I just found an interesting quiz on U.S. crime facts and police work. Many of the answers stunned me. I won’t share them now, so that I won’t ruin the quiz for you. I recommend you take this quiz. It’s fun and enlightening at the same time.
http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/Humanities/US-Crime-Facts-51317.html
-Scott Hughes
by Scott Hughes
Guys, if you’re like me, you know that violent crime and victimization is very real. You know of the dangerousness of our times. You understand the importance of self-defense and preparedness. And, you worry about the women that are important to you.
Ladies, you have to not only take care of yourself, but also worry about the other women in your life. I hope the following helps you create a successful defense strategy.
Let me share 4 tools you want to make sure all the women you care about have to protect themselves:
1. Make sure every woman has a defense spray, such as pepper-spray or Mace. The usefulness of defense sprays should be obvious. Since defense-sprays are non-lethal and cause no permanent damage, they can be used without hesitation. Additionally, because of their particular defensiveness, defense sprays are permitted into most places, unlike more brutish weapons such as knives or guns. Defense sprays are definitely the defense weapon of choice. They are so safe and ideal for defense, that most people don’t even call them a weapon. You can ensure all-around defense spray protection with a multi-pack, such as the Pepper Shot Tri-Pack.
2. Make sure every woman has a personal alarm, a car alarm, and home alarm. Although it may seem redundant to have both a defense spray and a personal alarm, it isn’t. A personal alarm offers a completely different defensive tactic. Unlike just a defense spray, a personal alarm sends out a screeching alarm that is easily recognized as a call for help. Such an alarm not only will notify others around to get help, but the alarm can also force the assailant to abort the assault. Personal alarms are available here.
3. A dog can serve as a great defense tool. They say dogs are man’s best friend, but I also think dogs can be woman’s best friend as well. Dogs often can act as a simple preventive measure, because most assailants and burglars will be scared away by a dog. Assailants want easy targets; they have no reason to bother with difficult ones. The dog can help both at home and on walks. Often dogs can work more effectively than electronic alarms. Also, the presence of a loving dog offers comfort that an alone woman otherwise wouldn’t have. Even if you don’t have a dog at home, you can use the Electronic Dog Watch to mimic the presence of a dog.
4. Make sure every woman takes self-defense classes. I’m often shocked by the number of women who take non-defensive courses such as yoga and aerobics, but don’t take self-defense classes; especially since most of the health and fitness benefits also come with many self-defense and martial arts courses. A self-defense and safety class will teach the student both the physical techniques and the psychology of preventing and surviving dangerous situations. Use these guidelines for choosing a self-defense course.
Obviously, it is up to each person individually to prepare and handle their own defense in their own way. A successful defense strategy consists of more then 4 simple tools. A successful defense strategy includes a myriad of tools, and both an understanding and usage of those tools. For women, I hope you use these tools as the building blocks of a successful defense strategy. For men, make sure the women you care about have these tools to build a successful self-defense strategy.
Buy self-defense products such as pepper spray and stun guns at http://scottsafetyshop.com/ .
About The Author: Scott Hughes owns and manages ScottSafetyShop.com, an online self-defense and security store. Scott Hughes also manages a blog on safety, self-defense, and security at http://scottsafetyshop.com/blog/ .
You may republish this article so long as all links are kept intact and you include the “about the author” footer.
Ideally, a good self-defense program should reflect these philosophical points in its outlook:
1. No one asks for, causes, invites, or deserves to be assaulted. Women and men sometimes exercise poor judgment about safety behavior, but that does not make them responsible for the attack. Attackers are responsible for their attacks and their use of violence to overpower, control and abuse another human being.
2. Whatever a person’s decision in a given self-defense situation, whatever action she/he does or does not take, that person is not at fault. Someone’s decision to survive the best way she can must be respected. Self-defense classes should not be used as a judgment against a victim/survivor.
3. Good self-defense programs do not “tell” an individual what she “should” or “should not” do. A program should offer options, techniques, and a way of analyzing situations. A program may point out what USUALLY works best in MOST situations, but each situation is unique and the final decision rests with the person actually confronted by the situation.
4. Empowerment is the goal of a good self-defense program. The individual’s right to make decisions about her participation must be respected. Pressure should not be brought to bear in any way to get someone to participate in an activity if she’s hesitant or unwilling.
by Bill Thomas
I cannot take credit for the following idea, but since it is a great one, I wanted to pass it along. Most of the new cars are equipped with a panic alarm that will sound when pressed. When you come home at night instead of hanging the keys up on the key rack or some other place, put them on the stand next to your bed. If while you’re lying in bed some night, you hear someone trying to get in your door, or maybe you hear someone outside, push the panic alarm button, and odds are, you’ll scare the intruder away.
