtown Minneapolis. I used to get off at 11 at night and have to walk to a parking ramp. Many people around that late at night and some stupid enough to walk up to me and ask for money but hell I didn't know that's what they were wanting. My suggestion is yes, a pepper spray thing on your key chain and always have it out when you're walking. Does the hospital have security? Perhaps ask if they could either walk you to your car or watch as you walk. I know my building would help with that to ensure I was safe at that time of night. A self defense class wouldn't be a bad idea either even if you can already whup some ass, lol.

Sandee

 

[Tamia78]

Thank you!

Actually, I feel kinda stupid asking security to walk me across the street to the parking garage. I'm not sure it happens very often with them. I guess it's my ego getting in the way or something. They'd probably do it, but be laughing with their buddies when they get back. I'm not a "scared little girl" by any means. I just know that there are situations where women cannot always get away alive when they are alone.

So, where can I get mace or pepper spray?

--T

 

[BLUE_THUNDER]

self defense classes are always a good idea. i trained in tiger and crane style kung fu for six years in the '90's, and felt great the entire time. i also realized that no matter how bad you think you are, there is always someone bigger and badder that can and will kick your ass.........if all else fails, might i suggest a large caliber handgun, and a tee shirt that states "if you can read this, you're too close!" .....in all seriousness though, be safe and watch your back....if you could find someone to escort you to your car that would be a great start!

 

[Capnmad]

Self-defense/martial arts classes are a long-term option. Good way to keep in shape and train your body to do reflexively what your mind won't have time to think through.

Short-term? Pepper spray or mace. To be thorough, get "Bear mace" -- it has a longer range. Do not just buy it and think everything's cool. Any weapon you procure should be used and practiced with so you feel comfortable with it. Buy refills and go somewhere outside that you can discharge it safely a time or two, and do so. Get an understanding of range, spread, and potential for blowback. You want to know these things, understand them, and be comfortable with them before you use it in the field.

Immediately? Remember that in a fight for your life, there are no rules. Now's not the time to be reserved or timid. Don't try to fight clean. Make noise and scream for help. Use hands, feet, knees, elbows and teeth. Gouge eyes, kick groin, crush nose and windpipe, don't just bite, but bite off whatever protrudes, and claw the crap out of your attacker.

Be safe, babe.

 

[b0xr]

Thank you!

Actually, I feel kinda stupid asking security to walk me across the street to the parking garage. I'm not sure it happens very often with them. I guess it's my ego getting in the way or something. They'd probably do it, but be laughing with their buddies when they get back. I'm not a "scared little girl" by any means. I just know that there are situations where women cannot always get away alive when they are alone.

So, where can I get mace or pepper spray?

--T

You can buy pepper spray right on EBay Good Luck and keep aware

 

[sole seeker]

Actually, I feel kinda stupid asking security ... they'd probably do it, but be laughing with their buddies when they get back.

No they won't! That's what they get paid for. The incident you described about the car going wrong-way down a ramp to access your area is scary. Tell them about it.

I recommend pepper spray. You can zap a perpetrator while he's ten or fifteen feet away. It's cheap and takes little practice to use accurately. Also, it doesn't do permanent damage, so you will be less hesitant to use it. This is a plus because some perps approach their victims sneakily. "Excuse me ma’am, I'm having car trouble." or "Can you direct me to?" If you're not sure of the situation, hose 'em down and apologize later if you have to. Another plus, it also works on animals, like large unfriendly dogs. Ask the security guys where to buy it locally.

 

[paracarl44]

Safety In Numbers.

Find some other people to walk with you when your shift is over.
Purchase a can of Mace and have it handy when you leave the building.

 

[Tamia78]

Thank you to everyone for the advice, I'll look into martial arts, if anything, it's a way for me to focus, and with the stress of school and working full time, I need focus in my life.

You guys are the best!

--T

 

[tcklft]

Pepper spray + cell phone + comfy running shoes = safe & happy Tamia

Class dismissed!

 

[Pokey]

Hey girl. If you know of any Enforcement officer they can let you know where you can get it very quickly and legally, without risk. Also, I think buy a good metal referee's whistle and put it on your key chain as well. Never be afraid to draw attention when in doubt. Also, I agree, tell the Security there about your incident, highly unusual, and until things feel better have them walk with you to your car. Be safe

 

[tickleboynyc]

Thank you!

Actually, I feel kinda stupid asking security to walk me across the street to the parking garage. I'm not sure it happens very often with them. I guess it's my ego getting in the way or something. They'd probably do it, but be laughing with their buddies when they get back. I'm not a "scared little girl" by any means. I just know that there are situations where women cannot always get away alive when they are alone.

So, where can I get mace or pepper spray?

--T

that's just silly...that's their JOB. i mean you're a woman alone in a shady neighborhood at 11PM worried about your safety? that doesn't make you a scared little girl!

