If you can't find your question below, please submit any questions or concerns you may have about self-defense to Sky and she will get back to you promptly! Remember no question is silly when your life may depend on it! Also find answers to all your questions in Sky's newest book Courage, You've Got It! Available Now!
Question: Where can I locate, what my legal rights are for self protection in my area?
Answer: Great question, everyone should know their rights when it comes to your self-defense. Call your local police department or visit your local courthouse and get a copy of the general principals of justification.
Question: Sky, how would I know if I was being followed while driving and what should I do?
Answer: First of all, this is a very good question, if you suspect you are being followed make four consecutive right hand turns, you will end up back where you started. If the vehicle is still behind you, you know you are being followed. Contact the police immediately, drive to a well populated, well-lit area such as a convenient mart. Do not drive to your place of business, home, or to a friend’s house.
Question: If I am not being physically touched or verbally threatened by someone but I feel unsafe, when can I use my pepper spray? I work late hours and have felt fearful and uncomfortable walking to my car, especially when a man is also walking through the parking lot.
Answer: You should always listen and trust your “gut” feeling. Your intuition is your best friend and warns you of “danger” before you are in danger. A good safety tip is; as soon as you exit a building have your pepper spray in hand and have the safety off. Continue walking to your car, paying attention to your surroundings and anyone else around. If someone comes towards you but they are not threatening you, and yet, you are feeling a bit fearful, raise your pepper spray and tell them to “back away”. You never truly know someone’s intentions so keep your wits and give them a verbal warning. If they continue to come towards you then you use your pepper spray. Everyone has a right to defend themselves UNTIL they can retreat to safety.
Question: What if I overreact and spray someone who was not threatening me. What could I be charged with?
Answer: Possible charges you could face if you discharge your pepper spray on someone accidentally could be Simple Assault (Misdemeanour) or Harassment (Summary). If you’re not sure that you are in immediate danger then announce to the person to “back away” displaying your pepper spray, if they continue coming towards you then you spray and retreat to safety. Use your “gut and common sense” and you'll be fine.
Question: Why do you promote pepper spray as your first resort instead of getting physical with an assailant?
Answer: At the first sign of a threat I would prefer to use my pepper spray on an assailant for the reasoning that I would prefer to avoid a physical confrontation; if faced with defending myself or loved ones with physical techniques, I will do what is necessary. Pepper spray is very effective and can save your life.
Question: Should I announce that “I have pepper spray” to an assailant?
Answer: No, you will lose the element of surprise. The moment you expose your pepper spray you must use it to defend yourself. You have the right to protect yourself. So, when a potential threat presents itself, execute your pepper spray at the last moment and spray your assailant.
Question: If I am feeling uncomfortable around someone, should I avoid eye contact with them?
Answer: No, always make eye contact with everyone you meet as well as while you’re out in the public. Scanning your surroundings gives you an edge on being aware of who is around and what is going on. Recognition of someone is very important, get a good look at the person so you can describe them later, if necessary. Also criminals will be deterred from you if they know you have gotten a good look at them.
Question: How can I keep my young children from opening the front door?
Answer: A simple safety measure all parents, grandparents and care-takers can take is to install a lock at the top of the door. Also, instill in your child that they must wait for an adult to be alongside them before opening the door to anybody. This rule should apply to all visitors at the door, including family and friends.
Question: Sky, my landlord will not let me install a deadbolt on my front door, what is another alternative I can use?
Answer: There are many ways around not having a deadbolt. One that I recommend is the alarmed door stop. It is 180 decibels of sound to alert you of an intruder, and prevents the door from opening. Another alternative is the door jam bar. Both products are available from Courage and Associates and can be found in the store HERE
Question: When I leave for a weekend trip, should I keep my window shades pulled down?
Answer: No, drawn shades can actually protect the thief as he goes through your home. Leave window blinds the way you normally have them. Leave a TV or a radio on, adjust your light timers to reflect your normal routine, have the kitchen light go on for a period of time then a bedroom light, hall light,… You want to create the illusion that the house is occupied.
Question: Are motion detectors a good investment?
Answer: Yes, motion detectors are a good investment they illuminate any movement that is in the range of the detector. This alone can deter someone from trying to break into your home.
Question: Hey Sky, why don’t you have your participant’s warm-up before class? Answer: In real life, you don’t have time to warm-up in an attack situation. If you stretch your muscles regularly it will make daily tasks easier on your body and your mind. It does not have to be extreme movements, simple stretching exercises are great and you can do them while watching TV. Class participants are more than welcome to come early and warm up.
Submit your questions to Sky through the contact page or e-mail her at sky@getcourage.com.