Most panic alarms work from a good distance and it should work from inside the house, but try it during the day to make sure that it will work from different parts of your house. Get in the habit of taking your keys to bed with you, or better yet, get an extra set and keep them near your bed. This idea is especially useful for people who live alone and for women.
Lastly, remember to always have your keys out when you’re walking to you car. Please share these ideas with others to help prevent crimes and perhaps save a life.
by Jill Steele © 2006, All Rights Reserved
You’ve lived here for years. You’ve never had any trouble. But one otherwise quiet night, you hear a strange noise. It sounds like the jiggling of a doorknob. Is someone breaking into your house? Are the kids still in bed? Where did you leave the phone? It’s three o’clock in the morning, and there is no one around to help. With no home alarm system, your mind starts racing a million miles a second trying to think of ways to keep your family safe and - at the same time - work out an escape route.
This is a situation all too many people find themselves in every year. The middle of a potentially life-threatening emergency with no security alarm system is no time to discover you need additional help. The best time to work those things through is right now when all is well. There are some simple ideas you can put into place right now that can help prevent break-ins at your home. Even if you have a home alarm system, these tips go a long way to give added safety.
Leave the Outside Lights On Every Night
Most people never turn on the outside lights unless they are leaving. While they believe turning outdoor lights on when they leave is a safety measure, they are only partially correct. Why? Because if the only time you turn the outdoor lights on is when you leave, you’re sending a glaring signal to burglars that says, “Hey! I’ve gone out for several hours tonight so help yourself. I’ll turn the lights off when I get back so you and your buddies will know not to come around.”
Turn your porch lights and other outdoor lights on *every* night, whether you’re leaving your home or not. This way, you accomplish two things. First, you shed light on dark areas that might otherwise help to camouflage burglars. Second, you take away the signal burglars are waiting to see that tells them you’re away from home. Alarm systems are fabulous for helping in times of emergency, but prevention is still the number-one cure for break-ins.
Un-Clutter Windows and Doorways
When you give burglars plenty of cover, they will likely take advantage of it. Tall bushes and shrubs that fully or partially cover windows make great hiding places. Burglars can easily squat behind a bush as they work on prying open a window for entry. Likewise, tall topiaries, statues or other objects that offer cover to burglars should be removed from around your doorways. Don’t provide anything that would give a robber a hiding place.
Make It Too Much Trouble
Most burglars are looking for an easy score. If they think entry will be too difficult or that there is a high risk of being caught (as is the case with security alarm systems), they will probably move on to another house. If you currently have a home alarm system, place the signs and window stickers in prominent places where they can be readily seen. This practice is frequently recommended by police departments because of its effectiveness. Motion detector lights are also good deterrents. Security pins for sliding doors and windows would definitely be too much trouble for your average burglar to fuss with. In addition, double-paned windows are extra trouble to break (and extra noisy!) giving burglars yet another reason to look elsewhere for a victim.
Another good idea is to survey your home and think like a burglar. If you were trying to break into your own house, how would you do it? What would you need to be successful? If you find easy ways to break into your home, chances are a burglar will, too. Make notes as you walk around your house and then take immediate action to stop trouble before it starts.
About The Author: Jill Steele works for Monitronics International, one of the largest and fastest growing security alarm system monitoring companies in the United States. Focused on quality and customer service, Monitronics home alarm systems offer protection against burglary, fire and medical emergencies. Visit them online today at http://www.monitronics.com.
Component #1 Survival Psychology
The need to feel safe and secure is ingrained in all of us. Many psychologists consider the fear of interpersonal violence to be a “universal human phobia.” The thought of becoming the victim of a criminal or violent act is disturbing. Unmanaged fear or a sense of helplessness can erode our health and the quality of our lives. Being safety conscious does not mean being fearful, paranoid, or afraid to leave your house. Quite the contrary, self-defense knowledge and skills build a sense of control essential to a sense of security and well-being.
Survival psychology consists of three broad areas:
1. Understanding and managing FEAR
2. Motivating yourself to be “RESPONSE-ABLE” for your personal safety through study and training, and…
3. Understanding the impact SELF ESTEEM has on emotional resilience, crisis performance and victim selection.
Component #2 Survival Intelligence
Your most powerful weapon is your brain. Understanding the dynamics of confrontations will have a big impact on your ability to recognize, avoid or respond effectively to violence.
