Living with risks

Rifling through my personal effects the other day, I came across this old file on personal safety that I had kept because for its practical messages. With the times expected to get tougher because of the global recession, we can be sure that crime against people and property will be on the rise.

I would like to share with our readers some of the advice found in the document. It starts with a statement about how each of us looks at risk. Some are ultra-conservative and will totally refuse to engage in any activity that they perceive to be risky.

Others engage in risky activities but refuse to take any precautions. This, of course, is not desirable. Those who choose to lead empowered lives, on the other hand, will attempt to accurately assess risks, take precautions, and live life as best as possible.

The following safety reminders are for those who choose to live a full life.

The basic practical attitude when participating in any risky activity is to create a safety plan. Listen to and act on your intuition. Better to be safe and suffer a little embarrassment than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may be unsafe.

Personal safety

If you are in danger or being attacked, and could get help, ask any onlooker to seek police assistance. For example, yell: “Get the police!” This way, you could foil the attack, and the onlooker would be more willing to help you without unnecessarily risking himself.

When approaching your car or house gate or door, have your key ready. If someone has any intention of accosting you, getting inside your car or home as quickly as possible is a good deterrent. Do not label keys with your name or any identification.

Vary your routine. Drive or walk different routes every day. If someone seems to be following you, don’t go home so that the stalker would not know where you live. Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place, or directly to the police station.

Don’t talk about your social life or vacation plans in public for anyone to hear. This holds true when talking over your mobile phone while walking the street.

Program your mobile phone if it has a speed dial for emergency numbers. This way, you are able to get to someone without fumbling for a name in your mobile’s directory listing.

In the home

Install lights in all entrances. Choose good locks on doors and windows even if they cost more. Do not post your full name on your mailbox or phone book, or on the answering machine. Likewise, do not leave details of when you will be away or when you’ll be back.

If you live alone, do not let strangers know. Invent a house companion or a ferocious-sounding dog. Know which of your neighbors are trustworthy, especially during an emergency. Brief your trusted neighbor on what to do when you’re away especially if suspicious looking individuals are seen.

Before opening the front door of your house, check first who is calling on you. Do not immediately open the door to a visitor, more so if the visit is totally unexpected. Ask for credible identification of repair people or delivery boys. If you are still suspicious, verify his employment.

Never give personal information to telephone solicitors. Do not let strangers in your house to use the phone. If you feel inclined to help, offer instead to make the call for them.

Consider creating a “safe room” with a separate telephone line or cellular phone, and with strong locks. If someone breaks in, you can retreat there with the children, and then call for help.

On the street

Never hitchhike. Do not wear music headphones while walking or jogging. Likewise, do not read while walking or standing on the street. Face the traffic when walking on the sidewalk; it will be harder for someone to pull you into a car and abduct you.

Be very careful when using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings. If someone approaches you and asks for help, and if you choose to reply, maintain a safety distance of at least two arm lengths.

Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Instead, find someone who can accompany you. Try not to overload yourself with packages. If you must have your hands full, visualize how you would respond if accosted or harassed.

For ladies, if you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched. Otherwise, you may get hurt when the mugger knocks you down and drags you while fleeing with your purse. Remember also that scarves, however fashionable, could be used to choke you.

When wearing high heels or short skirts, visualize how you would react when attacked, i.e., kicking you shoes away and hiking your skirt before running for your life. The best preventive measure, though, is to change clothes if you need to walk alone.

At the office

Don’t leave your keys lying around. Notify the security personnel if you notice any suspicious persons or vehicles, especially after working hours.

Be extra careful when using the stairs or isolated and poorly-lit restrooms. Stand near the controls inside the elevator, and know where the emergency button is. Do not get into the elevator with someone who looks suspicious to you.

It is also a good idea to tape on every phone the emergency numbers for the security department, police, fire departments, hospitals, and the list of employees who are trained in CPR or first aid.

On the public transpo

Again, when on the bus, be aware that someone may be eavesdropping on your conversation - or even keeping an eye on the text messages received or your reply. Stay awake and alert at all times.

Try to sit near the driver. If you sense someone following you when you get off, walk to a populated area. Once again, do not go directly home.

I hope these reminders will help you avoid unnecessary risks and keep you safe.

Champions League update -FilOil Flying V “Sweet 16”

For those requesting games schedules for the first knock-out round of the FilOil Flying V “Sweet 16” Final Challenge, please see below the first and second game bookings:

November 24 - Ateneo Blue Eagles vs. Lyceum Pirates; San Beda Red Lions vs. University of San Jose Recoletos-Cebu Jaguars.

Novermber 26 - Mapua Cardinals vs. MLQU Stallions; De La Salle Green Archers vs. University of San Carlos-Cebu Warriors.

November 27 - Arellano U Chiefs vs. UCN Golden Dragons; University of the East Warriors vs. University of Visayas Green Lancers.

November 29 - Letran Knights vs. San Sebastian College-Recoletos de Cavite Baycats; JRU Heavy Bombers vs. FEU Tamaraws.

All of above games will be held at The Arena, San Juan and will start at 2 p.m. Free admission to the bleacher section for students.

For more details about the biggest collegiate basketball event for the year presented by SMART, PLDT, FilOil Flying V and KFC, visit the official website, www.CollegiateChampionsLeague.net and www.gameface.ph, internet media partner of PCCL.

Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.