KOGS Self-Defense Classes

Personal Vigilance

• Exercise caution with strangers: Avoid opening your door to unknown individuals, and remain mindful of anyone who asks personal questions or displays suspicious behavior. 

• Establish emergency plans: Develop a clear plan for potential emergencies and share it with a trusted contact, including who to call and what steps to take if you cannot be reached.

• Build a support network: Maintain a reliable network of trusted individuals with whom you check in regularly.

• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, listen to your intuition and take appropriate steps to protect your safety.

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Being Outside: Walking, Biking, and Other Activities

• Stay alert: Remain attentive and minimize distractions

• Scan your surroundings: Be mindful of what's happening ahead of you and behind you as you move

• Move with confidence: Maintain awareness of your environment and walk with purpose

• Avoid going alone: Whenever possible, go with a partner rather than traveling alone.

• Carry a personal safety tool: Keep a self-defense tool easily accessible and ready for use.

• Trust your instincts: If something doesn't feel right, listen to your intuition and take action to ensure your safety.

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When You Are Shopping

• Shop with others when possible:  Avoid shopping alone whenever you can. Keep your purse close to your body and never leave it unattended.

• Limit visible packages:  Avoid carrying multiple bags. Secure all purchases out of sight in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk.

• Choose well-lit parking: Park in well-lit areas whenever possible. Even during daylight hours, consider parking near a light pole in case you return after dark.

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Car Safety

• Be prepared as you approach your vehicle: Have your keys in hand and consider using a key-ring self-defense tool for quick access

• Secure your vehicle: Keep doors locked and windows closed whenever possible.

• Check your surroundings: Look around, under, and inside your vehicle - especially the back seat- before entering.

• Keep Safety tools accessible: Store pepper spray in an easily reachable location so it is ready if needed.

• Carry essential safety items: Keep a window breaker, seatbelt cutter, and an extra phone charge in your vehicle.

• Request proper security escorts: When leaving a business late at night, ask a staff member at the security kiosk to assign an officer to escort you to your car. Avoid accepting assistance from individuals who approach you unsolicited, as predators may impersonate security or authority figures.

• Protect your personal information: If asked to confirm your home address at a business, speak quietly or discreetly. Sharing personal details aloud in public spaces may compromise your safety.

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Hotel Safety

• Protect your room information at check-in: If a front desk agent states your room number aloud, request a different room and ask that the number be written down instead. You may also request at check-in that your room number not be spoken aloud. Your room information should remain private.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Before entering your room, check the hallway and ensure no one is lingering by.

• Secure your room immediately: Lock the door as soon as you enter your hotel room.

• Verify before opening the door: If you request room service or receive a knock, do not open the door immediately. Ask the person to identify themselves. If you are unsure, do not open the door and contact the front desk to confirm.

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When You're Out and About

• Be cautious when asking for directions: If someone offers to have you follow them to show you the way, decline. Ask them to point you in the right direction instead. Predators may attempt to lure individuals to less crowded areas where calls for help are less likely to be heard.

• Protect your drink: Pour your own drink when possible and keep it with you at all times- even when using the restroom. If you choose to consume alcohol, plan ahead with a designated driver you trust. Always watch the bartender prepare your drink. For added safety, utilize a drink tester (for drugs) or a drink covering product to prevent contamination.

• Use drink covers: Consider using a reusable drink topper to prevent tampering.

• Set group safety expectations: When going out with friends, agree in advance to stay together and follow shared safety rules.

• Look out for one another: Do not allow a friend to leave alone with someone they do not know well.

• Be mindful of social media activity: Avoid checking in on social media when you arrive at a location. Instead, post after you leave to reduce the risk of digital tracking.

• Limit real-time vacation posts: Avoid posting on social media while traveling- especially on public accounts- as this can signal that your home is unoccupied. 

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Home / Apartment / Condo / Dorm Safety

• Inspect for hidden cameras: When moving into a new residence, carefully check bathrooms, bedrooms, and common areas for possible hidden cameras. Unfortunately, prior occupants or others may attempt to invade privacy.

• Secure all entry points: Chance locks upon moving in and ensure all doors and windows are secured with high-quality locks. Reinforce exterior doors with deadbolts whenever possible.

• Install an alarm system: A professionally monitored home security system is ideal. If that is not an option, use individual window and door alarms on every entry point.

• Use a video doorbell: Video doorbells provide an added layer of security and allow you to see who is at your door before answering.

• Install automatic lighting: Motion-sensor or timed lights can deter intruders and increase visibility around your home.

• Maintain landscaping: Trim bushes and trees near doors and windows to eliminate hiding spots and improve sightlines. Creating the illusion of occupancy can also discourage break-ins.

• Secure garages: Always lock garage doors and ensure any door connecting the garage to your home is locked and reinforced.

• Install screen or storm doors: These provide an additional barrier and added safety.

• Lock doors consistently: Keep doors locked even when you are home. If you are in the backyard, ensure front doors are locked and vice versa.

• Avoid hiding spare keys: Never leave spare keys outside, instead, leave an extra key with a trust friend, neighbor, or family member.

• Manage mail and deliveries: Prevent mail or packages from piling up at your doorstep. This can signal that a home is unoccupied.

• Build community awareness: Get to know your neighbors. Watching out for one another can help identify suspicious activity early.

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Online Safety Tips

• Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords for every account and enable two-factor authentication whenever available.

• Keep devices secure and updated: Regularly update operating systems, apps, and software, and install reputable antivirus and anti-malware protection.

• Be cautious with links and downloads: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, emails or attachments, and only download files or apps from trusted sources.

• Protect your privacy on social media: Review privacy settings regularly and avoid oversharing personal information such as routines, locations or contact details to reduce the risk of stalking or harassment. 

• Physically secure your devices: Cover webcams when not in use ad lock devices with passcodes or biometric security.

• Use public WI-FI carefully: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or personal information while connected to public Wi-Fi. Disconnect when handling private data or use a trust VPN.

• Prepare for emergencies: Consider allowing one trusted person secure access to your important logins and devices (computer, phone, tablet). In an emergency or if you were to go missing, this can save valuable time for authorities.

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Take Self-defense Training

While awareness and avoidance are essential components of personal safety, they cannot eliminate all risk. In some situations, individuals may still find themselves facing a physical confrontation. For this reason, participating in self-defense training-when available- is strongly encouraged.

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Self-defense training builds confidence, teaches practical techniques, and helps individuals respond more effectively under stress.

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Additional self-defense considerations may include the lawful possession and carrying of personal safety devices, where permitted by local laws. Always ensure you understand and comply with applicable regulations and receive proper instruction on their safe and responsible use.