Every now and then, we hear news of people being kidnapped or taken hostage by others who have nothing better to do than make this world a miserable place. Unless Thanos decides he could just get rid of the bad apples with a snap of his fingers, the best way to survive being kidnapped will depend mostly on you. Learn about the different ways to avoid being kidnapped. You should also know what to do in case you are abducted.
What to do the Moment You are Kidnapped
The first few minutes as you are being kidnapped are the most crucial. How you respond to the kidnapping and the abductors may be your only window of opportunity to escape. It may also make things worse. It can go either way.
If you were kidnapped in a public place, you still have a chance to escape or to thwart the abduction. Draw attention to yourself and your abductors. Once other people notice what’s happening, they may act fast and come to your rescue. The kidnappers may also think twice about their actions and leave you if you make too much noise.
Calm Down
If you’re being kidnapped, you don’t just close your eyes and let the tears flow. You need to calm down, think clearly, and do what needs to be done. First, keep your eyes open. Try to take in as much of what’s happening around you. The make of the vehicle you’re in, the build and possibly the faces of your abductors, and the places you pass through. Of course most people who were kidnapped had been blindfolded. Make do with the little space under your eyes to try to determine something that will give you a clue on where you are.
Use your ears, as well. Listen intently to the voices. How many people are there? Try to remember each voice. Pay attention to the noises around you. Do you hear cars driving by? Is there a dog barking? How about that distinct sound of a ship, do you hear one?
Remember any distinct odor you smell. Some people have that unique smell, which may help you pinpoint who your abductors are. The smell of the place will also be a good clue for the investigators.
Pay attention to the movements. Try to remember how many turns you made or how many road bumps you passed to get to their hideout.
Breaking Free from Restraints
The Great Harry Houdini you are not. But that doesn’t mean you should try to escape from your bindings when you have been kidnapped.
Keep your wrists together if your kidnapper is about to tie your hands. In fact, you should offer your hands like that. This will let the assailant think that you’re cooperating though the truth is that you’re preparing for a daring escape.
Zip Ties or Duct Tape
It may seem hopeless when your hands are tied tightly with a duct tape or zip ties but because your wrists are together, you actually have a better chance of breaking free. In fact, the tightness makes it easier to break the bind just by applying pressure.
If you are bound by zip ties, your teeth to pull at it to make it tighter. Raise your hands just over your head and quickly force them down over your tummy. Your elbows should be going to the sides of your body while your bound wrists should come down to your stomach. The sudden force should be enough to break the zip tie or the duct tape.
Of course, you can only do this if the coast is clear. Wait for your abductors to leave you alone before attempting to break free. Also, it will be painful so be ready not to shout or make any kind of sound.
To make sure you know what you’re doing, practice at home. Ask a friend to tie your hands with a zip tie then attempt to break free. Do this with duct tape, as well.
Handcuffs
Bobby pins will your new best friends when you’re kidnapped and bound by handcuffs. Always keep one on you just in case you are abducted. If you have long hair, it’s easy to hide your bobby pins. You can also keep some in your pockets, especially in the tiny watch pocket on your jeans.
Again, practice makes perfect. Have someone bound you and practice getting your bobby pins from your hair and pockets or even somewhere on your shoes.
Once you get hold of your trusty bobby pin, unbend it until the two have are at a right angle. Insert the tip of the straight part of the bobby pin inside the handcuff’s keyhole. Use it to bend the tip leaving you with something that looks like an “L.”
Insert the bent tip into the thin part of the handcuff’s keyhole. Press down and twist the pick in the slot. Keep trying until you’re able to unlock the cuffs.
Cooperate
If you were kidnapped for ransom, you can survive your ordeal if you cooperate. In most cases, the abductors let go of the people they kidnapped after the ransom was paid. Your ultimate goal is to survive so if cooperating is the key, then go ahead and do so. Don’t give them a reason to kill you before you even try to escape as your final option.
If you’re not the only one kidnapped, don’t attract attention to yourself. Kidnappers don’t like troublemakers (who does, anyway?). The moment they decide to make a statement to the authorities, the annoying kidnap victim almost always is the first to be killed.
Make New Friends
This may sound weird but some people who were kidnapped managed to survive because they established a rapport with their abductors. It’s kind of like the Stockholm syndrome but you’re actually just trying to understand and befriend your captor with the intent of making it out alive.
If you Managed to Escape
If cooperating seems futile and you’re pretty sure that they’re planning to get rid of you sooner or later, then it’s time to bring out the MacGyver in you and escape. Do what’s necessary to break free from your bindings. Once you’re free, retrace your steps and be quiet and as careful as possible while finding the way out. Be prepared to fight it out if needed. However, it’s more important to be as stealthy as possible until you’re safe. Once you’re in a safe place, contact the police or call 911 and tell them what happened.
Being kidnapped is indeed one of the most horrific things that one could experience. There are a number of ways to avoid being chosen by would-be abductors. If you have tips on avoiding such tragic event, please share them in the comment section. You can also go to The Gentleman Pirate to find out more about surviving different emergency situations.
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