The single most important step toward ensuring your own safety is having a personal safety strategy in place before you need it. The Refuse to be a Victim program teaches the tips and techniques you need to be alerted to dangerous situations and to avoid becoming a target. Situational awareness, mental preparedness, home security, and psychology of criminals are a few of the topics that will be covered in a dynamic, supportive atmosphere, taught by Certified Instructor and Wiscasset resident, Victoria Hamilton.

“Being safe is not about owning a gun or learning martial arts,” said Victoria Hamilton, owner of VH Safety & Training. “Often safety begins with just being aware of your surroundings, looking up from your phone and not always having your headphones on. In these classes, we look at out everyday lives and learn to see more of what is around us.”

This award-winning crime prevention and personal safety seminar will be held Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and again Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lincoln County Rifle Club in Damariscotta. Class size is limited, so preregistration is strongly suggested. For more information, and to register, visit www.vhsafety.com.