Liza Fletcher—What can we learn?

I’ve been so saddened by the murder of this poor lady. My heart goes out to her loved ones and friends. This is NOT her fault, but it does make many of us women rethink some things, as these situations usually do.

I just want to share a few safety/self-defense tactics from my gun safety course I took last weekend, along with some things they taught me about my own safety at all times. Not only did I learn how to handle a gun and in what situations to use it, but I also discovered how to use common sense in using it–which is to try to avoid having to use it at all costs, first of all. But most importantly:  I learned how to develop “AWARENESS” in all situations. Not only did I go through my house and discover vulnerabilities and weak areas where we could bulk up security, I thought about what I’d do to avoid a situation, such as what happened to poor Liza Fletcher (if I’m outside my home!). Here are some things I learned not to do and hopefully you will come up with more of your own and think through scenarios in your head.

***Just so you know, I got my concealed carry permit after being almost assaulted on a back road while in my car, about a month ago. Luckily I was able to escape–but realized I may not be so lucky next time!***

1. Never walk around with a cell phone in your hand. You are a TARGET for thieves if they see you this easy to “pick off.” (Or—you’ll get squashed like a bug by a car driver also being unaware!) Instead, walk with confidence, head up, searching and scanning. (Remember driver’s ed? They taught us this too-so put down that phone!) And just a personal example: I was walking around a blind corner of a building this week and realized if I’d been on my phone, two lines of hidden traffic could have hit me.
2. Never jog at night or in secluded places. This is just simple and easy. Don’t rely on your dog—they can be pepper sprayed so easily. Be sure you aren’t as well (many attackers carry it—so don’t let it be your only defense). Jog in full daylight, no cell in hand (except for traceability), and in lighted, populated areas. Avoid alleys at ALL COSTS! If you “think” you should avoid an area—AVOID IT.
3. Don’t go through parts of the city that are not the best. I began to do this in fear for my car and the fact that cops patrol them more fiercely—and…yep…got a speeding ticket as a result! (LOL) oooops!
4. Learn your state’s gun laws and how to own one safely, store one safely, and use it safely.
5. Lock your doors (country people, I’m talking to you!) If people know you don’t lock your doors—that makes you vulnerable—AND—if you shoot someone or kill them in your house and it’s known that you didn’t take proper precautions by locking your doors—you won’t be in the best legal position.
6. Jog or walk with a gun, if you can. If your attacker is not armed—you have the upper hand. If you have pepper spray you have to PROVE you tried that already, and, well—you know how that will go (especially if the attacker carries it).
7. Learn basic self-defense until its second hand (muscle memory). You have less than a second to respond. Personal example: I HATE people coming up behind me. For some idiotic reason, one of my gun course instructors came up behind me and put a choke hold on me. I responded instantly (as I hoped I would, like a ticked-off “Mrs. Smith”) and he is probably holding those injuries to this day. I apologized but told him that you NEVER come up behind someone like that—how do you know they are not ex-military (?) you may end up dead or severely injured—that’s just NEVER a good idea. PTSD individuals react very violently to this threat as well. He really underestimated this “soccer Mom!”

In summary, I want to, again, extend my condolences to Liz’s family and friends. I urge you, especially women, to be very AWARE of your surroundings and think again about how you will defend yourself inside your ‘castle’ and outside. (Men too!)