 

[tickleboynyc]

No they won't! That's what they get paid for. The incident you described about the car going wrong-way down a ramp to access your area is scary. Tell them about it.

I recommend pepper spray. You can zap a perpetrator while he's ten or fifteen feet away. It's cheap and takes little practice to use accurately. Also, it doesn't do permanent damage, so you will be less hesitant to use it. This is a plus because some perps approach their victims sneakily. "Excuse me ma’am, I'm having car trouble." or "Can you direct me to?" If you're not sure of the situation, hose 'em down and apologize later if you have to. Another plus, it also works on animals, like large unfriendly dogs. Ask the security guys where to buy it locally.

jeez, remind me not to approach you when i have car trouble!

 

[Ticklee1973]

Thank you!

Actually, I feel kinda stupid asking security to walk me across the street to the parking garage. I'm not sure it happens very often with them. I guess it's my ego getting in the way or something. They'd probably do it, but be laughing with their buddies when they get back. I'm not a "scared little girl" by any means. I just know that there are situations where women cannot always get away alive when they are alone.

So, where can I get mace or pepper spray?

--T

Well I guess I've never felt stupid or scared asking if it was late at night that security walk me to my car. In fact I've had security actually offer or have a lawyer who I worked with offer to walk me to my car and checked all around the car. Like I said if you feel concerned about what they think you can always just ask that they watch you walk over to your vehicle and make sure nothing happens. I'm not a wuss but I'd rather look back and say I secured my safety than worry about what some security guard thought. AND it's not a bad time to flirt with the security while they are walking with you in the dark, lol.

I am not even sure where to get pepper spray. I've always had some man in my life get it for me but it's definitely a must have.

Sandee

 

[dizfingers]

Some statistics:

First of all, less than 10 percent of all assaults are by strangers. Second: Less than 3 percent of all reported assaults by persons unknown to the victim in which the intended victim fights agressively result in serious injury.
In other words, the most important thing is just to fight. If you scream, kick, run, yell, hit, bite, etc. 97 percent of the attackers will give up and leave.
Certainly, self-defense courses are good, but it takes a year or more to be at all comfertable and a couple years minimum for a black belt. Guns kill more innocent people than they help. Pepper spray may help and certainly wouldn't hurt, but it is not 100% effective.
So you already possess the most effective deterant there is: your voice, feet, fists, and teeth.
Also remember these are animals. As with so many in the animal world, they can sense fear. So walk with confidence and if that doesn't deter them, use the other defenses. You'll be fine!

Diz

 

[unclebill]

I think you should have a security guard walk you to your car, my dear. You are valuable cargo to many of us.

 

[General Zod]

If you are looking for something made of metal to carry,get one of those 3 or 4 cell battery Mag lite flash lights Those things are made of solid metal for the most part

 

[He-Man]

Certainly, self-defense courses are good, but it takes a year or more to be at all comfertable and a couple years minimum for a black belt.

I think you might be confusing self-defense classes with martial arts classes . From what I've read about self-defense classes, most of them seem to teach techniques that are easier to remember than what we learn in martial arts classes. It's a bit easier to remember how to do a palm strike than a spinning kick .

Still, it's a good idea to keep praticing the stuff you learn in self-defense or martial arts classes. Even something as easy as a front kick takes awhile to get the hang of.

And I agree it's a good idea to fight...in fact, fight like you've suddenly gone insane..biting, screaming, clawing..(maybe even having a wild look in your eyes while drooling... After all,who the hell wants to fight a crazy person? I sure wouldnt want to! )

 

[TicklishHope]

Well, not really, but I've got a slight problem.

I consider myself a pretty strong woman, by which I mean I can take care of myself if I got in a fight (I've NEVER gotten into a fight), or something to that effect. I started a new evening job in a very rough section of downtown OKC (yeah, yeah, I know that's hard for some of you to believe--but it DOES happen, dammit 😱 ), and frankly, I'm a bit worried about my safety. By the time I get off at night, there are all kinds of shady characters just hanging around the building (it's a hospital), on the way to my car, which is parked by itself at night in a parking garage. Tonight, as I was walking to my car, I noticed another car pass me as I was approaching my car. The car actually turned around and went the wrong way back down the ramp toward me and my car....it was weird. By this time, I was in my car and out of there.
I hope my imagination was just running away with me this time, and whoever was in that car wasn't looking for trouble.

Anyways, I was thinking that in light of this new job situation, perhaps I should look into self-defense equipment. Mace, tasers, a gun? Keep in mind that I've never, ever even really seen a gun up close, much less held one. I'm just not sure what to do. All I know is that I don't want to become a statictic or a patient in the very hospital that I work in.

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

--T

i have a pepper spray disguised as a pen.. or carry a gun.. we all here down yonder