DEAR GRANDPA

Dear Grandpa:

I keep hearing about young people being kidnapped and killed. This scares me. How can I keep this from happening to me? Heather.

Dear Heather:

You can do several things to avoid being captured and killed.

First, realize there are some really bad people out there. That is a fact.

It is more difficult for a nut to capture two or more, so be especially alert when alone. Know what is going on around you, in particular in public parking places and when using an ATM, especially if it is isolated. If something doesn't seem right, rely on your gut feelings and move quickly to safety.

Plan ahead what you will do when you are held or threatened: The first thing your abductor will say is, "Do what I tell you and you won't be hurt."

He is really saying: "I am going to kill you." Don't listen to what he says. He wants to rob, rape and kill you.

My next suggestion is a tough one. Accept that you're going to be hurt; you are going to bleed. But, you're most likely not going to be killed by fighting and screaming.

The first thing to do is fight like mad. Scream. Kick. Grab his knife. Push his gun away. Go after your attacker's eyes. Bite him hard, ear, face, arm, so you end up with a mouthful of meat. Push your thumb into his eyes, pull his eyeballs out. Keep screaming. Shout every obscenity you can. Keep screaming. Do not let him get you alone in his car or your car. Scream for help. You are tougher than he is. You can get away. You will get away.

In summary, two things are paramount to avoid being captured and killed. Be at places where you're not alone and vulnerable and plan what you will do when someone tries to capture you.

Look in the yellow pages for self defense instruction. Don't take a course to learn to fight them, but a course to avoid them and flee them. The dollars spent could save your life.

If you have a question for grandpa, send it to this paper: Dear Grandpa, The Jackson USA Signal; 108 Hope Street; Jackson, MO 63755. Or you can E-Mail direct to grandpat~w@juno.com.