PARKING LOT SAFETY with and without children
Scan the area
Look for anyone or anything out of place. If something feels off- it’s off!
Park in a visible area
Avoid parking next to vans or trucks where someone could be waiting to pull you in. Avoid parking next to dumpsters, electrical boxes, or wooded areas that limit visibility.
park in well-lit, well-traveled areas
Always try to park near the main entrances. Whether you’re parking or returning to your parked car, look out for and avoid people who linger.
Be intentional
Keep your doors locked and windows up while you gather personal belongings (purse, keys, return items, etc) before turning off and exiting your car. Hide all other belongings. Walk to and from your car with purpose, confidently scanning your surroundings.
Focus on your surroundings
Be aware of everything going on around you. Avoid distractions; cell phone, car radio, earphones, etc.
Request an escort
If you are even the slightest bit nervous to leave or return to your car, request a store employee to join you. If you’re not comfortable with that DON’T hesitate to call the police or a security guard for an escort.
Carry a bia defense device
Predators are afraid of two things; getting caught and getting hurt. Bia defense devices were created to make noise and/or cause harm. They also provide a boost of confidence and serve as a reminder to always be aware and ready to defend yourself. Attach a Bia self-defense device to your keychain! The Bia Keychain Duo is my preferred device as it provides loud noise as well as a defense device (both keychain options, as well as other devices, are available to purchase individually on thebiamovement.com). The Bia Keychain Duo comes with an easy-to-find/grab breakaway strap!
Control Your Distance
Clear corners with wide angles. Meaning when you’re turning a corner around a building or your car make sure you stand far away from the corner. This will create more visibility and distance. You don’t have to help and/or be polite. If you are approached by someone asking directions or any other questions boldly tell them “No!” Keep at least two arms’ length distance away from them. If they persist raise your device and tell them to “Step back!” or “Don’t come any closer.”
Check your car
Approach your car with your defense device and keys in hand. Avoid any distractions. As you get closer to your car scan the area. Glance underneath it and surrounding cars to see no one is hiding underneath. Always check inside of your car before opening your door. Once you know you’re safe- get it, lock your doors, start the car, buckle up, and GO!
Parking lot safety with children
In addition to all of the previous safety steps;
Practice situational awareness
Remember you can always NO MATTER WHAT ask a store employee, security guard, or police office to escort you.
Stay focused on your children and your surroundings.
Have your keys in your hand before exiting your car and/or the store.
Unload your oldest first and have a “hands-on the car” rule while you unload your younger children.
Make up a game to help your older children practice awareness. i.e. play “I spy” every time you’re scanning your surroundings while walking in or out of the store. Play “who can touch the cart/ hold your hand the longest” as you walk in and/or while you’re unloading purchases in the car keeping them close.
Secure your children and/or other passengers in the car before storing purchases.
Keep your driver's door shut and locked while securing your children. *Keep your keys in your hands at all times. If you need to close the sliding door/back door behind you and go to your seat from there. If not, lock all doors behind you as you walk to your door with your key in hand. Once you get to your door, get in and lock up!
Use reflections from surrounding cars/windows to assist you in scanning the area while securing your children and/or while storing purchases.
Keep your side doors locked while storing purchases.
Once your kids are secure, store your purchases, and don’t worry about returning the cart.
Keep your keys in your and until you’re safely in your locked car ready to start the engine. For a few reasons;
If you have a Bia Keychain Duo defense device attached to them you’ll have fast easy access to something that can cause harm and a lot of noise.
You remain in control of your car.
You have something to sound the car alarm or defend yourself if needed.
Possessions are replaceable, lives aren’t. If someone approaches you and your children demanding you give them your keys, especially with a weapon, throw them as far away from you as you can or if you’re close to a trash can throw them away. This will create space and time for you to getaway. Make a noisy scene. Set off your car alarm, engage your Bia Keychain Alarm, scream for help, “He’s trying to steal my car!” “Fire!” (Calls attention) “Help! I don’t know him!” *if your kids are in the car and he’s demanding your keys it’s time to FIGHT BACK/DO ABSOLUTELY WHATEVER IT TAKES to avoid him taking your kids to a second location. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT! I cover strike points, hard target body language, and how to fight like girls in our Bia Defense Workbook.
Park front-facing so you don’t take away from your awareness having to reverse. Pulling forward is a faster and easier escape.
Be ready to use the horn and lights to draw attention if needed.
The Bia Defense Workbook is an interactive workbook that provides basic insight, education, and skills to effectively break cultural conditioning towards self-defense. You will learn various skills to holistically protect yourself and others. It’s basically all I’ve learned from surviving an attempted murder plus 6 years of advocacy work and self-defense instructor training. Enter BIABLOG for $10 off the Bia Defense Workbook as a thank you for being here and investing in your self-defense!
Be loud. Be bold. Be mighty, #flockingmighty.
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