Safety: During an Explosive Incident
Remember ... You Don't Deserve to be Hit or Threatened
If an argument or violent incident seems unavoidable, try to have it in a room or area that has access to an exit and not in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere near weapons.
Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, or stairwells would be best for your escape.
Park your car facing the quickest exit from your house.
Keep your purse and car keys ready and put them in a place where you can grab them quickly as you are leaving. Also keep an "escape bag" packed with clothing, medication, baby needs, cash, driver's license, checks, car/house title, extra pair of glasses, etc. and keep in an undisclosed but accessible place in order to leave quickly.
Give friends, neighbors and/or relatives permission to call the police.
Devise a code word/signal to use with your children, family, friends, and neighbors when you need the police. Don't give information to people you do not trust or to people who are friends with the batterer.
Teach your children how to use the telephone to contact the police and fire department.
Decide and plan for where you will go if you have to leave home (even if you don't think you will need to).
Use your own instincts and judgment. Trust your gut. If the situation is very dangerous, consider giving the batterer what he wants to calm him down. You have the right to protect yourself at all times.
Never pick up a weapon unless you know how and are willing to use it. A weapon can end up being used against you. Know ahead of time what you are capable of doing in terms of self-defense.