Welcome to the second part of my three part series! I am writing this Safety Prep series so I can feel more safe and be more prepared for danger. I am also encouraging my friends (YOU!) to do the same for yourself!

The 3 ways that I am preparing myself are:

1. Carry Pepper Spray
2. Take a Self Defense Course
3. Be Aware of my Surroundings

Ok, I know what you are thinking – No I am not a huge worrier-scaredycat-baby-wuss. No I have never had a traumatic run-in with a bad guy. I am doing this so I can avoid danger and to be smart about the dangers around me (because let’s get real – dangers are out there).

My first discussion in the series was about carrying pepperspray. I now have a small bottle of pepperspray attached to my keychain. My next step in the series is:

2. Take a Self Defense Course

Taking a self defense course is a key way to be proactive in preparing yourself for danger. Here are a few ways you can learn some critical self defense moves:

Get Active in Community Workshops

Many cities offer self defense classes for reasonable prices ($10-$50). You can check the paper, your neighborhood newsletter or your community board. Also you can try Googling for a local calendar of courses offered in your area. Often they are held at the gym, YMCA, or local community center. This is a great way to meet people and be taught by a professional and that way you’ll get the most out of your training.

Head to the library

I love the library! With the great resource of the library, you can learn to protect yourself in your own home for free! It is on your time schedule and your pace. You can either rent DVD instructional videos or check out a book. I personally think watching a DVD would be more beneficial, but both are great options if you don’t have the time or money for a class! Search your library for title topics: Martial Arts, Self Defense, and with the keywords: Instructional, Course, Training.

Ask your Business or School about Courses Offered

Recently I’ve heard more and more about jobs offering self defense courses for their employees. There are also quite a few schools that offer it to their students. While many offer the courses for free, some employers or schools will charge a small fee.

This is the option I will be taking in a few months. I will be taking a self defense all-day course through my job that teaches me to defend myself from BIGGER and STRONGER attackers. I am looking forward to learning to defend myself and be smarter than my attacker. I read about the class in an employee newsletter. I suggest inquiring at your school or with HR at your workplace to find out if anything like this is offered. You might be surprised!

Just remember, no matter which option you choose for learning some critical self-defense moves, getting out there and learning is the important part. Being confident and knowledgeable on techniques and skills will be critical if anything ever were to happen. I encourage you to think about how easy it is to get out there and learn! It is a great workout and could be lots of fun! And don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable, movable clothes. If you do take a course, or have already taken one, I’d love to hear about it.