Survival Intelligence is the cultivation of knowledge, intuition, awareness and assessment skills. Every violent situation is preceded by pre incident clues. Knowing how to recognize and respond to them is the essence of successful self-defense.
Component #3 Understanding Victim Selection
Psychologists showed a videotape to penitentiary inmates who were doing time for violent crimes. The tape depicted several people going about their day-to-day activities. The inmates were instructed to indicate which of the people on the tape they would select as victims.
The researchers were surprised at the consistency of the selections made. An analysis of the results identified common traits unique to those who were selected and those who were passed over.
Not everyone will become the victim of a violent crime. In fact, for everyone who is victimized, dozens more are evaluated and passed over. By understanding first of all that there is a selection process, as well as the criteria of a “desirable target”, you can influence that process.
People who are trained in self-defense are seldom confronted. Their awareness and skills (movement, posture, etc.) project unconscious signals to a predator that they are not an easy target. The predator looks elsewhere.
Component #4 Recognizing Predatory Behavior
There are no unique physical characteristics that separate people who victimize others from those who don’t. Usually, they look just like anyone else. However, behavior is another matter.
Most communication is non-verbal. We transmit much of our intent in the way that we communicate and behave.
There are essentially two types of “bad guys” to be aware of. The predator, who deliberately sets out to locate, select and attack a suitable victim and the ticking time bomb. The latter is emotionally unstable and prone to violent outbursts. Unlike the predator, who is more methodical in his approach, the time bomb will lash out at anyone who happens to get in his way.
By understanding predatory selection and attack methods, you are able to recognize and avoid them. This involves learning to detect and recognize behavior cues that identify a potential assailant before the selection process is complete.
Component #5 Response Option Theory
It is dangerous and negligent to imply that there is a single solution to ALL threatening situations. There is, in fact, a range of responses available to you. The situation and circumstances will dictate which of them is most appropriate.
When learning a response system, you must also consider the legal consequences of your actions. We all have the legal right to defend ourselves. However, at what point does an effort to defend yourself become excessive? How do we know how much force to use to defend ourselves? Any self-defense program should discuss your legal right to defend yourself, how to respond appropriately and how to justify your actions.
There are 5 categories of response options relevant to confrontational situations. They are: • Compliance
• Escape
• De-escalation
• Assertiveness
• Fighting Back
Which one is the most appropriate depends on the circumstances and nature of the confrontation. You should possess skills in each response category as well as the knowledge about when each is applicable.
Component #6 Prevention Tips
Prevention tips are simple, precautionary steps you can take to reduce the likelihood that you will become the victim of a crime. However, these lists of “do’s and don’ts” could number in the hundreds.
It is unlikely that you will remember them all. You don’t need to. By understanding the operative principles behind prevention tips, you can improvise safety tactics “on the fly”. Armed with this knowledge and your own common sense, you can incorporate those tips with which you feel comfortable and which are conducive to your lifestyle.
Component #7 Training Methods
Competence is the result of your physical conditioning, skill and attitude. Effective self-defense skills are the result of gradually and consistently incorporating safety habits into your life. For those who do take the time to enroll in a self-defense class, realize that without review and practice, 70% you learned will be forgotten.
There are many benefits to adopting the study and practice self-defense into your regimen. It can be used to improve fitness, to manage stress and to create safer habits that can reduce the potential of being accosted or attacked.
The most frequent questions I am asked by seminar candidates are: What can I do to follow-up the training I received? What can I do to feel more confident and build on my skills? That is the primary purpose of this web site.
Conclusion
In the future, I will provide more in-depth information within each of the seven components. I will include articles, recommend good books, and highlight resources to improve your self-defense knowledge and skills. If you have any feedback, suggestions or questions, please send me email. I’d like to hear from you.
In the meantime, be “response-able” and stay safe!
