Gals' Guide Summit: Safety Panel Recap
I spent a lot of time running back and forth on Saturday so I didn't have a chance to sit in on all of the panels, but I'm glad I made it a point not to miss the safety panel. If you weren't following along online via streaming video or tweet, let me fill you in a bit of background.
Our panelists included Jon Ibrahim, Firefighter & Sex Columnist, Joe O'Sullivan, Detective and Private Security (also writes at Arresting Tales for ChicagoNow) and Terrence Hale, Founder of Survival Fitness. (You can get more information about the panelists on the Summit's Speakers page.) The session was moderated by our very own Blagica.
(Photo by John Morrison)
Much of the conversation focused on common sense safety tips, but to be honest there was a lot brought up that I just don't think about and I felt it important to share with you all.
When apartment hunting …
- Spend the extra $1-200 to live in a safer area. You might think you're saving money, but it's more important to save your life.
- Ask your landlord to install a movement-sensor light.
- Avoid long, dark walkways and parking lots.
- It is the law that your landlord provides both a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
- Don't hesitate to ask your landlord to see the buildings safety code records. If they deny, don't buy.
Fire safety …
- Take a moment to check for exits wherever you go.
- If you're in a high-rise, go to the stairwell. Most high-rises pressurize their stairwells so they are safe to be in during a fire. Plus, the firefighters will find you there. It's a lot easier when you're not running around.
- Purchase disposable fire extinguishers from stores like Walgreens & CVS. Keep one by each exit. That way if there is a fire, you're close to an exit in case the extinguisher doesn't work.
- If it's an electrical fire, DON'T POUR WATER ON IT. Find your circuit breaker and cut off the main power source. Don't fret about finding the power to the living room or bedroom, cut it all. Then you can use water.
- If it's a grease fire, DON'T POUR WATER ON IT. Find a damp rag to throw on it.
Personal safety …
- If you carry pepperspray on you, know where it is. Make sure it is readily accessible. A great idea is to attach it to your keychain.
- Know that if you're outside when you spray it, there's a good chance you'll get hit to. It's suggested that you spray some in the air and walk into it. You don't want the first time you feel the sting to be when you're getting attacked. (Cool water and baby shampoo will help with the sting.)
- Be alert. Don't walk with your head down. Make eye contact and let people know that you are aware of their presence and your surroundings.
- If you are attacked, try to scratch your attacker. This might not stop them, but you will have their DNA under your nails, which can be used later to help track them down.
- When you're being attacked, do whatever you feel you should do to get out of the situation safely. Trust your instincts.
If I could sum up this panel in one short phrase, it would be to trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, don't push it. It's better to be safe than sorry.
It was recommended by the panelists read "The Gift Of Fear" by Gavin De Becker. It's a book about survival signals that help protect you from violence. I picked up a copy today and plan to read and review it for GG readers.
There were some great questions raised and we had a pretty intense discussion going. If you missed out or if you just want to refresh your memory, you can view the video of the safety panel.
If you were at the GG Summit, you should have received a coupon for Pepperface.com. They sell sleek and trendy pepperspray in reusable containers that look like they could easily slide into your pocket like lip gloss. I'm planning on ordering one. Will I test the spray and walk into it? Well, stay tuned for the review!
Once again a HUGE thank you to our panelists for answering all of our questions and event sticking around after the panel for more discussion.
Jennifer Beese
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