Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
floor the door will open and you will be attacked. What do you do? Obvi-
ously, if you are armed, this would be a good time to draw your weapon.
However, since this is not going to be the case with the vast majority of
folks, you have only your wits to protect you. The first thing you should
do is try to hit the
DOOR OPEN
button before the elevator starts its ascent.
If the door opens, you can get off the elevator and scream for help. You
may still be attacked if the assailant realizes what you have done. This is
a better choice, however, because you are more likely to encounter help
in the lobby rather than in the elevator on the second floor. If the door
will not open, hit the
EMERGENCY STOP
or
ALARM
button. If the elevator
stops then, with an alarm going off, you can be certain that the bad guy
is not going to get in. If you hit the
ALARM
button, the effect may very well
frighten the assailant away. If the elevator has neither of these options,
you have no other choice than to prepare to fight for your life. Never
assume that you will avoid assault by simply handing over your valuables.
If that happens, you are lucky to have lost nothing but some money or
property. However, if it does not, prepare to take whatever action is nec-
essary to make sure you go home that night.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED MEASURES
For home or apartment security, another good option is to consider get-
ting a dog. This is not suitable for everyone. You may be allergic or your
schedule may not be conducive to caring for an animal. Maybe you are
just not a “dog person.” Nevertheless, if you have a dog, you have gone a
long way toward enhancing your personal security. Dogs are living burglar
alarms with teeth. The sound of a dog barking at the presence of an unfa-
miliar person is the last thing attackers want to hear. In addition, if intrud-
ers try to get in while you are out, they have to factor in the delay that
dealing with a dog will cause. If it is a big enough dog, they also may need
to factor in the loss of a limb.
Make it a habit always to ask who is at the door before you open it.
Never assume it is the person you are expecting because Daddy always
comes home at six o'clock. The people who will try to harm you and
get into your home probably know that, too. They will capitalize on your
complacency if you let them. If you have children, make sure they adhere
to this rule. No exceptions. Also, pay attention to the sound of the voice
of the person who responds to your challenge. A common way to gain
