Saved By the Whistle

Frosted Cake · ‎02-01-2016

Some of you nice folks might remember that I had an issue in my neighborhood where a convicted s*x offender moved into the area and many of us women who walk alone were very concerned.

It was suggested to get mace, etc. Well, a few of us women got together and went out and bought police type whistles to carry with us when we walk in case we need to scare off someone and/or get attention.

So far, and very thankfully, I haven't had to use it for that purpose. But, I also have to deal with people in my area backing out of garages, carports, etc. without looking. I've had to run for my life on occasion because they just speed out of driveways without even looking behind them.

Well, I just returned from my walk and it happened. A guy pulled out unaware and I used my whistle to get his attention and he stopped immediately. Wow, that was empowering! I'm sure he didn't expect that. It's a loud whistle too. We asked our local police dept if we could use it and they said it was a great idea, no threat to anyone, just a good source of noise to attract attention.

I have mine on a little clip I used at work that has a pully that I used to use to have my badge reach the security door opener at my work. Now, I have use it to bring the whistle to my lips to protect myself.

Thanks to all of you who were concerned and offered the tips. It's a good idea for anyone out there and it's cheap!

Be safe!!

Nancy Drew · ‎03-11-2010

Good job! Such a simple but effective tool.

Wrong is still wrong just because you benefited from it.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

Thanks for the good idea. I wonder if some of the people who appear to not be looking might have those new-fangled back-up cameras? Could you be out of their range?

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

I carry a spray that is like mace when I walk that I clip on my belt. I bought it to ward off dogs.....and have used it twice and it saved me from a confrontation. I would not hesitate to use it on a man if I felt threatened. I think this spray would work better than a whistle. Having Both might be even a better idea.

MaggieMack · ‎10-01-2014

I live in fear of hitting someone when I back out of my garage, so I try to be extra careful. I wish more people would! Good for you @Frosted Cake!

My sister lives in northern WI. I brought my golden there for a visit and my sister and I brought our dogs on a walk around their lake. All of a sudden, there was a bear in front of us, a hundred yards or so. We turned right around and headed back, I was thankful my golden hadn't seen the bear or it would have been chaos. I made her promise to buy some bear spray before she did any more walks. She did, and carries it every time. No more bears since, lol! I've heard that bear spray is the best defense you can have against humans, too. Just not those backing out of their driveways!

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop

Frosted Cake · ‎02-01-2016

Wow, we all go through different things depending on where we live.

A bear! My goodness. I've seen large rats on my walks and skunks, but never a bear! How scary that would be.

Mace is a good idea too for walks. I'm always afraid I'll do it wrong and end up spraying myself in the face. I took a self defense course many years ago and still remember the moves. I'm "still" in good shape, so hopefully I could still fight back.

I don't know about drivers and fancy back-up cameras. If they do have them, they still need to turn their heads as far as I'm concerned. What if a child or an older adult weren't as alert or as quick as I am to get out of the way? I so worry about elderly people in my neighborhood on walkers or canes. I'm a huge advocate for older adults and always make sure they are kept safe.

I just think people don't pay attention anymore at all. They are on their phones all the time and there's no thought anymore it seems. Once in the car, it seems driving is the last thing they have on their minds.

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

I have no idea WHO picked out my house number as the schoolbus stop in my subdivision..............but I wish they'd change it.

♥Surface of the Sun♥

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

@MaggieMack Your experience is the reason the Forest Service recommends you have your dog on a leash when walking in areas that have wildlife. It's not just bears that might endanger your pet but also rattlesnakes, skunks, porcupines, mountain lions, and coyotes to name a few. Dogs will antagonize other animals and make a confrontation worse.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

ladyroxanne · ‎03-09-2010

raises hand in extremely embarrassed guilt. will try to immediately. so sorry.

Lilysmom · ‎03-09-2010

@MaggieMack wrote:
I live in fear of hitting someone when I back out of my garage, so I try to be extra careful. I wish more people would! Good for you @Frosted Cake!

My sister lives in northern WI. I brought my golden there for a visit and my sister and I brought our dogs on a walk around their lake. All of a sudden, there was a bear in front of us, a hundred yards or so. We turned right around and headed back, I was thankful my golden hadn't seen the bear or it would have been chaos. I made her promise to buy some bear spray before she did any more walks. She did, and carries it every time. No more bears since, lol! I've heard that bear spray is the best defense you can have against humans, too. Just not those backing out of their driveways!

I have mace as well. There is an issue though if there is any wind. It can blow back on you. I now carry a small air horn. I have come across a bear but the big issue here is coyotes. You can buy the air horn at Cabelas. Small enough to carry in your pocket. LM