Surveillance cameras are one of the most effective tools for safety and security today and you can use it both at home and the workplace. With a surveillance camera, you’ll have an extra pair of eyes that allows you to see things even when you’re not physically present.

Types of Surveillance Cameras
The first thing you have to decide on is the type of surveillance camera you’d need. You’re probably familiar with regular surveillance cameras. They look just like an ordinary camera does and you usually them mounted on the wall or from the ceiling. But these aren’t the only type of surveillance camera available.

Dummy Surveillance Cameras
These only look like but don’t work as actual surveillance cameras. People mainly purchase these devices as a deterrent. If placed in a conspicuous area, its presence can help prevent vandalism, theft, and other criminal activities. It can also act as a decoy. Criminals who are lulled into thinking they’ve destroyed the surveillance cameras in the area might not realize that actual surveillance cameras are still at work.

Covert Surveillance Cameras
These are the exact opposite of dummy surveillance cameras. Firstly, their appearance belies their purpose. They do not have the conventional appearance of a surveillance camera and may look like any ordinary object found in your place. They can just as easily be a potted plant, a stuffed animal, or an alarm clock. Regardless of their appearance, all of them do work like surveillance cameras do.

These cameras may be more expensive than dummy surveillance cameras but they are reasonably priced. They are best used when you are hoping to apprehend an individual in the act of performing a certain activity. They are also best placed in areas where they draw the least notice but at the same time able to capture the entire area in view.

Wireless versus Wired
Surveillance cameras may or may not come with wires. A wireless surveillance camera offers greater flexibility as you need not worry about looking for a nearby source of power before installing it. They’re also ideal if you wish for a mobile system you can install and uninstall in ease. Wireless systems, however, cost more than wired systems.

Night Vision Security Cameras
Another thing you should consider is the light levels in the area you wish to secure. A surveillance camera capable of night vision viewing is necessary if the area under surveillance isn’t sufficiently lit.

Don’t make light of your decision. Even if it seems like a simple decision of buying the right type of surveillance camera, remember that your choice can make all the difference in saving your life later on.

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They look and feel like ordinary cell phones do, but they don’t work like them. They’re stun guns in disguise and they come with its own set of pros and cons.

How Cell Phone Stun Guns Work
Cell phone stun guns are hard to distinguish from actual mobile phones at first glance. They come with their own “fake” LCD screens and they even have their own keypads. But instead of being able to press SEND or dial 911, a cell phone stun gun gives you the upper hand over your attacker, allowing you to take the offense with the element of surprise in you side.

How to Choose a Cell Phone Stun Gun
Here are several factors to consider if you’re shopping around for a cell phone stun gun.

Power
Cell phone stun guns are able to release electrical charges ranging generally from 800,000 to 1,000,000 volts. Models with higher voltage capabilities will cost you more but they are also more effective for subduing your attacker.

Appearance
If you want the element of surprise to be firmly on your side then you need to look for the most realistic-looking model. Cell phone stun guns come in all shapes and sizes and you need to choose one that doesn’t just look like a mobile phone but also looks like the type of mobile phone that suits your personality or lifestyle. You need to purchase a model that people won’t give second glances at because it fits your image perfectly.

Safety
Cell phone stun guns are not only dangerous to would-be attackers but they can also be harmful to you due to negligent handling and lack of safety features. When shopping for a cell phone gun, remember to choose a model that comes with all the safety features necessary for preventing accidental discharge.

Value
Some cell phone stun guns don’t just work as a self-defense weapon. They are also designed to work as flashlights, too. If you want value for your money then choose a model able to serve dual purposes. It’s much more inconspicuous this way, too, as others would be more inclined to think you’re only using a mobile phone with flashlight capabilities.

Battery and Charging
Consider the type of battery used and how long batteries of that type lasts. Is it rechargeable and if it is, what’s the method of recharging? You need to consider these things as they can increase or decrease the level of safety your cell phone stun gun can afford you. after all, what good would a cell phone stun gun do if it’s ran out of power?

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Many women are encouraged to carry around mace or pepper spray with them for protection. Although you hope that you will never use it, you may simply need to have mace just in case you will need it. However, according to a spokesman for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the spray is only as effective as its user is wise. In other words, some people can indiscriminately spray the pepper spray into the air without a full understanding of what the impacts of the spray are, and what its effects are on people. When the wind turns in the wrong direction, the people who spray it are affected as well.

Pepper sprays are often called bear sprays since they can also keep away bears. Campers are sometimes advised to bring it, but camp rangers also recommend that making noise may be a less expensive, not to mention less dangerous form of prevention. Bears may often avoid humans because of the noise that humans make. However, pepper spray or not, it will never be advisable to approach a bear or put oneself at risk. Experts also warn people with pepper sprays never to take risks with bears simply because one has the spray to potentially protect oneself. Any approach by humans is seen by bears as aggression, and they will respond accordingly.

Moreover, bears will usually approach humans and other animals when they are looking for food. It is in these moments of foraging that humans and bears may be placed at their closest proximity, and it is these moments where people must be extra careful and exercise preventive measures. For instance, campers are cautioned to keep their camping spot free from trash and food in order to keep bears from wandering in. If a bear is found already going through food stores, ice chests, and other places where food is stored, campers are always advised never to approach the bear or try to save the food – food, after all, can be replaced.

As mentioned earlier, noise is a good way to keep out bears, and campers are advised to make noise whenever they go out of their tents or trailers. This can also be applicable especially where bears hide behind trees, waiting to get food. Bear spray may find its use in a sudden attack, or when a bear is suddenly in the area and the camper is unable to find anything in sight that may help him or her.

