Learn to use your greatest defense

    Where’s the safest place to stand in an elevator? What should you do if you’re being followed? How can parents prepare children for scenarios that might involve drinking or late nights?
    Safety issues of all kinds will be addressed at the free Stay Safe Defense Awareness classes being brought to Phillips County by Holyoke Lions Club, Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, Phillips County Victim Assistance Program, S.A.R.A. Inc., Haxtun Hospital and Haxtun Police Department.
    The first class is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Haxtun Community Center. The second option is Friday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ortner Room in Phillips County Event Center in Holyoke. Classes will last about two hours.
    Recent graduates about to move away from home for the first time, college students, parents, young adults and teens can all benefit from the program, which is open to everyone. Paula Bragg, who will be co-leading the class, pointed out that children shouldn’t be expected to protect themselves in a dangerous situation, but if there are any children in attendance, she will speak to them about safety as well.
    Bragg is the executive director of S.A.R.A. Inc.,a sexual assault response advocacy organization. She will be joined by Shannon Day of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault. In addition to leading the discussion on safety, situational awareness and sexual assault, they will also teach some simple physical maneuvers to use in rape aggression defense.
    Still wondering how to use your greatest defense in a harmful situation? They’ll be covering that, too.
    Registration is not required; simply show up. Organizers of the event hope to hear from the community about what other services and programs people would like to see in Phillips County in the future.