4 D cell Maglites are incredibly tough bits of kit. If you have to use it as a weapon they are heavy because of the batteries and made of aluminium so they don’t bend, you don’t get up in a hurry after someone has accidentally hit you with one. For information purposes obviously 😜 Don’t hit people mmm’kay?

Ditto community centers, YMCAs, public college rec centers, etc. Gyms don't have to exclusively be fancy places that require a membership. Lots of the more public options offer cheap day passes.

Used to tell my fire crews this. If something does not feel right, back the hell out.

It's amazing what projecting the right amount of confidence can get you. I used to work at a bar. I wouldn't have admitted it then, but I carded way more based on someone's confidence than on how old they looked. I suck at estimating ages. If you hemmed and hawwed when deciding on a drink, asked a dumb question, acted jittery, or had too much bravado, I would have carded you. If you were confident but not overly so and had a normal conversation, I probably wouldn't have asked for ID.

That happened to me at a pub in Mallorca, 3 young girls asked to hang around me to keep the guys away. It was one of the girls birthday and some of the dudes wouldn´t leave them alone. I went only to see a live band but ended up staying till they shut.

always beware of other people always have a margin of their 'mistakes' ...because it will save your life

I would say trust your gut and know the area. I live in a region where it's common for people to break down and all they need is jumper cables. Someone is usually willing to help because that's what we do. We don't want to hear of someone freezing to death waiting for help for what could be way too long in our climate.

This is street smarts?? Interesting

Some establishments don't let you take your drink to the washroom. You can leave it with the servers and they'll keep it safe behind the counter.

And be extra careful if he looks like a tax agent. But you have little chance of escaping him anyway.

Don't run so fast that you end up faceplanting like I did when I was mugged by a pack of feral youths. Here's the timeline if you're interested: 1: got attacked 2: ran away 3: faceplanted 4: got attacked again 5: A & E minus my wallet and watch 6: hotel minibar

Or better, sadly, they say they have FOUND a wallet or phone and so you check.

Always trust you instincts. This should be number one. Your subconscious picks up hundreds of cues and notices things that you don't consciously take in but which result in a feeling of unease - even if you have no idea why. You may never figure out the 'why' but trusting your instincts and perhaps feeling a little silly for it is way better than potential alternatives.

It's great when cars automatically unlock when you put them in park. Like, could you not? You don't know what kind of area I'm in!

This is a good idea for taxis, too. The license plate and cab number. Get their name, too.

I don't even think you need to (or should) make excuses. A polite but confident "No. I won't do that" would probably work just as well.

This is especially important when you go to your hotel room for the first night. Check where the fire escapes are. At 3 in the morning with an alarm going off it could save your life.

....and don't help them lift a settee into the back of a van, even if they have a broken arm! No wait, did I dream that?

If you're in the hood wouldn't you know this? I know my city and have never said "Damn where am I, oh s**t...I'm in the hood"

And roll all of your windows down! It shows you have nothing to hide. This goes for any time of the day.

Also don't grab for your insurance info and registration until they ask for it. I was always told to have it ready but last three times have had guns pulled on me because they thought I was reaching for a weapon.

Honestly I'd just sit real still with the window cracked enough for the two of you to hear each other and your hands on the top of the steering wheel. Officers get real jumpy when you start doing allot of moving around in your vehicle.

IF you are safely able to turn on talk to text isn't a bad idea either. Flip it over slide under the seat. I say this for a few reasons but there have been more than a few murders/assaults ... where "Officers" of the Law ... weren't. Police gear and flashing lights can be bought anywhere, enough to fool an average person. Sounds silly I know, but know how to escape your trunk too. Damn I watch too much TV lol

Young and naive, I jumped out and retrieved my wallet while the officer approached. Glad I'm not profiled like some ...

But what if it's a fake cop? An imposter?

Sad that you need to make sure you're save from the police where you are living :(

Especially if you have tinted windows- it can reduce a lot of tension when the officer can readily see in your car.

Turn on all lights. Shut off engine. Place keys on dashboard. Have documentation ready. Making it as easy and safe for the cop as possible just might save your life.

Roll down your windows just enough so you can stick your hands through, then just hold them outside of your car window. This helps show the cops that you don't have anything in your hands, and especially POC, be careful and make sure you're as nice as possible (people have been shot for less)

Imagine having to fear for your life from the people sworn to protect you. How do you people live like that?

Going too fast, see a Highway Patrol..especially at night...don't hit your brakes...too obvious, the Popo KNOW your going too fast already...ease off the gas and continue on...

@Hannah Davenport . Privilege is not the same thing as not understanding something. If you don't know something, you should ask. Which is what they did. Get off your high horse and don't judge people who ask genuine questions.

Police stations is a better idea than going to the emergency department where they have real medical emergency to focus on. You can even go to a convenience store, like 7/11. Since they're prone to crimes I'm pretty sure they have police services on speed dial. They also have a lot of cameras, lights and police typically know where they are, too.

Or a clipboard. Less fun but I'd argue even more effective.

You never count your money while you're sitting at the table 🎶

It only takes about 5lbs of pressure on someone's neck to make them go unconscious, which only takes about 8 seconds, and your elbow can easily apply over 70lbs of pressure with the right hold.

This is where phones can really help. While looking at the map on the phone, chuckle a little as if reading a funny text.

If you see someone who's watching you and you notice them, and then they say "Can I help you?" with a grin, don't stop or say anything. Just keep going and when you're out of sight report it to police non-emergency. It's much easier to talk to non-emergency police, especially if the information is vague or unsure.

My bisexual self and my pansexual girlfriend knowing that we aren't immune to scams: oh no. My aro friends: oh yes.

Get them to pay half now and half later. At least they'll have something invested and if they're not satisfied with the outcome you can leave it as a half off discount and try again, if they want you to.