Recently, a young woman in Tampa, Florida, fought off an attacker at her apartment complex's gym. Nashali Alma, 24, was exercising in the gym when a man approached her and grabbed her waist. Despite her attempts to get him to stop, he continued to chase her around the gym, eventually pinning her to the floor. But Alma refused to give up and was able to fight back and escape.

While Alma's story is inspiring, it's also a reminder of the importance of being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to defend yourself. Here are some tips to help keep you safe in similar situations:

1. Trust your gut: As Chris discussed in his previous blog post, "Gut Instinct: Combining Intuition & Analysis to Make Better, Quicker Choices in Your Life," our intuition can often give us warning signs when something isn't right. Don't ignore those warning signs. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation.

2. Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of who is around you and what's going on in your environment. If you notice someone acting suspiciously, trust your instincts and take action to protect yourself.

3. Be prepared: Consider carrying a personal alarm or other self-defense tool with you. These tools can help you defend yourself if you're ever attacked.

4. Know how to defend yourself: Consider taking a self-defense class or other training to learn how to protect yourself in the event of an attack. With proper training, you can learn how to defend yourself and escape from dangerous situations.

5. Stay vigilant: Don't let your guard down, even if you feel safe in your environment. Always be aware of your surroundings and ready to protect yourself if necessary.

6. Use the buddy system: If possible, try to exercise with a friend or in a group. This can make you less vulnerable to an attacker and provide an extra layer of protection.

7. Be assertive: If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, don't be afraid to be assertive and tell them to leave you alone. This can deter potential attackers and make them think twice before targeting you.

8. Avoid distractions: When you're in public, avoid distractions like texting or listening to music. These distractions can make you less aware of your surroundings and more vulnerable to attack.

9. Know your exits: When you're in a public space, always be aware of the nearest exits. This can help you quickly escape from danger if necessary.

10. Stay in well-lit areas: If you're walking or exercising at night, try to stick to well-lit areas. This can deter attackers and make you less vulnerable to attack.

It's also important to note that staying safe is a team effort. If you see something suspicious or someone in distress, don't hesitate to call law enforcement or seek help. Together, we can help keep our communities safe.

It's important to understand the threat of lone wolves, which Chris discussed in his previous blog post, "Lone Wolves: What if They Find You?" A lone wolf is a person who prefers to act alone rather than with others. While not all lone wolves are violent, some may be prone to violent behavior. By understanding the threat of lone wolves and how to protect yourself from them, you can stay safe and avoid becoming a victim.

In conclusion, staying safe in potentially dangerous situations requires awareness, preparation, and the ability to defend yourself. By following these tips from a law enforcement expert, you can help protect yourself from potential attackers and stay safe in any environment. Remember to trust your instincts, be aware of your surroundings, stay prepared, and use the buddy