Look up and own your space: women's safety strategies

After the recent news of the tragic death of jogger Eliza Fletcher in Tennessee, safety for women simply moving about their day is once again at the forefront of our minds. It leads to women becoming more fearful and anxious, almost hesitant to participate in their own lives.

Women have no choice but to be cautious and keep their heads on a swivel. Now is the time - again - for everyone to remind themselves and their daughters, friends, moms, grandmothers and third cousins once removed about basic safety strategies.

1. Keep your cell phone close. Don't become lost in a distracting call, stay alert and present. Be aware of who is near you or approaching. Learn how to use the Emergency SOS feature on your cell phone. If you feel uneasy, predial 911 if you need to call for help quickly.

2. Walking to your car in a parking lot or on the street? Even in a familiar place: 2a. Get your keys ready for quick entry. Better yet, hold them with the largest, sharpest key pointing out between two fingers that could be used as a weapon.

2b. If you approach your car and have a flat tire or another issue, go inside the nearest store or business. If someone approaches offering help, say no. The same goes for someone asking for your help...decline and immediately ask a nearby business employee to assist.

2c. If a van or large vehicle is parked on your driver's side, enter through the passenger side or go back inside the store and ask for an escort. Once you are in your vehicle, immediately lock your doors.

3. If you are coming under attack, the first defense is to get loud. Be firm, make eye contact, yell no, and scream about what is happening. If it becomes physical, get louder. Claw, run, fight, bite...

3a. Know the weak spots and strike them hard. Jab a knee to the GROIN. Poke the EYES or smash the NOSE. From the front, hit the THROAT, if attacked from behind, throw a backward head butt. MAKE AN UNEXPECTED MOVE: twist your arms if grabbed, jump up and down, or move side to side

4. Carry protection. Whether that be strategically positioned keys, pepper spray, a self defense knuckle ring, or a compact personal alarm, consider keeping one close.

5. Be brave enough to be rude. Easier said than done? The more a woman succumbs to being nice in uncomfortable situations, the smaller their world becomes. Staying safe may mean avoiding situations, but at some point, a woman must become fierce in her willingness to be rude.