Published Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:08 AM

Safety tips

Raymond Montoya, a self-defense instructor and investigator with the Brazos County Attorney's Office, offers these tips for handling and preventing an attack.

* Be aware of your surroundings. Note how you will exit the building. Check the outside of your vehicle before approaching and the inside before entering.

* Don't be in areas where you know you won't be seen or heard in the event of an attack.

* Make sure someone always knows where you are and when you should be home.

* Try not to be alone.

* Have some protection on you. Have your keys handy when walking to your vehicle, as they can be used as a weapon. Always carry a cell phone. Carry only weapons you are comfortable and trained with and make sure they are legal.

* If you decide to fight back when attacked, fight with all your might.

* "Evade, avoid, prevent and escape any encounter. Communicate with your attacker so he can see you as a person," Montoya tells his students.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Leon County Sheriff's Office is asking for donations of old cell phones. The phones will be given to elderly women who don't have them.

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