When you are on the streets there are circumstances that are more dangerous than others, times when you should be alert to what is going on around you. A good example is when you have reached your parked car and are fumbling with the keys to open the door. This is a time when thugs and muggers often strike.

You are focused on getting the key in the door. You may be carrying packages. You are generally not looking around and could be in serious danger from someone coming up quickly behind you.

A similar circumstance is when you have arrived at the front door of your home. Arriving home is always a relief, a time when you are less likely to be aware of possible danger. And once again you may be carrying packages and fumbling with keys. Always stay alert to what is happening around you until you are safely inside your home or car.

You needn't be a paranoid wreck to simply maintain awareness of your surroundings. Mental preparedness is 90% of surviving a criminal encounter.

When going from a car to a building or vice versa security experts recommend looking around. Carrying a keychain weapon is a good idea if you have thought about and practiced using it.

There are many handy weapons that you can carry on your key chain. Pepper spray, a small stun gun, many forms of small martial arts weapons called kubatons, and small cutting tool can provide you with the means to fight off an attacker long enough for you to make a safe escape.

Even your keys themselves can be a useful weapon in the right circumstances. But what is most important is that you be ready to use what you have at hand to defend yourself if you must.

If you carry a keychain weapon, carry it ready to use when walking between buildings and vehicles. If you are attacked or grabbed from behind, swing around with your weapon forcefully and quickly. Hesitation is your enemy as much as the thug.

If you are using a stabbing or striking weapon you must strike with sufficient force to cause enough pain and damage to allow you to escape. Let go of your purse! Drop the packages! They're not worth getting hurt over.

Pepper spray and stun guns have the advantage of being able to completely disable your attacker without causing permanent injury. And pepper spray offers the added advantage of range. Keychain sprays can be used at up to 20 feet.

But no self defense device will help you if you are not ready and willing to use it. Stay alert. Carry whatever self defense product you choose so that it is ready to use instantly in those situations that are most dangerous. And above all, cultivate an attitude of survival and willingness to defend yourself. A confident look of mental and physical preparedness and will often be enough to keep you out of dangerous encounters.