If you have any questions or comments please click on my name to email me:
Randy LaHaie
Protective Strategies
About The Author: Randy LaHaie is the owner of Protective Strategies, a training and consulting company providing personal safety training to individuals, high-risk professionals and law enforcement officers. He has an extensive self defense and use-of-force background spanning almost 30 years. The Protective Strategies Self Defense Resource Center is located at: http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com . Randy can be contacted by email at: Randy@protectivestrategies.com
By Tony Skerritt
The younger you start to train your child in home and personal security matters the easier it will all be. We have all seen on TV the security video of a kid being abducted by a stranger or doing other unsafe things that put themselves in serious danger. I am not trying to create a dangerous environment here by spreading doom and gloom and bad news. Please read this article in the manner it was intended, that is as a help tool. Read it and learn, then be aware of what is happening to your kids. Believe me, any effort to do this will be a lot easier than what you will go through if you do not exercise good basic common sense in this matter and train your kids on how to be smart with their safety. Train your kids on the following NOW.
1. The first thing to train them on is how to make a 911 call. Make sure they understand it is OK to do this and when they should do it. Many a like kid has save a parents life knowing how to do this.
2. Teach them the home emergency drills. How to get out of the house in a fire, what to do if a stranger is in the house etc. Do not frighten them with this. Just explain so they understand how to do it. Have them show you how they are going to do it so you know they can actually do it. Doing is a better learning tool that listening.
3. Children should be on the lookout for situations or actions that make them feel uncomfortable, rather than certain kinds of people. (”Stay away from strangers” is a popular warning used to prevent child abduction and exploitation, however, many children are harmed by “acquaintances.”). You need to teach them what a “stranger” is without teaching them that all strangers are dangerous. They are not by a very long way. Almost any stranger a kid walks up to if they are in trouble will help them. Only a very small percentage will be a problem and the problem ones will probably be.
4. If someone tries to take you somewhere, quickly get away f you can. Run and yell “Someone is trying to take me away!” Scream “No! No !No!”. Run to any other adult you can find and ask for help. Anyone is better than the person who is trying to take you. Run into the nearest house, shop or business. Do not knock or ask just run in and scream for help.
5. If someone follows you on foot or in a car, run to a “safe place.” A safe place is where there are other people around … the home of a neighbor or friend or a store; not a wooded area or unoccupied building.
6. Practice this with your kids and quiz them on it in a light way so they do not get upset. Just make sure they have it down and do not have to think about it.
7. If they get caught with a predator or other person who is intending to harm them then FIGHT. I personally taught my kids to go for the eyes and crotch and do it immediately they are caught. Any kid can poke an eye with a finger or use their knee if the opportunity arises. It is a very painful blow and will in all likely hood allow enough time for the kid to escape. This sounds bad, dangerous, hurtful, politically incorrect etc but do you really want to deal with the alternative. The damage done will repair itself in short time and your kid may have just saved their life.
8. Parents should always carry pictures of their children (taken within the last 6 months) and should take time every day to make a mental note regarding the clothing being worn by their children. Keep their vital stats up to date. i.e height, weight, scar’s, distinguishing marks etc.
9. Develop family check-in procedures so you always know where your child is, and your child knows where you are.
10. Learn the routes your kids use to get to school and back or friends homes. Take a walk with your kids over thee routes and point out any safety issues like alleys, drug houses, known perverts and criminals etc. You can go to the http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/ web site for listed sex offenders.
11. Help your child understand who or what a stranger is.
12. Keep a list of your children’s friends and their parents’ names and phone numbers.
What unique risks are associated with children? When a child is using your computer, normal safeguards and security practices may not be sufficient. Children present additional challenges because of their natural characteristics: innocence, curiosity, desire for independence, and fear of punishment. You need to consider these characteristics when determining how to protect your data and the child. You may think that because the child on the computer is only playing a game, or researching a term paper, or typing a homework assignment, he or she can’t cause any harm. But what if the child deletes a necessary program file? Or what if she unintentionally downloads a malicious web page that infects your computer with a virus? How do you know hwat he is doing when you are not in the room, what is he looking at, what sites is he visiting. These are just possible scenarios. Mistakes happen, but the child may not realize what she’s done or may not tell you what happened because she’s afraid of getting punished. Online predators present another significant threat, particularly to children. Because the nature of the internet is so anonymous, it is easy for people to misrepresent themselves and manipulate or trick other users (see Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for some examples). Adults often fall victim to these ploys, and children, who are usually much more open and trusting, are even easier targets. The threat is even greater if a child has access to email or instant messaging programs and/or visits chat rooms (see Using Instant Messaging and Chat Rooms Safely for more information). What can you do? 13. Be involved - Consider activities you can work on together, whether it be playing a game, researching a topic you had been talking about (e.g., family vacation spots, a particular hobby, a historical figure), or putting together a family newsletter. This will allow you to supervise your child’s online activities while teaching her good computer habits.
