You don’t have to be Chuck Norris (hell, Zeus and Thor and Ra wrapped together don’t have to be Chuck Norris), but knowing some basic self-defense is always a good idea. You never know when you’re going to get yourself into a pickle, whether it’s a dispute over your kid’s coat at daycare or the naked guy trapped in your trunk bursts forth screaming and waving a crowbar.

Do you know what the most important part of your body is when it comes to self defense? I’ll give you a clue—it’s not your six pack abs, bulging biceps, or the taser hidden in your purse.

It’s your brain.

By staying alert, applying quick thinking, and keeping out of dangerous situations—or, if having entered one, backing out of it as quickly as possible—you are effectively yielding your own personal self-defense prowess. The best way to handle an attack of any kind is to try to get away as quickly as possible. Even though you may think your well-intended swift kick will do the job, in reality many people quickly become victims by not using these precious few seconds to instead find a way to escape, and fast.

That said, it does pay to have a few tricks up your sleeve when the going gets rough and worse. Think about enrolling in a self-defense class to help teach you to assess dangerous situations and handle them as proficiently as possible. Many colleges, schools, and other programs, such as the YMCA, present them for free or for a low cost. The Association for Women’s Self-Defense Advancement can also help you find an instructor near you. You might even want to organize an event at your school, church, workplace, or other group to help empower your neighbors and peers.

Aside from physical moves, you can also keep a few self-defense items on hand to help you out. Here is a basic list:

Flashlight: Being alone in the dark can make you feel very vulnerable. Every car should have a flashlight.

Cell Phone Charger: Keep an extra one in your car. If your battery is low, you can always plug it in and use it as you drive in an emergency.

Emergency Flares: Every car should have a first aid kit, but emergency flares are a must-have, too. These will help you flag down help when you need it most.

Tool Kit: Have one and know how to use it. Be ready to fix any problems with your car as quickly as possible to avoid being stranded and vulnerable.