By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA–Any woman wishing to learn skills and tips on how to defend themselves in a dangerous situation while receiving hands on training will have the chance to do so at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office training facility.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will be offering a free women’s safety class on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 8 a.m. located at 380 McDow Road in Columbiana.

The class is open to any woman who is at least 18 years old, is a resident of Shelby County and has no criminal record. Registration will be limited to 25 participants.

The safety class is an eight-hour course designed to teach students how to recognize and prevent unsafe encounters, how to safely remove themselves from potentially dangerous situations when possible and how to physically defend themselves when necessary.

The course is a combination of classroom discussion, realistic scenarios and hands on physical training. Attendees should wear comfortable clothing appropriate for physical activity and closed toe shoes.

The SCSO training staff developed the courses in response to the high volume of requests from citizens regarding safety classes for the public.

To learn more about the class or to register, visit Myshelbyso.com/FirearmsSafety/Pages/WomensSafetyClasses.aspx.