14. Keep your computer in an open area - If your computer is in a high-traffic area, you will be able to easily monitor the computer activity. Not only does this accessibility deter a child from doing something she knows she’s not allowed to do, it also gives you the opportunity to intervene if you notice a behavior that could have negative consequences.
15. Set rules and warn about dangers - Make sure your child knows the boundaries of what she is allowed to do on the computer. These boundaries should be appropriate for the child’s age, knowledge, and maturity, but they may include rules about how long she is allowed to be on the computer, what sites she is allowed to visit, what software programs she can use, and what tasks or activities she is allowed to do. You should also talk to children about the dangers of the internet so that they recognize suspicious behavior or activity. The goal isn’t to scare them, it’s to make them more aware.
16. Monitor computer activity - Be aware of what your child is doing on the computer, including which web sites she is visiting. If she is using email, instant messaging, or chat rooms, try to get a sense of who she is corresponding with and whether she actually knows them. Talk to them, teach them and get them to understand and do it in a manner that does not make the kid wrong or bad. Remember they have their own issues and problems they work over and stomping on their buttons only makes the kid pull away from you and stop listening. You need to be their friend on this.
17. Keep lines of communication open - Let your child know that she can approach you with any questions or concerns about behaviors or problems she may have encountered on the computer.
18. Consider partitioning your computer into separate accounts - Most operating systems (including Windows XP, Mac OS X, and Linux) give you the option of creating a different user account for each user. If you’re worried that your child may accidentally access, modify, and/or delete your files, you can give her a separate account and decrease the amount of access and number of privileges she has.
19. If you don’t have separate accounts, you need to be especially careful about your security settings. In addition to limiting functionality within your browser (see Evaluating Your Web Browser’s Security Settings for more information), avoid letting your browser remember passwords and other personal information (see Browsing Safely: Understanding Active Content and Cookies). Also, it is always important to keep your virus definitions up to date (see Understanding Anti-Virus Software).
20. Consider implementing parental controls - You may be able to set some parental controls within your browser. For example, Internet Explorer allows you to restrict or allow certain web sites to be viewed on your computer, and you can protect these settings with a password. To find those options, click Tools on your menu bar, select Internet Options…, choose the Content tab, and click the Enable… button under Content Advisor.
21. There are other resources you can use to control and/or monitor your child’s online activity. Some ISPs offer services designed to protect children online. Contact your ISP to see if any of these services are available. There are also special software programs you can install on your computer. Different programs offer different features and capabilities, so you can find one that best suits your needs. The following web sites offer lists of software, as well as other useful information about protecting children online.
22. GetNetWise - http://kids.getnetwise.org/ - Click Tools for Families to reach a page that allows you to search for software based on characteristics like what the tool does and what operating system you have on your computer.
23. Yahooligans! Parents’ Guide - http://yahooligans.yahoo.com/parents/ - Click Blocking and Filtering under Related Websites on the left sidebar to reach a list of software. We know your family’s safety is your top priority. The best way to make sure they stay safe is by talking about the points we’ve listed above. Make sure everyone in the family understands how important it is to follow the family safety guidelines. Again keep it light and non threatening. Scared kids will have you up all night with nightmares and this does not need to happen if done right. COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY. ALL PROBLEMS RESOLVE WITH COMMUNICATION, EVEN WITH KIDS.
Tony Skerritt is the owner of http://www.officialstolenlost.com, a web site to list stolen and lost property. He is a home and personal security expert.
by Anthony Neary
Government statistics reveal that 60% of burglaries on homes fitted with burglar alarms are unsuccessful, which proves that they can act as a useful deterrent in most cases. Burglars tend to search for less challenging targets than houses equipped with an alarm.
Choosing the right home security system can be overwhelming task, especially if you not acquainted with the basics. However, you’ll need to first check that the general security of your home is taken care of, and then consider the situation of your house and the crime statistics in your local area. A burglar alarm can either be a necessity or provide an additional safeguard and peace of mind, knowing that you have done your best to ensure the protection of your home and family.
How Much Security do I Need?
Security systems should be designed to give you a combination of parameter and interior protection which can include door and window sensors, glass break coverage, motion detectors, and fire protection. Based on the features of the property being protected, add-on protection can be installed to meet specific property needs.
If you are an inexperienced security system user, it may be valuable to consider your need for a security camera system.
