Let's all be safe :)

I know this is not the best note to start off Christmas but its one of those things...

Ya know when you get caught up in the happiness of the holidays, and feel like the whole world is a SAFE PLACE because its THE 'happ-happiest season of alllllllll'....and you just need that reality check that unfortunately, there are still alot of crazies out there...

Last night we were talking about being careful at night when youre alone and those kind of stories...(you know how everyone has their story once the topic gets started....
My poor MIL, she lives in a development of co-ops, and she was going home last week, her girlfriend dropped her off, and she was walking to her door, which is not right on the street, its within this development, so its dark and secluded in a way. Well this man was right behind her and she figured he was visiting someone, but he stood about 5 feet from her as she was opening her door, and just stared...CAN YOU IMAGINE ??? I get the chills just thinking of it..Her reaction (smart move) was to start banging on her door and yelling 'ITS ME, WILL YOU OPEN UP ?? OK RELAX, ITS JUST ME !!!' (she lives alone) she YELLED This and he kinda started walking away.. She wonders if she misread it and he was just looking for an address, but she was scared to bits... Then she mentioned to me if God forbid you are in the situation to have to yell for help, youre better of yelling FIRE...(ALOT more likely to get a response from the public, or at least create a crowd so youre not alone). She heard this from a policeman I believe.

Just wanted to bring out a little 'reality check' in this happy season, that we still have to be careful.
Try not to go out alone, always look around you. Lock your car doors asap in parking lots as you start your car to leave....

Just be 'street smart' and listen to your intuitions!

MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE !

HUGS HUGS and God Bless !

anna- your MIL's story was very frightening! I believe she did the right thing! You can never be too careful as you said. Unfortunately you never know in this world. The majority of people I believe are good, but there are plenty of bad people that seek out victims. You are right about yelling 'fire!' I have heard it many times and I also teach teh kids in my class to do the same thing. Even if they are little, yelling 'fire' is more effective than yelling 'help' or 'stranger'! I was also told this by a police officer who visited our school to talk about safety. I will surely take his word on this!

Be safe everyone and enjoy your holiday!
Thanks again anna for bringing up such an important point!
Kelly

Wow...these stories are not funny at all. And, what's even more disturbing is that you have to basically cry wolf [by yelling 'fire!'] to get anyone's attention or help in a bad situation. What happens when there really is a fire?

Definitely don't yell HELP in that kind of situation... You are better to yell FIRE because it will get people's attention... Unfortunately, this is reality. I had something similar happen to me - except I got pushed into my apt. And this was in the middle of the day in broad daylight!
Everyone just needs to be aware of their environments.