September 02, 2010

Tips For Making Your Home More Secure


A home alarm system is a great idea to make your home more secure however, additional steps should be taken in order to make your home as safe as possible to ensure the safety of you and your family members. In this article I have outlined some simple but very important things that you can do in order to prevent a burglary. It is crucial to be watchful at all times, particularly if you are going to be away for an extended period of time such as a vacation. Ask your neighbors or relatives to check on your property on a regular basis, turning lights on and off and making sure your doors and windows are secure. It is a also a very good idea to leave a automobile parked in the drive. Summer is among the most frequent times for burglaries since many people leave their windows open on hot summer days so be sure to secure your windows, especially if you are going to be away. Dogs are a good deterrent to burglars or thieves and can also be faithful companions as well. Install exterior lighting around all outside entranceways. Sensor lighting is a good idea but make certain it is not too sensitive because if it is it will become annoying and no one will pay attention to it if it is turning off and on constantly. If you're planing on being out in the evening time, its always a good idea to leave a few lights on to make it look like someone is home. A dark home without any automobile in the drive will tell any would be burglar that your home will be a easy target. Close all drapes or mini blinds when you're not at home. Whenever you're gone, get a acquaintance or relative to do this each night. Do not leave any valuables lying around or hidden out in conspicuous places. Make certain they're securely stashed away. Clip your bushes on a regular basis. You might believe it appears pretty , but having overgrown shrubs is not good for the security of your home. Burglars may easily hide out behind the over grown shrubs in your yard, so do not allow your landscape to grow wildly. Purchase strong locks for your doors and windows. Replace your old or worn locks with newer sturdy locks for more protection against would-be burglars.

Don't hide spare keys anywhere close to your home. Door frames, doormats, mailboxes, and flower pots are often used by homeowners to hide spare keys. Many would be burglars and thieves are aware of this habit and check in these places. Do not make it simple for a burglar to break into your home by leaving a spare key for him.

If you follow these few guidelines you should feel assured about your home security plan. Remember, if a burglar is really determined to break into your home then they will usually find a way but its up to you make it as difficult as possible for the thief to burglarize your home.


The author is the owner of Truth Investigations in Birmingham, Alabama. For more information visit www.alabamaprivateinvestigator.net

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September 01, 2010

Chemical Sprays For Self Defense

Chemical Sprays For Self Defense By Stephen G. Virnich

One of the best and most popular methods of non-lethal products for self defense is the use of defense sprays. These include CS and CN Tear gas, and OC also know as Pepper Spray. These are economical, safe, and effective choices for personal protection and have been used for decades.

CS and CN tear gas sprays used to be the most popular sprays for civilian use. Generally CS was available for civilians while law enforcement used CN. Contrary to much mis-information on the internet these days, CN was the one used by law enforcement because it worked much faster than CS when employed in aerosol sprays. CS required a more direct hit in the eyes, and took up to 30 seconds to take effect, while CN worked in 2-5 seconds and was effective hitting the assailant anywhere from the chin on up, even from the chest up, due to quick evaporation. Of the two, once the CS took effect, it was much stronger and took longer for recovery.

Later on, law enforcement switched to pepper spray also known as OC (oleo-resin capsicum). OC had been around for a long time usually advertised in women's magazines or for use by the postman for dogs. However the potency of those sprays was generally around .35 percent up to 1 percent, much weaker than the OC of today.

The reason for the switch is that law enforcement often have to deal with people under the influence of alcohol and drugs, or in a mental state where they are impervious to pain. Tear gasses are irritants and work using pain for compliance. OC on the other hand is an inflammatory agent that while causing much pain, works whether the target feels pain or not. This is because being an inflammatory agent, it causes the eyes to shut on impact, the capillaries of the eyes swell, causing temporary blindness, so even if the subject gets an eye open they can't see. If it gets in the respiratory tract it shuts down all but life support breathing, and leaves the subject coughing and choking. Thirdly, it also causes confusion and panic and extreme burning sensation to the skin and mucous membranes. With a direct hit OC will work almost instantly.

Even with all the powerful effects of pepper spray, it is non-lethal, and it's effects wear off within 45 minutes.

WHICH BRAND TO BUY?

