By ALICE WANAMAKER

CCEDC Director Member RelationsWith summer right around the corner, we are all spending more time outside.Whether it is walking with friends after work, taking trips to the malls or local stores or attending community events past dusk, many of us are outdoors more and later into the evening as summer hits.Being alert and aware of your surroundings is the best way you can keep yourself safe this summer.This was the topic recently during the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development monthly Women in Business Luncheon featuring trooper Erin Cawley from the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks, Troop N in Lehighton.During the program, which focused on self-defense and safety in our community, Cawley spoke about the importance of being alert and fighting back with your words if you find yourself in an unsafe situation.She told the group of more than a dozen women that their voice is the most useful tool and weapon they have and to use it if being approached or attacked.During the presentation, Cawley pointed out that some of the best targets to hit if you do find yourself in a self-defense situation are the nose, throat, groin and knees. Targeting these areas on your attacker will, in most cases, render them immobile at least long enough for you to get away.The group also heard that the best thing to do is yell about what is happening. If someone is trying to steal your purse, yell: "He is trying to steal my purse."If someone is threatening you physical harm, yell: "He is threatening to punch me."Cawley also talked about a topic that hit very close to home for many in Carbon County last summer.It was almost a year ago when a Palmerton woman was pulled over by a police officer impersonator on Route 248.Last June, a woman was pulled over by a man impersonating a Pennsylvania state trooper and the man pulled a gun.The woman quickly drove away when that happened and escaped unharmed thanks to her awareness and quick thinking.Cawley gave the following tips for staying road safe if you are being pulled over:• If you feel unsafe, turn on your four-ways and drive to a well-lit area before pulling over. Cawley suggested using Blue Mountain Health System if in the area of 248.• Recognize the lights. Police officers have both blue and red lights atop their vehicles/dashboard.• Follow your instinct. If it doesn't feel right, use your cell phone and dial 911 and check in with the dispatcher before pulling over.The dispatcher will know if you are being pulled over by an actual officer or an impersonator.It is a beautiful time of year to get outdoors, discover new things and enjoy the area where we live.Stay alert, stay loud and stay safe while finding your fun this summer.For more information on the self-defense presentation or to watch a brief video from the presentation, visit

www.carboncountychamber.org.Women in Business luncheons are hosted on the second Thursday of every month.Alice Wanamaker is the director of member relations for Carbon Chamber and Economic Development.