Types of Systems
Hard Wire – Nowadays, security systems have become more important than ever before. Protecting assets and ensuring privacy has become of paramount importance for homeowners. Today’s technology offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to alarm systems, allowing everyone access to this basic form of protection.
Wireless - Wireless home security systems are gaining popularity, as people want to do away with complicated and confusing wiring operations. In these wireless systems, battery operated control panels use existing radio wave frequencies to allow for easier operation and maintenance of the alarm system. Moreover, these days, intruder alarms are being adapted to accommodate apartments as well as private homes.
Detection
Most alarm systems have at least two types of detection devices. The most commonly used ones are:-
Magnetic Contacts – Magnetic contacts consist of a magnet fitted to the opening part of a door or window and a switch fitted to the frame. When the two parts are separated (the door or window is opened), the alarm is activated.
Passive Infra-red Receivers - Commonly referred to as PIRs, Passive Infra-red Receivers are generally fitted into the corner of a room and look for changes in temperature, such as an intruder’s body heat.
Monitored Home Security Systems
Actual components and services usually vary in different companies, but here is an overview of the components and services you can expect to get from a home security system.
Command Stations: Various service providers refer to the command station by different names, e.g. Great Alarms calls it a “command station”, ADT refers to it as a “touchpad”, and Brinks calls it a “keypad”. From this command point, the system can be armed or disarmed, help can be summoned, and warnings can be given to others in the house by means of a device such as a whistle, horn, chime or similar item. You can also get more than one station or keypad installed, such as one in the living area and one in the bedroom.
Door & Window Sensors: In terms of functionality and ease of use, door and window sensors are simple devices, but when you purchase them one at a time, their cost can add up to a significant amount. Home security companies and other vendors earn their money by providing monthly monitoring services; these companies purchase items like these in bulk, and at wholesale prices that are much lower than the price offered to the general population. As such, it is often more sensible to purchase a package installation, as opposed to buying individual components, one at a time.
Motion Detectors: Motion detectors can be used to sense an intruder’s presence and activate alarms or summon help.
Remote Controls: In addition to the command station, keypad, or touchpad, many systems include a remote device which you may carry with you. These range from small units suitable to be carried on a keychain to larger units intended to be carried within your house.
Sensors: There are sensors available to detect fire, heat, moisture, carbon monoxide, breaking glass and flex.
Alarms & Other Warning Devices: The old familiar “alarm” has almost become a passé. You can get chimes, sirens, and even strobe lights to warn you of break-ins or other emergencies.
Security Cameras: Security cameras are not a standard inclusion in domestic security systems that belong to the average-price segment. They are, however, available as an add-on security option.
Alarm Company Vetting and Alarms Administration
There are some unscrupulous alarm companies, which may tell you they are police approved or that the police will respond automatically when the alarm is activated. Beware of such stories, and always check with your local police station and obtain at least three competitive quotations before investing in a home security system. If contacted by telephone, never disclose details of your security arrangements. Ensure that the installed alarm is fitted and maintained to British Standard specifications. The standards you should look for are: BS4737 for wired alarms and BS6799 for wireless alarms. Companies should offer a 24-hour service along with a guaranteed 4 hour response to emergency call-outs.
The most common of security systems is the traditional “bells only” system. When professionally fitted, these cost around £500 plus another £65 per year for a maintenance contract.
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) suggests that householders use a professional alarm installation company registered with a police recognised “alarm inspectorate.” Ask for your security company’s registration documents, and look for the following accreditation:
NSI (National Security Inspectorate)
NACOSS (National Approval Council for Security Systems)
ICON (an approval scheme run by NSI)
SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)
The association also suggests that householders only speak to installers that offer a free survey and written quotation without obligation, and turn away companies that try to shock them with stories or statistics about burglary. Burglaries are less common than most people think and violent attacks on people in their houses are extremely rare. You should consider reporting any companies that use shock tactics to your local police or trading standards.
