Tulsa Defense Expert Advises Women To Be Prepared For Attack

A series of recent sexual assaults have prompted women across Tulsa to learn how to protect themselves. Pepper spray and tasers are flying off the shelves at hardware stores across town. Some of these assaults are happening while the woman is home alone sleeping.

A expert says you can start defending yourself before an attacker gets into your bedroom.

One idea: line up glasses at your door's threshold - so when he opens they break. The noise gives you time to get ready.

"You are in your own home - you have home advantage literally," said Gaby Fuson with the Oklahoma Police Supply Store. 

"Make it difficult for them to just get in quietly - don't be afraid be ready."

Gaby Fuson has been helping women get ready to protect themselves. Since this man began sexually assaulting women three weeks ago, the store has sold out of key chain pepper spray.

"When you are indoors and you spray pepper, you are gonna get it on you. If you are asleep in the dark and you pick up the pepper you don't know where you are spraying," she said.

6/30/2014 Related Story: Tulsa Police Chief: Finding Attacker Like Looking For 'Needle In Haystack'

If you use pepper spray outside, the wind may send it back into your eyes and give your attacker an advantage. That's why experts say having many ways to protect yourself is your best bet.

"From martial arts to street fighting to pistol defense, home defense," Fuson said. "There are so many schools of thought. Not one of them applies to everyone."

She says every woman needs a plan in place on what to do if an attacker hits.

"Put yourself on that very uncomfortable position, be very honest with yourself and see where your plan fails and then fix that plan so that if it does happen, you'll be ready," she said.

Being ready may mean a barking dog or a weapon you've practiced using. Change up routines, be alert and confident in public.

Special Coverage: Tulsa Sexual Assaults Investigation

"If they see a woman who comes out and is looking around and is fully aware of all of her surroundings, then they are going to move on to someone else," said safety expert Gaby Fuson of the Oklahoma Police Supply Store.

She says all women need to be their own super hero.

"Find something," she said. "You can't have someone defending you and protecting you at all times. Help yourself and your family by making yourself strong enough to defend yourself."

She says a weapon is only as good as you are - that means - the glasses at the door are the first step. My second is a taser and hammer on my night table.

Whatever you choose - a bat or a gun - be ready and not afraid to use them.