Which brand to buy can be confusing for the average person. 'There are many brands to choose from, some of lesser quality, and some good ones. What you want is a brand that will stop an attacker from further aggression, giving you a chance to get away safely. Police officers use OC to subdue and restrain and have the benefit of back-up and deadly force if need be. Consequently police often use sprays that are not as powerful, as they also have to clean up a suspect when getting him to jail. Civilians do not have the luxury of back up, or deadly force most of the time, and do not have to clean up their attacker, so what you want is the most powerful and nasty spray you can use.

OC sprays range from 1% up to 17% concentration of pepper, and are rated in Scoville heat units, or SHU'S which are how hot peppers even in foods are rated. OC is generally made from cayenne and habenero peppers, from the placenta of the plant. Heat ratings range from 500,000 SHU's (Mace brand) up to 5.3 million SHU's.

What to look for is a brand that has a high percentage from 10% on up, along with a high heat rating, preferably 2,000,000 SHU's. This gives you a high percentage of a very hot spray, which means the out of the nozzle heat will be strong and give you stopping power.

I sell the Streetwise brand at 17% and 2,000,000 SHU's which will bring down even the most determined attacker. Some other great brands are Sabre Red at 10%, Spitfire at 10%, Bodyguard LE also at 10%. These high quality formulations are all 2,000,000 SHU's which makes them very effective. The chemical that makes OC hot is called capsaicin and the above sprays all have at least 1 % capsaicin content which make them very hot.

WHICH MODEL TO PURCHASE

Here again there are many to choose from. We will keep it simple in this article. The best type to carry for anyone who drives is a keychain unit. These are either units in a leatherette holster, or a hard molded holster both with a key ring to attach car keys. These are the best selling units because it is normal to have your car keys in hand when going to and from your car, and that is precisely where most attacks take place. Imagine trying to fumble in a purse to try to find your pepper spray when a big, bad guy is on the attack! When the OC is in hand, all you need do is point and shoot.

For in the car, or at home, or even a pocket, a 2 oz cannister is a good size to have. This size gives you more distance and gets a lot more spray on your attacker. It also will not run out as quickly as a key ring unit, which is generally a half ounce. These are the two most practical units for the average person. 3 and 4 ounce units are also good for car or home.

Pepper spray can be purchased in a cone spray, splatter stream, or foam. Each is effective and has it's strong points. Cone spray soaks the attacker's face and causes instant respiratory difficulties, blindness, and choking. However you have less range, and it can blow back in your face fairly easy with a breeze.

Splatter stream gives you much more distance but requires a little more accuracy and may have less effect on the respiratory tract, but also will not blow back so easy.

Foam expands up to 600% on the attacker's face, blocking vision and causing him to try to wipe it off and grinding into his own face. Foam does not have cross contamination, and does not blow back unless in a very strong wind. However, it has almost no respiratory effects, and unless you move away your attacker might try to throw some at you.

For most people I would recommend cone or splatter stream as they have the most effect on an attacker and give you some distance, especially splatter stream. There are also fog units that really blast a lot of spray and are good for several attackers but because of the volume that comes out they will not spray for long.

Hopefully this article will give you a basic knowledge of OC pepper spray and it's effectiveness. Nothing wraps you in armour, but OC can give you an edge and peace of mind.

Stephen G. Virnich has been selling chemical defense sprays for over 30 years. His interests include martial arts and self defense and he believes although not everyone can or will carry a gun, everyone should have means to defend themselves.

You can check out our website at http://www.safeselfsecurity.com and see what types of personal protection products are available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_G._Virnich
http://EzineArticles.com/?Chemical-Sprays-For-Self-Defense&id=3014044

August 31, 2010

Learn How to Refuse to Be a Victim by Using Self Defense Products

Learn How to Refuse to Be a Victim by Using Self Defense Products By Ken Potter

In today's world, it is important to learn how to refuse to be a victim by using self defense products. According to research and statistics by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, as of 2006 there is a murder committed every thirty one minutes, a forcible rape every six minutes and a robbery every one minute somewhere in the United States. This is alarming and should wake everyone up to the fact that no matter who you are or where you live it is necessary to protect yourself somehow.

There are many personal protection products that can help you if faced with an attacker. The best steps to take are to have a combination of items to ensure your personal safety. This way you are prepared no matter what. Having an electronic pocket whistle or personal alarm will bring attention to the situation if you are being threatened. This will often cause a potential attacker to flee the scene rather than continue an attack. It will also alert others that you are in need of assistance. People who sound an alarm receive fewer injuries, are found quicker and emergency personnel are able to assist them in a more timely manner.

A personal alarm or whistle is the first line of defense. They are beneficial because you do not need to blow into it with your mouth, which may be near impossible when under attack. You simply need to press a button and a loud sound will be emitted. They are often small enough to fit on a key chain or belt loop, which means they are accessible when needed. You can also get larger alarms that also include a flashlight and can double as a doorjamb when at home. These multipurpose alarms are excellent gifts for those loved ones who live alone, must walk alone to and from work or school or anyone that you want to feel safer in their lives.

Another wise investment when putting together a personal protection kit is to have pepper spray. This is a non-lethal way to stop any attacker. Pepper spray will cause your attacker to immediately and involuntarily close their eyes, have a burning sensation in the eyes and on skin, and have temporary blindness, which will allow you the time needed to get away. Some sprays also have dye so that the perpetrator can easily be identified even if they are able to flee the scene before police arrive. It is available in different sizes and shapes to suit anyone's needs. Containers as small as a ring or lip stick tube, keychain or canisters that attach to your belt, purse strap or easily fit into a handbag or back pack.

TASER guns and stun guns are becoming increasingly popular items to include in personal protection kits because they give the potential victim control over the situation and a non-lethal way to fight back. Each allowing you to debilitate an attacker by an electrical charge surging through their body, allowing you time to escape and find help.

One of the greatest things you can give yourself and your family is peace of mind and safety. Preparing for an emergency or an attack before you are faced with one can be the difference between life and death, between being a victim and refusing to be one. Having self defense products and knowing how to use them can help you ensure that you are not a victim.

Make sure to pick up your pepper spray and self defense products today.

Ken and Marie Potter are the founders and owners of Protect Your Home and Family and Eyes Undetected where you can buy self defense products and security cameras to protect your home and family. On these sites you will find a variety of personal protection products, including pepper sprays, a variety of stun guns, kubotans, telescopic stun batons, college safety products, cell phone stun guns, wireless security systems, surveillance cameras and many other self defense and personal protection products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Potter
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August 30, 2010

Simple Facts About Pepper Spray (And How it Could Save Your Life!)

Simple Facts About Pepper Spray (And How it Could Save Your Life!) By David Parietti

Out of all the non-lethal personal-protection products, pepper spray is the most affordable and one of the easiest to conceal. Law enforcement has been using pepper spray since the late 1980's. In addition, letter carriers for the United States Postal Office carry defense sprays to repel dog attacks.

When attacked, it is imperative that the defense spray be directed at the assailant's face. This will have four primary affects on him.

First, their eyes will be forced shut, with the spray's chemical reaction inducing temporary blindness by dilating the eye capillaries. Imagine the stinging sensation of shampoo in your eye, but magnify it by one-hundred. The attacker's eyes will remain bloodshot for nearly an hour afterwards.

Secondly, the attacker's respiratory system will experience sudden inflammation. Their mucous membranes will swell giving them no additional air, save for live support. Their throat will partially close, blocking the airway to a degree. This loss of air will incapacitate them and they will not be able to continue any attack or strenuous physical action. This can last up to forty-five minutes, along with extreme bouts of coughing, gagging, and gasping for air.

Any of the attacker's skin that has made contact with the pepper spray will instantly become irritated and inflamed, in addition to them feeling that their skin is burning.

Physical and muscle coordination for the assailant will also become impaired, due to their abrupt loss of vision. This will give you the chance to run away and contact the authorities. Never hang around for a second longer than you need to!

In approximately forty-five minutes, the affects of the pepper spray will wear off the attacker, but he still won't get off scott-free. Most pepper sprays today contain an identifying vegetable dye that will remain on the assailant's skin for at least a week.

Many people confuse pepper spray with mace and tear gas. First off, Mace is a brand name and technically classified as a form of tear gas. Mace may not bring down an attacker who has a lower pain tolerance, altered by drugs and alcohol. The affects of pepper spray are instantaneous to anyone no matter what their condition. The affects of Mace are not.

If your assailant is in an extreme fit of rage, on a drug like PCP, or has reached the point of insanity, and has basically entered any other such condition where pain can no longer be felt or is dulled - tear gas and Mace is not guaranteed to stop them. Pepper spray will. The affects of pepper spray are longer lasting to the attacker and the identifying vegetable dye will remain on him for some time.

Currently, most pepper sprays have an expiration date somewhere on the canister. The spray itself won't evaporate and will last indefinitely, however, after some time it will begin to become less potent. In time the aerosol may also leak as well, affecting the spray range. The rule of thumb is that you should not keep your pepper spray for longer than two years, at most. It is far better to buy a replacement and have the peace-of-mind that your pepper spray is as potent as can be, than risk being at a disadvantage later on.

It is crucial that you test the pepper spray and become familiar with using it. To do so, you should go outside to a safe place and, with after determining which way the wind is blowing (you certainly don't want to be on the receiving end of the spray yourself) and spray for about half-a-second. This should be done once the product is purchased and once every three months thereafter. Also, practice with turning the safety release, so your motion is slick and fluid, should you be thrust into a dangerous, life-threatening situation.

Not only is it imperative that you familiarize yourself with the act of using the pepper spray, but it is equally important to mentally run through a potential situation in which you may need to use the pepper spray. Your mindset at the moment of attack is the first and greatest line of defense you will have against an assailant!

You should always carry your pepper spray on you, whether it's night or day. A common misconception is that criminals only work the nightshift and lunge from the shadows. This is not true; as much crime, if not more, happens in the day. You never know when an assailant will attack; therefore you should never risk not having your pepper spray on you. It's an old saying, but its true: 'better to be safe than to be sorry'. Don't risk it!

Never show anyone that you have the pepper spray until you're going to use it and the assailant has no chance to react. Never warn the assailant that you have pepper spray, or threaten that you will spray him. Like poker, never show you hand until the last moment. A one second burst will be enough to bring down even the largest, most imposing criminal - so long as the burst hits his face! The range of a ½ oz canister will reach 6-8 feet while a 2 oz canister will range between 10-15 feet. Keep in mind that most attacks are up-close and personal, which usually means the assailant will be 2-3 feet away from you at the moment of attack.

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August 29, 2010

How to Stay Safe and Options to Protect Yourself

By Mark I Nicholson

Here, in order of cost (from free on up), are some tips and suggestions for personal protection and self defense techniques.

1. Stay alert and notice your environment. Always! You don't have to buy anything in order to do this, so there's no excuse not to pay attention to your surroundings. Walk with confidence and strength, which both tell a would-be mugger that you're NOT an easy target. Even in the wild, animals stalk the weakest and slowest of the heard. Carrying yourself with a strong purpose can be your first step in avoiding a confrontation.

2. Listen to your gut / instincts / 6th sense. Too many people say they "had a bad feeling" before being mugged or held up. If you feel like something is wrong, then do something about it! Don't walk out to your car if its pitch black and you have an awkward feeling. Ask for help or call someone and let them know your location, the situation, and then figure out a better course of action.

3. Since you've read number 1, and you're already aware of the situation, then it's time to do something about it. If you notice something strange or out of place (someone walking directly towards you and there's nobody else around OR a team of two staged next to your vehicle), run or try to get to safety. Again, call for help and remove yourself from harms way.

4. If you simply can NOT remove yourself from the situation, then you might be faced with a close confrontation. This is where self defense products can help. You've already done everything you can to avoid the situation, but you can't get away and the potential threat is enclosing on your space.

Note: If the assailant is armed with a gun, then its likely best to comply with their requests and try to remove yourself from the situation as fast as possible (give them your money, keys, or whatever it is they want) and get out of there!

5. At this point you should be preparing yourself for defense.
Note: You'll have to choose your item of self defense based upon what you feel comfortable with combined with your budget.

The most economical option is generally mace or pepper spray. Simply having this ready in hand might change an attackers mind. If not, the idea would be to use it and run.