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Anthony Neary works for The Safe Shop in Preston. The Safe Shop provides a wide range of Home Security Safes. For a selection of Fire Document Safes visit http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk/Categories/security_safes/ or for more info simply visit http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk
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by Norm Bettencourt
How you train is how you will respond and react in the real deal. Self-defense is about survival and nothing else. It is not about fighting fair, clean or being honorable. It’s about doing what you have to do to go home and see your loved ones once again. You don’t know how a thug is going to react when you connect your first blow to him so make sure you mean it when you attack. He could back off (flight) or become enraged (fight), plane and simple combat is about doing whatever needs to be done so you get out alive. Lie, con, manipulate so you can catch him off guard and administer a tactic. Release the idea from your mind the image of a “DIRTY FIGHTER” there is now such thing only a fighter who survived an attack. Free your mind of that idea could mean the difference between life and death, it will subconsciously hamper your actions. You have the right to protect yourself and kill when your life is in jeopardy. When in combative mode your thoughts and actions should be as vile, vicious and violent as possible. Thoughts of legal or moral consequences of your actions should not even cross or enter your mind. If they do it will subconsciously hold you back in giving 100% in your attack and that could mean your kids or loved ones not seeing you again. The importance of training realistically or condition stimulus training could mean the difference between life and death. Training the mind to be accustomed to stimuli that is violent and vile you mean not freezing in violent situations.
Here are some tips and dirty tricks
Remember your ” TRIGGER WORD” to give you the signal to attack.
| Norm Bettencourt is the creator of TACT Self Defense which specializes in combat management tactics for mind, body & spirit. |
Mace™ Motion Alert is a passive infrared system that detects motion in any selected area. Compact and attractive, it mounts easily (vertically or horizontally) near any entry area and is battery operated, eliminating any need for wiring. Unit can be coded with a personal security code and can be set to utilize a two-tone entry chime, instead of the alarm sound. Mounting screws and AC connector included. 9-volt battery not included.
Lock’n Alarm for metal sliding doors and windows. Provides additional lock security and alarm safety to sliding doors/windows even when left partially open. Vibration from an attempt to open door/window sounds high output 120 db alarm siren. Screw locking mechanism keeps window secure. Battery included. Off/On switch.
Mace™ Big Jammer is a strong 20 gauge steel adjustable door brace that installs easily under doorknob and provides added security for home or business. Adjusts to fit most hinged doors. End caps can be removed to allow for use on sliding glass doors as well. Clean, baked enamel finish makes it attractive for in-house use.
Magnetic Door/ Window Alarm uses magnetic affinity to initiate its 110-decibel siren. The base of the alarm is bolted to door or window frame, the actuator is connected to the window or door. The alarm is activated by opening the door or window. Great for any door or window, particularly those hard to protect sliding glass doors. Requires three lithium button cell batteries (included).
Mini Alert Alarm uses passive infrared technology to protect a room from intruders. Producing an infrared triangle, the Mini Alert creates an unseen barrier that is impossible to penetrate without setting off the alarm! Battery operated the Mini Alert needs no wiring and can be easily moved to a new location. Mounting bracket included. Requires three “AA” batteries.
Mace™ Window Alert is a 95-decibel glass breakage alarm that attaches to windows and set off by vibrations if someone tries to break through. Installs easily on any window. Solid, state-of-the-art design. Battery included.
Buy these items and more at Scott’s Safety Shop
www.ScottSafetyShop.com
by Robert T. Melaccio Sr.
We live in an age where security consultants get big bucks. Encryption, special software and all kinds of technological methods just to keep our personal data safe. However, have you ever heard about data being put out on the internet by mistake? Well if you haven’t your one of the very few. Do you really think your personal information is not out there for someone who knows how to get it? Here is an example. When we call our local bank to make a transaction, that call goes out over the technological highway and winds up many times somewhere outside this country. Many times in the area of the world we are most concerned about. The service person in that part of the world answwers the phone and says he is Mike or Joe but his real name is Rajah or something like that. This “Mike” ask us our address, phone number, bank account number, date of birth and other identifying questions to insure we are who we say we are. remeber, all the while he is not who he says he is. We assume all is well because they represent our bank. Companies will tell you they only ask for your last four numbers of your social security. I ask, how many are asked for and give the whole number? That aside, has anyone heard of a pencil and paper? Well, you say these people are bonded and insured and we can trust them. Hey, I have a bridge in N.Y.C. that you can get real cheap.
Here is another example. You go to a retail store and make a purchase. To pay, you write a check. They jot down your drivers license, address and phone number and place it right on the check. They even give your discription- height, weight, eye color, sounds great. They know they can’t ask for that phone number, but frankly they don’t care, they ask anyway. If you want to pay by check you have to give up the info. That check passes through any number of hands. The question is whose?
Go to a bank or any other financial institution and see if they don’t require your social security number and all the rest. I always tell them I just printed my new information off of the internet. It seems it is readily available to those who want it. How do I know? Have you ever been harassed by a collection agency? You say your not listed in the phone book and no one has your address but your bank. Where do you think they get it from? You got it- the bank, government and everyone else. Try getting medical help and you will also get the same line of questioning. It goes on and on. Yet, they warn us to guard our personal information! [Update-do you read the paper and do you hear about these “Data Bases”?]
