This totally creeps me out, however...

this info could save a life

I’ve recently received variations on the following email from several friends. It is apparently written by a policeman. While I’m capable of conjuring up these horrible scenarios in my own mind, I think the following has some useful ideas.  Better to be aware and prepared.  I've modified it slightly to highlight critical points.

1. Remember this tip from Tae Kwon Do. The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do.   

2. Toss your wallet or purse away from you.  If a robber asks for either, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you.  Run like crazy in the opposite direction.
 
3. Kick out the tail lights.  If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. 
 
4. As soon as you reach your car, get in, lock your doors and leave.  Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc. and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc).  This is a perfect opportunity for someone to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go.  

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head, DO NOT DRIVE AWAY. Instead, step on the gas and speed into anything. Your air bag will save you. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run. It is better than having someone find your body in a remote location.

5. Protect yourself in parking lots or garages.  Here's how:

• Always look around you, into your car, at the passenger side floor and in the back seat before getting into your car.
• If you are parked next to a van, enter your car from the passenger side.  Most attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while women are attempting to get into their cars.
• Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle and the passenger side of that car. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, walk back into the mall or your office and have a guard/policeman to walk you back out.  IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better to be a bit paranoid than dead.) 

 6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at night. 
 
7. Run. Preferably in a zig-zag pattern. If someone has a gun and you are not under his control, always run. As a running target, the chance of being shot is greatly reduced. If hit, it most likely will not be a vital organ. 
 
8. Don't be stupid. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim. 
 
9. Don't fall for phoney cries. Call the police. Some have recorded a baby's cry and have used it to coax women out of their homes. 

10. Beware of the water scam. If you wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of running water or what you think is a burst pipe, do not go outside to investigate. Some turn on all your outside taps so that you will go out to investigate/they then attack.

Well, this is a truly terrific Valentine's Day post, isn't it?  GEEZ.  Better to be safe and smart.

Thank you, Jill and Susie.