GUEST KATHY FAWCETT, SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTOR: PLAN TO PARTY SAFE (PART 1)

PLAN TO PARTY SAFE -- Part 1

Kathy Fawcett from Attacking the Page is back with us today with more safety tips. Kathy has recently advanced to Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate and co-owns The Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo, located in Lebanon, NJ, with her husband Scott. She is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. Kathy writes paranormal romances and loves kick butt heroes and heroines. When not writing novels or teaching karate, you can find her blogging about martial arts and writing action at Attacking the Page. Welcome, Kathy! -- AP

PLAN TO PARTY SAFE

When going out to a party, club or bar, make a plan and stick to it.  If for some reason things change during the night, have a back up plan.

PLAN A:  There is usually safety in numbers, so go with a group of friends you trust, stay together and leave together.  Don’t leave or let your girlfriends leave with a stranger.  Be sure you have a designated driver.  If you decide to stay out later, leave earlier or realize your designated driver has been drinking, go to 

PLAN B: call someone you trust to come get you or call a taxi.  Always take a charged cell phone with you and money for cab fare.

PLAN A: Don’t share personal information (phone numbers, business cards) with strangers.  If you really like the guy and want to talk again, go to 

PLAN B: Get his number instead.

PLAN A: Stay with friends and make sure they stay with you.  Don’t wander off alone even if you need to find a quiet place to make a phone call.  Buddy up when going to the restroom.  If you get separated from your friends and a stranger starts bothering you, go to

PLAN B: find help from someone you trust or an employee at the bar.  If you can’t get away or he refuses to stop harassing you, implement

PLAN C: DEFEND YOURSELF!

Another great safety tip, Kathy! Thanks so much for sharing. Kathy will be back next week with Part 2 of her Plan to Party Safety Tips. Have any of you ever been in a situation where you felt threatened? What did you do? Post a comment to be entered in the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP