Archive for the ‘Crime Awareness & Personal Safety’ Category
Spice Up Your Library
Tuesday, May 20th, 2008
We often search the web for important information and use our research to make life altering decisions. The web is a great resource and has fascinating and valuable information, the only downside is that most of the information though accurate is provided in order to sell a product.
So who can you trust when you don’t know what you don’t know? That is an excellent question. The key is finding an outside non biased expert. In other words the source is knowledgeable about the product, in this case Self Defense Sprays but is not selling the actual product.
There are a ton of websites offering info about the newest Self Defense Sprays and the new and improved products. Doug Lamb is a nationally recognized Self Defense expert.
The Facts About Defense Sprays is a unique booklet that offers information about:
his 32-page booklet reveals the secrets of:
• How to choose a defense spray
• How to carry it and conceal it
• How to effectively shoot it
• What to do about multiple assailants
• How to avoid date rape
• Using defense sprays against weapons
If knowing is half the battle then you are well on your way once you read this book. We live in uncertain times and as the economy and the future become less stable the criminal element will become less stable and perhaps even desperate. Reading the book will not protect you from being attacked but it might saving you from becoming a statistic.
Self-Defense: Don’t be an Easy Target
Monday, May 19th, 2008

It is important for everyone to learn self-defense. You never know when you could become a target. It really doesn’t matter who you are or how big you are. If predators want something from you, they will stop at nothing to get it, unless you surprise them and fight back. Most criminals don’t want any conflict. If you make it hard on them, they may decide it isn’t worth it and leave you alone.
So, what self-defense tips can you put to good use? These suggestions will give you an opportunity to escape.
* Use your thumbs: If you have access to the hands of an attacker, use your thumbs to press down as hard as you can on the fingernails just above the nail bed. Surprisingly, this really hurts. Your attacker will be shocked and in pain and will quickly pull away. This should give you an escape opportunity.
* Hit hard at the bridge of the nose: If you get the opportunity, drive the heel of your palm right into the bridge of your attacker’s nose. A hard enough hit can be fatal. Either way, the blinding pain will cause your assailant to take a step back to recover from the hit. Take advantage of the distraction and run. Yell “fire!” as you run to attract attention. People generally respond and pay more attention when someone yells “fire” instead of “help.”
* Push into a bite: A vicious attacker may bite you. Avoid your instinct to pull away. Instead, push the limb being bitten into the face of your attacker. Cover as much of your attacker’s nose and mouth as possible. The result will be smothering unless the bite is released.
* Knee or kick the groin: It doesn’t matter how strong or large your attacker is. If you get a chance, deliver a strong shot to the groin. Your assailant will instantly double over in agony and allow you a good opportunity to run away. Don’t assume this will only work for a male attacker either. Anyone who is hit hard in that area will be in excruciating pain long enough for you to start running.
Now you have some good techniques that will allow you time to get away. What else can you do to help your situation? Here are some suggestions that most people don’t think of when they are panicked:
* Yell fire: For most people, when trapped in a helpless situation, the instinct is to yell for help. The best way to attract attention and gain help is actually to yell “Fire!” It is a proven fact that the majority of people, especially in densely populated cities, ignore calls for help. People just don’t want to get involved. Yelling “fire” will attract more attention and get you the help you need. If nothing else, someone will call the fire department and the sirens will scare your attacker away. If you are told not to yell or scream, do it anyway. Most attackers will run rather than chance attention drawn to them. They don’t want witnesses.
* Anything can be a weapon: Be creative in your self defense. Smokers can burn the assailant with a lit cigarette, cigar or pipe. Keep your keys handy. A key between your index and middle fingers with the jagged side facing down is a great weapon for stabbing, gouging or scraping. Boots and heels can do a lot of bodily damage with a bit of force behind them. Drinks can temporarily blind someone. Heavy objects like, purses, bags of groceries, briefcases or laptops can knock an attacker off balance briefly.
* Become a moving target: If you do get away, run. If possible, weave as you are running. It is hard for an attacker to hit a moving target, especially when it isn’t going in a straight line.
We would all like to think that it will never happen to us. Odds are, if not you then someone you love will become the victim of an attacker. Everyone needs to learn basic self-defense and encourage others to do so as well.
Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
Tags: C2 Taser, crime avoidance, Crime Prevention, Home security, How to protect yourself from attack, Pepper spray, Personal Safety, Self Defense, Self Defense Products, self defense spray, Self Defense Tips, Stun Gun
How to Choose a Home Security System
Thursday, May 1st, 2008The need to feel safe in your own home is a growing concern in today’s society. It was not as big a concern even a decade ago, but the thought of someone breaking into your home is scary. We see too much evidence on television that the risk of having someone rob you is real. A home security system is a good investment, so how do you know which security system is right for your family? Here are some thoughts on choosing a home security system.

Available Choices
Many different types of security systems are available on the market today, including wire and wireless systems. Some systems have cameras and sensors. You can even have the choice of a security system being activated indoors alone or both indoors and outdoors. A lot of these options depend on how much money you are willing to spend and how much security you think your family really needs. You also have the option of having the security system installed by a professional or doing it yourself, which could save you a bundle of money if you know how to install it properly.
Wireless Systems
Wireless security systems are easy to install by yourself. People like them because some models work by remote control, so you do not have to actually touch the device to activate it. Wireless systems do cost more than hard-wired systems, so that is something you will need to keep in mind when choosing yours. Also think about whether or not you want a system that continually monitors your home through a monitoring agency. In this case you will have an automatic help message that is sent to both you and the agency in case of a break-in. This type of wireless system is tricky to install and usually requires a professional to do the work.
Camera or Motion Sensor Security Systems
Home security systems can work with a camera or a motion sensor. A camera system allows you to track various places inside and outside of your home, depending on where you install the cameras. Some cameras come with monitors, but you can purchase them separately. The camera records all action on tape, so you can play back what has been captured. A motion sensor can be placed on doors and windows and will sound an alarm if that spot is breached. As stated above, a camera or sensor system can tip off a phone call to a monitoring agency that will send help to you right away, if you prefer to go with this type of service.

The Pros and Cons of Self-Installation
There are pros and cons to installing a home security system yourself. You will typically save a bundle of money if you are able to do the installation yourself. If you do not know how to perform the installation correctly, then you might be better off getting the help of a professional. If you are able and choose to install a system yourself, then you have many more options of what type of system to buy than if you were to have someone come in and do the work for you. You are likely to find great deals on the Internet if you go the self-installation route. However, professional may give your family total peace of mind that they are fully protected from any break-ins because of their knowledge and experience with installation.
A home security system is a worthwhile investment for any family. The prices on these systems have come down over the past few years, making them more affordable. Knowing what kind of system you want and how much you want to spend helps you make a more informative and reasonable decision on purchasing one.
Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
Self Defense & Surveillance Shop
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
http://www.lanesurveillance.com
Tags: crime avoidance, Crime Prevention, Home safety, Home security, wireless home security system
Pepper spray as a self defense tool
Tuesday, April 29th, 2008Over the past weekend, there was a disturbing story released in the local media that an 18 year old woman was dragged into a men’s restroom in a college dormitory and raped by two men. One of the men restrained the woman while the other man raped.
The woman was visiting some friends and left their dorm room to go to the bathroom. She was gone for about 20 minutes, which her friends thought was odd…but didn’t bother to go look for her. The woman came back to the dorm room crying and told her friends what had happened.
Now, this particular incident happened in a dormatory of a very large university - The University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. This exact same type of crime could really happen at any college campus - large or small.
Unfortunetly, no one is truly safe. I know, it’s a really depressing thought, but wishing that something was true doesn’t really MAKE IT true. We can standby and watch as our friends and loved ones fall victim to these types of crimes or we can do something about it.
Obviously, this woman who was raped didn’t do anything wrong and certainly didn’t deserve to be raped and attacked. What if this woman had a small canister of pepper spray on her belt that she grabbed just as she was walking to the bathroom? Would she have been able to reach for it and use it quickly enough to spray it in her attacker’s face? Maybe or maybe not.
It sure would be nice to hear a story about how a rape attack was PREVENTED by someone who was prepared for the worst, instead of hearing about another innocent victim being attacked. That’s my two cents.
Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
Self Defense & Surveillance Shop
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
http://www.lanesurveillance.com
Tags: Crime Prevention, Gel Pepper Spray, Lipstick pepper spray, pepper foam, pepper gel, Pepper spray, Personal Safety, Self Defense Products, self defense spray, Self Defense Tips, wildfire pepper spray
The Pretender Cell Phone Delivers Shocking News
Sunday, April 27th, 2008

www.laneselfdefense.com/pretender-cellphone-stun-gun.htm
It is a dark stormy night and you are at a stop light waiting for the green signal so you can go forward. While you sit there in your car a stranger approaches, and knocks on the window. As a matter of reflex, you open the window enough to hear what the person wants. Before you know it, the attacker is forcing their way into the car.
Now imagine the same scenario except when you realize the person at the window means you harm, you pick up your cell phone and deliver the shock of a lifetime. You run the red light leaving your potential attacker on the ground and your life and vehicle in tact.
If you are like most people you want to get the most for your money and at the same time make sure, what you buy is the best quality available to you. Therefore, if you can buy one product that serves more than one purpose you have not only met your needs but feel that you have spent your money well.
In self-defense products, it is a protection for the user when the products are cleverly disguised as everyday gadgets that catch the attacker or potential attacker off guard.
A perfect example of this type of safety marketing is the Pretender Cell Phone Stun Gun; the Pretender looks and acts like a real cell phone. The difference between a regular cell phone and the Pretender is the Pretender delivers shocking news in the form of 950,000 volts.
A regular phone is often good for delivering shocking news, but when the Pretender delivers a high voltage shock; your attacker will be immobilized. Once you have shocked your attacker turned victim it is imperative that you flee the scene and get to safety. Since the powerful volts work on the neuromuscular system, they can keep the attacker immobilized for quite a while without fatally injuring them.
Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
Self Defense & Surveillance Shop
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
http://www.lanesurveillance.com
Tags: Pretender Cell Phone Stun Gun, Self Defense, Self Defense Products, Stun Gun, Stun Gun Cell Phone, Stun Gun disguised as a Cell Phone, Stun Guns
Protection from Attack: Keep Yourself Safe
Thursday, April 24th, 2008The law tells us that the use of force is justified when it is reasonably believed that it is necessary for self defense against another’s unlawful force. But, you cannot use any more force than is reasonably necessary under the circumstances.
What does this mean? Well, if someone punches you in the face, you are not justified to pull out a gun and shoot him. So, how do you stay safe and remain reasonably protected from being attacked?
Learn Personal Safety Methods:
* Learn to believe in yourself and nurture that belief. You will better trust your strength, wisdom and instincts. You will be more likely to do whatever you need to for self-protection. If you hear that little voice inside called intuition telling you something is wrong, chances are that you are right.
* Face facts. The world can be a dangerous place, and that danger can appear right in your own home or neighborhood. No one is immune to violence and attack.
* Be aware. Know what is happening in the world around you. The more informed and alert you are, the better your chances of protecting yourself from attack.
* Appear strong. Strength is exuded from confident individuals. If you look like you are sure of yourself and believe in yourself, you are much less likely to be targeted for an attack. Criminals, like wild animals, prey on the weaker of the species.
Be Smart:
Do you really think that fighting back is going to help you? When dealing with people who are edgy, wound up and possibly on drugs, mounting an attack will only anger and frustrate them, making them even more violent and dangerous. Defend yourself if necessary, but never instigate a physical altercation.
Don’t assume that you will be attacked only by strangers. The majority of attacks involve people who know each other in some way. Be calm and don’t lose your temper or your self control. Humor and speak calmly to your attacker, but don’t condescend. Do anything you can to reduce the tension of the situation: it may save your life.
Reduce your Risks:
* Know your surroundings and remain in well-lit and populated areas. Pay attention to potential hiding places for attackers.
* Don’t take short cuts through isolated areas.
* Avoid going out alone at night.
* Be sure people you know are aware of your typical schedule. If you have plans that are out of the ordinary, like a date, be sure someone knows when you are leaving and when you plan to return.
* Exude self-confidence in all of your actions. If someone is watching you, this will make them think you could be a problem target that they should avoid.
Learn Self Defense:
You can attend a law enforcement or community class, research the Internet or choose any other method to learn some defensive skills. Then practice those skills with someone. The more educated and aware you are of how to avoid and get away from criminals, the better off you will be.
Protection from an attack can be learned and applied by anyone. It isn’t the size or gender of the attacker that matters most. It is the self-confidence and self awareness of the would-be victim that determines the outcome of an attack. If you don’t set yourself up to be a victim, you have a much better chance of not becoming one.

www.laneselfdefense.com/lipstickpepperspray.htm
Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
http://www.lanesurveillance.com
Tags: Crime Prevention, How to protect yourself from attack, Lipstick pepper spray, Personal Safety, Self Defense, Self Defense Products, Self Defense Tips
Non-Lethal Self Defense: Consider the Consequences of Defense
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2008You are prepared to defend yourself, your family and those you love. So in a situation where any of those things are threatened, you’re prepared to do anything, right? Unfortunately, what happens after the event is over must also be considered.
In the midst of defending yourself, you don’t think hard about what the legal ramifications of self-defense might be. Fear and protective instincts put safety and survival as the first priority. When people attack you, they aren’t concerned about your life. Why be concerned about theirs? Because the simple fact of our society is that sometimes the justice system fails to deliver justice at all.
From the legal standpoint, lethal self-defense can be considered excessive force, even if your life was at stake. There is also the issue of what you are willing to live with morally after the fact. Protect your future while you protect yourself, and choose methods of non-lethal self-defense.
First and foremost, as you’ve heard many times before, the best self-defense is to avoid the situation altogether. Always pay attention, walk with purpose, and chose well-traveled areas. Keep trustworthy company. Don’t be a victim by putting yourself at risk. Moving on from that, if something does happen, make sure you are prepared.
Another reason, besides the legal ramifications, to chose non-lethal self-defense is accidents. When we react in fear, sometimes we may take actions that aren’t completely thought through. You may think someone is breaking into your home, but it could be a family member arriving home late. A loved one can recover from injuries, but a fatal gunshot is forever.
There are a variety of different non-lethal self defense weapons available for purchase, ranging from very mild to extremely powerful. Most options are fairly inexpensive and portable, and most of them easily concealed. They are completely legal and much safer than carrying a firearm.
Pepper spray has been around for many years and is still a popular choice because it is small, discrete and easy to carry in a purse. When sprayed in the eyes of an attacker, it temporarily blinds by causing trigger reactions. The eyes automatically close and begin to water. Other effects are runny nose and coughing. The full effect can be felt for up to 45 minutes, giving you time to escape. Take caution with pepper spray, though. Keep an eye on expiration dates and leaking, and make sure never to spray upwind.

www.laneselfdefense.com/peppergel.htm
Personal alarms create a loud noise that can discourage attackers and draw attention to you. These are the most useful if you are somewhere that others can come to your aid. Remember to be realistic and have another option if no one hears your alarm. Don’t depend on others to rush to your aid. Everyone loves a hero, but nobody like to put themselves in danger.

www.laneselfdefense.com/alarm.htm
Stun guns are also a popular option for non-lethal self defense. These electroshock weapons temporarily disable your attacker through the use of electric shock. A variety of jolt levels are available, from a fairly low charge in smaller flashlight-sized stun guns up to 300,000 volts or more. They administer the electric shock through direct contact. Some stun guns come disguised as cell phones, pens or flashlights.

www.laneselfdefense.com/hotshotstungun.htm
Tasers are also electroshock weapons. Media scrutiny has recently surrounded tasers after several high-profile incidents with law enforcement. While these officers may have used excessive force in those situations, when defending yourself against attack, that matters little. Tasers deliver a shock from a distance of several meters to subdue and temporarily disable your attacker. The shock is more powerful than a stun gun and does not require direct contact. Make sure you practice using your taser before you are in a negative situation. This goes with all self-defense weapons. You don’t want to waste any time when you need to protect yourself.

www.laneselfdefense.com/c2taser.htm
Don’t forget the practical options. Having a small and portable but heavy-duty flashlight allows you to see in the dark and makes a useful blunt object. A good crack on the head is an old-fashioned defense. Another is your cell phone. One of the best non-lethal defense weapons available is a call for help.
Stay Safe,
Steve Lane
http://www.laneselfdefense.com
http://www.lanesurveillance.com
Tags: Taser
Tags: C2 Taser, Electronic Pocket Whistle, Gel Pepper Spray, Personal Alarms, Stun Gun, Stun Guns, Stun Master Hot Shot, Stun Master Hot Shot Stun Gun, Taser, Tazer
