The 45 Second Rule
Us moms need a break every now and then. We love our children dearly buuuut… We certainly can’t pour from an empty cup. With school, sports, work, birthday parties, parent-teacher conferences, food prep, planning, caring for a home, and all of the other tasks we are managing in our daily lives… Sending the kids to grandma’s for the weekend can be a much needed reprieve!
Several months ago, a woman was meeting her mother to pick up her children from 3 glorious days with the Grandparents. The 2 women decided to meet half way and chose a busy parking lot in a small town to make the exchange.
After Mom pulled into the parking spot next to Grandma and put the car in park, she took a few moments to check her text messages. One of those texts was from her mother.
“I’m here. I sent the kids in for some snacks and a drink for my drive home.”
Since Mom had a few minutes before the kids came out, she decided to return a few of the texts she’d missed while driving.
Mid text reply, Mom heard Grandma screaming, “LOCK YOUR DOORS! LOCK YOUR DOORS!!”
Just as Mom looked up from her phone, a man was reaching for the car door. She sprung into action, hitting the lock button just as he made contact with the handle.
After a few unsuccessful yanks on the handle the man jumped in the truck he’d blocked her in with and drove off towards the highway.
THANK GOODNESS Mom was quick acting and praise Grandma for remaining alert!
Whether a mom of young children or not, it is important to be proactive when it comes to your own safety.
One of the rules we like to adhere to is the 45 Second Rule. This rule applies whether exchanging children, meeting a person to exchange an item being sold or purchased, or when coming out of the grocery store.
From the time you get in your vehicle to the time you pull out of the parking lot, you should not exceed 45 seconds. The more time you spend sitting, the more time criminals have to decide how to enact their crime against you. Criminals are opportunistic in nature. If they see an opening, they are likely to take it.
There are 5 levels of situational awareness.
White - Completely unaware. In bed, absorbed in a book or electronics, etc.
Yellow - Alert and aware. Head up, looking around, taking in information.
Orange - Potential threat is identified. Pay attention, begin formulating if-plans for escape, and attempt to verify whether or not there is truly a threat.
Red - Threat is verified. Time to act on an if-plan that suits the situation.
Black - Freeze, Fight or Flee without conscious thought, black out/dissociate
When in a public space, give yourself the advantage over those who may be hanging around waiting for an easy target. Remaining in Code Yellow and adhering to the 45 Second Rule will drastically reduce your risk of being victimized.
You are our own best first line of defense and self-defense begins with exercising awareness. Remain vigilant, Mommas!