Think your credit information is secure at a site somewhere in the U.S.A? What about that computer you financed? Who do you get on the phone when you call? Do they have an dialect and from where do you suppose they are? cetainly not here int he U.S.A. Oh they say they hire people of diverse ethic backgrounds. No problem with that, just where they are! Well anyoine can steal your information. Yes, that is true but why with all the terror concersn would we put it out for all to see and possibly get? You know they give you a phony name just because if they said the truth you would be concerned. They don’t give you their location or even employee number. Does that scare you? Well if you don’t give a damn you will once someone starts to call you for money you didn’t spend.
Yes, and sadly, the entire system is a farce. Your private information is not tucked secretly away. Those who want it and those who will use it for no good can get it! I will bet any number of illegal immigrants have all the I.D. they need to get around. If that was not true then why all the push to buy protection from I.D. theft? Once, your hooked by the crook guess who gets harassed and gets the nightmare. Your right - you, the poor honest slob!
So the next time your giving all that information out over the phone, or when they are writing it onto your check, say no and see what happens. You’ll be asked to leave and never complete your transaction. Yes, rest assured, your information is secure in your wallet, anywhere else it’s a crap shoot!
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2006 Robert Melaccio
by Jeffrey M. Miller
If you’ve ever seen or been a part of a conventional martial arts program, one of the things you may have noticed is the level of activity of the students according to rank. It seems like the white belts do little to get results - they have the simple techniques - while the upper levels do more and more. And, while this is in some ways normal and natural, it’s the way each level comes off the floor at the end of class that makes the difference.
In my experience with conventional martial arts training in several disciplines, the picture was always the same. At the end of a typical class, the white belts returned to the locker room practically rumple-free, while the black belts were sweat-soaked and sore. Now, this might be perfectly acceptable if all we were talking about was organized fitness classes, however; in the realm of self-protection and personal defense, there are several problems that should be considered.
To begin with, it’s difficult to imagine that a martial arts master or self-defense expert would be expending more energy than someone who is relatively untrained. After all, in the real world, it’s the “new guy” on the job who is working harder to get the job done. You would never see the professional, or the person with years of experience, working up a sweat. Even if a last-minute project came in with a short deadline, you can just picture the rookie running around trying to “do stuff,” while the seasoned, experienced worker says, “Stop.”“Here’s what we’re going to do.”“You do “steps 1 thru 3″ and I’ll do “steps 4 thru 7,…”
“…and we’ll still have time for two coffee breaks.”
The secret here is that the professional has been at his field for much longer and therefor developed better and more efficient ways to handle things. It’s only logical that he or she would be able to do more…
The secret here is that the professional has been at his field for much longer and therefor developed better and more efficient ways to handle things. It’s only logical that he or she would be able to do more……much more…
The secret here is that the professional has been at his field for much longer and therefor developed better and more efficient ways to handle things. It’s only logical that he or she would be able to do more……much more……without the same wear-and-tear that someone new to the job would. The question is,
…if this is true in everyday life, why is it backwards in the areas of martial arts and self-defense?
The truth is that, in a life-threatening situation, the key to winning involves the concept of “energy conservation.” That means that…
…the combatant with the greatest amount of energy or resources at the end, is the winner.
You just don’t have the benefit of taking the long road and complicating things with longer strings of techniques and tricks when your well-being is on the line. The key is in finding more and more ways to cut corners and lessen the time and effort necessary for escaping or controlling your opponent. This means keeping the defensive situation under ten seconds - under two or thee if possible - not two minutes as most martial artists are used to in the context of sparring and sport competition.
In the realms of personal protection, efficiency is the key. When training for self-defense, learn to look for ways to reduce the number of moves as you get better.
“How can you do more with less?, is the important question.
In the long run, learning to “fight smarter, not harder” should be more than a training idea.
It should be the serious student’s motto.
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Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and director of Warrior Concepts International. He regularly conducts seminars and training programs for individuals, corporations and groups on both principle-based self-protection and unleashing human potential. He is the author of the books “The Karate-Myth” and “Controlling the Fight,” as well as the videos “Danger Prevention Tactics” and “The Cutting-Edge: Surviving a Knife Attack.” He can be reached through his web site at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com
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