Close Topic Options

Streetwise

What precautions do you take / make when you go outside of your normal environment? You may wish to consider while driving, while walking, while in public transportation, while in the bank, etc.

Streetwise

I grew up in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and spent much time in D.C. and Baltimore. I'm not referring to the nice, touristy places, either. I usually travelled alone.

I had to ride both the Metro busses and subways as a teen. Being somewhat of a neo-punk at the time, defensive (offensive?) dressing was a definite asset. I always carried a Walkman or CD player on my person with the headphones on. However, I only listened to music when reasonably assured of my safety. Awareness of the sensual cues in one's environment can save one's hide. The headphones, percieved by many as "antisocial", were another defense mechanism to keep people at bay.

I didn't carry purses, opting instead for deep pockets. With my entrance to motherhood, the need for a diaper bag arose. Hubster and I chose the utilitarian, non-gender-specific functionality of a heavy duty backpack. We need it much less these days for local errands, so money and IDs always go in the front pants pockets- harder to get picked there.

Where safely possible I walked in the center of unfamiliar streets. Eye contact and interaction with strangers was kept at a bare minimum. I frequently carried a concealed 7" lock blade for protection in my right sleeve, and my keys pointed up between the fingers of my fist in my left hand.

Surely I can't be the only reformed street urchin here. Am I the only one here who's been homeless as well? The latter scenario brings up a whole host of other survival issues. Perhaps these can be covered at a later time?

Streetwise History & Civil Business Politics

I lived in a bad part of chicago. I know what you are talking about with the keys. If you do it just right in your pocket noone knows. It has got to really suck for a female. You can tell the people that have been in those situations because thier walk never completly changes. They are always looking out the side of thier head. They almost walk at an angle to what ever area they think will cause them the most harm. I used to use a folding knife that I could flick with my wrists real quik so that no one would ask any questions if they found it on me. Cops can be just as bad sometimes.

Streetwise

Whenever I go to places like NYC or the Bronx, I always carry both my dual Steel withdrawable police batons, and I keep them in small pouches at both sides of my belt, so in case I need to break a few bones, they're ready.

Edited: Seraph on 6th Dec, 2005 - 4:54pm

Streetwise

Growing up, our community wasn't at all a smiling place to be- more so you'd always want to look over your shoulder, now it's a different story but, that's not the point.

There has always been a house three-four houses down from ours, for people who'd just gotten out of jail and needed help getting their life started again- that house often brought up tension, and a lean on for others to commit vandalism. Because the subdivision is divided by a more commercially used 'back-road', I've come to terms with the idea that because the place was such an easy enter-and-escape place people - who had gotten a high from the sorts - enjoyed committing vandalism and other unfortunate acts I won't talk about.

And because (illegal) drugs had such an impact on the community thefts were plentiful. Needed be you'd never try and stay out later then not, and always tried to carry a protective 'something'. Because the area was open to so many obstacles and shrubbery it was wise to keep yourself in tune with the open area, and not to carry anything that could unfortunately bring interest.

Streetwise

I guess it may sound pretty lame, but I just can't fathom a place where you have to take these sort of precautions when you go out. Living in NZ, life is totally at the opposite end of the scale. Okay we have places were you don't go alone at night, but a normal degree of intelligence will keep you out of danger.
I feel bad for you guys, to bring up kids in the environment you describe must be unbelievable.

Streetwise

While walking I do small profile checks on all the people around me. I am also aware of all escape routes and the relevant amount of strength I would have to apply to knock someone out if needs be, yes, that is the world I live in: Trinidad.

Offtopic but, MyInitials, you are talking about New Zealand? I think you better do a Search of threads we have here on New Zealand - that is one scary place to live!

Streetwise Politics Business Civil & History

Well a mild case of paranoia helps in my case, plus I have an intimidating appearance, or so I am told.

Not looking like you have money helps and also the knowledge when to hit an when to run.

I don't carry weapons since I know where to hit with fists to cause maximum damage. If I have to punch I don't pull punches.

Carry a weapon only if you are prepared to use it in the most painful way possible and even kill. Bluffing can get you killed.

Here are a few useful tips, common sence:

If you are small teach yourself to spot things around you that are potential weapons and use them only if you cannot run.

Popping someone's eyeball is very painfull.

Try to avoid having only one exit.

Knowing how to talk your way out of a situation helps if you have the cool enough demeanor to pull it off.

Intensive jogging every day will give you the wind to run away.

Don't let yourself panic the adrenaline just makes you faster and stronger.

Most importantly though? Avoid places you know you shouldn't go.

Edited: Alrissa on 18th Feb, 2006 - 8:12pm