Pros: easy to carry, inexpensive, if sprayed in the eyes can temporarily blind an attacker and allow you to get away
Cons: while some have a 3-6 feet range, strong winds can quickly alter the effectiveness of this product if your not close enough to the attacker

Some people ask what kind or type of pepper spray? They all work. Most importantly get one that you'll carry with you and can have available when needed. Consider one to carry (a keychain style) and one for your vehicle and/or home.

6. Stun guns would be the next price level of protection, and offer the ability to electrically "stun" an attacker, although direct contact is needed in order to use such a device.

Pros: easy to use and carry, intimidating when tested in front of someone (the electrical flash is loud and bright, similar to lightning), can disable a person long enough for you to get away
Cons: must be used in direct contact (you must touch the prongs to an attacker), battery powered means you will need to recharge or replace batteries at some point

7. The best form of protection we can recommend is the TASER, since it can be used at a distance (or in direct contact) and it immobilizes the attacker. It actually shoots out two electrical probes that are attached to wires which then deliver an electrical pulse. Police units have also started adopting these as an alternate non-lethal form of defense.

Pros: keeps you at a safe distance from the attacker, not largely effected by the wind, small and effective, can still be used as a stun gun on a second attacker or if you miss your primary target
Cons: cost, you might miss your target (backup requires contacting the person)

Remember: stay alert, remove yourself from the threat, and if you can't run to safety, then prepare your defenses!

Mark Nicholson
Elite Asset Protection - protecting what matters
http://www.eaprotection.com/self-defense.aspx

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http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Stay-Safe-and-Options-to-Protect-Yourself&id=2965464

August 26, 2010

How Pepper Spray Can Protect You - Ways it Delivers

By Joy Fender

With the success of pepper spray in serving as a useful gadget for self protection, a lot of people have bought this product without actually understanding how it works. Learning how this spray can protect you can help you make the most of its benefits.

A pepper spray is composed of a chemical substance that can effectively irritate eye and nasal tissues to the extreme. Its primary component is capsaicin, extracted from various plant family of peppers. Having the hot, burning capacity of chili peppers, a direct spray can cause tears, pain and temporary blindness. Although toxic enough to cause extreme physical pain, a pepper spray is not poisonous and will not kill living beings. This feature makes it a favored gadget by police authorities in controlling riots and wild animals. With proper training on its use, you can easily keep one for your personal protection.

A typical pepper spray assumes the appearance of a canister. It comes in a convenient size that it can easily be kept inside your pocket or purse. Light in weight and portable, this spray can conveniently be tucked away hidden in your bag ready for use whenever you get threatened by an aggressor. In the course of time, several creative versions have been manufactured that are equally functional. Rings that can be worn on your finger, concealing a pepper spray underneath has become one of the favorite types. There are those that can be used with a paintball gun, serving as pepper spray projectiles when shot.

A flashlight version for this spray is another desirable development. This is especially helpful for women and elders who usually find it difficult to move in the dark. This device is likewise appreciated by the police department who needs to utilize this in their nightly inspection. A laser can be additionally installed as another deterrent to the attackers who may assume that it could be a laser gun.

Another laudable explanation on how pepper spray can protect you is that it can safely be used against animals. You can easily avoid being attacked by a vicious dog or a wild bear by spraying on them. This will distract them effectively enough that you will have time to run away.

The key chain pepper spray is manufactured to provide instant access to the protective gadget during times of emergency. This spray can be hung around your belt or right outside your purse within easy reach. The keychain version also saves you from the usual fault of leaving the spray behind when you get too preoccupied. Attached to the keys, it becomes one of the necessary things you will definitely bring.

Women can now get a lipstick pepper spray as an unassuming, inconspicuous useful tool for self defense.

Your right to personal safety is now being compromised with the unstoppable changes in the social environment. However, you can now actively secure yourself in order to keep feeling confident and safe everywhere you wish to go. Getting yourself one good pepper spray and learning how this spray can protect you may be the best solution.

If you are interested in defending yourself if attacked and want more information on nonlethal self defense weapons check out http://www.safetyprotectiontechnology.com where they will help you choose the most appropriate for you.

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