self defense

[jessmarimba]

I do property inspections for development and the sites are frequently undeveloped. As many as, oh, 70% of them have a homeless camp somewhere on them. I'm at these properties alone, and (fortunately) the owners of the camps are rarely around. But sometimes they are. And I've gotten to the point now where it scares the bejesus out of me when I stumble across these camps in the middle of the woods. Due to the circumstances of getting to these properties, I can't be armed (not even pepper spray). Anyone have any self defense ideas that might make me at least calm enough to do my job at these sites?

I took a rape aggression defense class in college but I've forgotten most of what they taught.

[ny biker]

My local police department offers free self-defense seminars. Maybe yours does something similar?

[limewave]

Brass knuckles?

[bmccasland]

Brass knuckles?

A walking stick might be better - that way you could stay at arm's length.

Might find self-defense classes at your local Y.

Only go during day light, be aware, wear decent shoes (ones you can run in), have an escape plan - know where there are businesses, don't carry lots of *stuff*.

[Trek420]

I dunno. I've been thinking about a walking stick because I actually am a gimp but also in an emergency they are exactly the same length, heft, weight as a jo (martial arts staff) which I know what to do with and what to do also if they grab it.

If you are thinking of self defense I've seen these classes and they are good. Quick, dirty, break their b@lls off and get yourself somewhere safe technique that works.

http://www.impactselfdefense.org/

Also why can't you go there with at lease one other person?

[VeganBikeChick]

I've heard a whistle is always good to carry.

[Irulan]

walking sticks,pepper spray etc are useless unless you get training on how to use it for defense etc. Anyone can just take it from you and use it against you if you don't have experience to prevent it from being taken and used.

Why can't you be armed? I'd say it was a perfect situation for a concealed carry permit.Also, what they don't know....