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image credits to ucumari

Children are every parent’s pride and joy. It would be devastating to lose your child and you can prevent this from happening with child guard monitors.

What Are Child Guard Monitors?
These electronic devices are safe for children to use and have with them all the time. They contain transmitters that lets the receiver knows when its user is near to straying past specified distance boundaries.

How to Choose the Right Child Guard Monitor

Design and Materials
This is the most important factor. Child guard monitors come in various guises but mostly, they’re designed to look like toys. Of course, not any toy would do for your child so it’s important for you to choose one he’d be willing to have with him at all times.

Check for resilience and durability as well. Children are naturally clumsy and it’s not unusual for them to accidentally drop or step on their toys. For maximum protection, look for a child guard monitor with a long-lasting or hard-wearing shell.

Size
The best child guard monitors are those small enough that your child can keep in his pocket but big enough for him to immediately notice if it’s lost or misplaced. Smaller child guard monitors are also acceptable but only they can double as bracelets or necklaces that children can wear.

Frequency and Range
Look for child guard monitors you can use both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, look for monitors capable of offering the greatest amount of coverage. This will help you track your child more easily if he ends up lost.

Adjustability
The best child guard monitors allow users to specify configurations. As such, you can adjust the coverage for the transmitter, depending on your needs and preferences. For some models, the volume of alarm can also be adjusted.

User-Friendliness
Child guard monitors shouldn’t be complicated, especially as you may be dealing with serious crisis anytime. Controls for distance or volume adjustments should be just as easy as turning the transmitter on or off. This is especially important if you wish for other companions of your child to make use of the device as well.

Power
Different types of batteries are used to power up child guard monitors. Models using long-lasting batteries are naturally preferable. Consider charging time if batteries used are rechargeable.

Reliability
The safety of your child will be compromised if your child guard monitor is faulty and unreliable. As such, consider buying only child guard monitors manufactured by reputable companies. The Better Business Bureau can help you find ideal manufacturers for these devices.

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image credits to dhammza

As more and more criminals get busted for being caught on camera, more and more home and business owners are putting greater trust in surveillance cameras. In fact, people find them so effective that they’ve gone so far as to installing dummy surveillance cameras, confident that their presence alone will work as a deterrent.

How Dummy Surveillance Cameras Work
Dummy surveillance cameras, strictly speaking, do not working. They are only used for show, and in some cases, their presence is indeed sufficient in discouraging unlawful and undesirable activities. Dummy surveillance cameras are cheaper than actual working cameras and given the right type and location, they can be quite effective in keeping a place safe and secure.

Advantages of Using a Dummy Surveillance Camera

It’s affordable.
As mentioned earlier on, dummy surveillance cameras cost less than actual working surveillance cameras, allowing home and business owners to maintain a cheaper security system with reasonable success.

It can be effective.
As long as people can’t get close enough to see the truth for themselves, their presence alone could deter wrongdoers from pushing through with their plans.

Disadvantages of Using a Dummy Surveillance Camera

It lulls people into having a false sense of security.
If your dummy security system has effectively deterred criminal activity for a certain period of time, it could get you to think that you’ve got a fail-proof security system on hand. It could make you forget that your system isn’t really working and that when it’s discovered for when it is then the area you wish to secure is immediately rendered defenseless.

It can be ineffective.
The wrong location and keen observation can easily lead a person to discover the truth about your dummy surveillance cameras. And when that does happen then wrongdoers who have found out the truth will know they probably do whatever they want and you won’t have the means to immediately stop them.

Tips for Setting up a Dummy Surveillance Camera System

Aim for authenticity.
Make it as realistic as possible. Don’t just buy any dummy surveillance camera. Choose the type of model people would immediately know you can afford and one that’s suitable for the area it’s supposed to secure.

Use strategic locations.
Place it where you’d normally position an actual surveillance camera. Make sure, however, it’s also placed where it won’t be of easy reach, far enough so that the truth about its function won’t be discovered.

Consider future needs.
Lastly, don’t forget to take into consideration the type of dummy surveillance camera you will need in case you wish to incorporate it with a working surveillance camera system.

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A personal alarm may be another excellent self-defense weapon to have with you at all times, but it’s only going to be effective if you understand how it works.

Two Types of Personal Alarms
Personal alarms are used to describe two very different kinds of devices. One type of personal alarm is a device that’s able to send a “notification” if the user needs help in any way. The second type of personal alarm provides self-defense in a more direct manner; if placed right next to an attacker’s ear, it can disorient him long enough for the victim to escape.

Monitored versus Non-Monitored Personal Alarms
Personal alarms that send notifications in cases of emergency may or may not be monitored.

A non-monitored alarm could be battery-operated or work simply like a whistle. When activated, the personal alarm will release a high-pitched sound. Lights may also start flashing from the device as the alarm works on connecting to an automated telephone system.

The telephone system contains a pre-recorded message containing information you’ve submitted. The pre-recorded message will then be played when the call to any of the dial preset numbers provided by the user is answered. The message may include your full name, exact and complete address or location, the type of aid or assistance required, and the number the responding emergency crew can later on contact to ensure that the personal alarm hasn’t been accidentally activated.

Non-monitored personal alarms usually have to do with limited range and as such offers reduced effectiveness in certain areas.

A monitored personal alarm, on the other hand, is connected to a specified phone number. A 24/7 monitoring center is also on hand to take the necessary action in cases of emergency. The response will be based on the terms and conditions that the user has agreed to.

Choosing the Right Personal Alarm
Now, if you’re looking for a self-defense weapon that you can use to temporarily but immediately incapacitate your attacker then you’ll need a different sort of personal alarm with you.

This type of personal alarm utilizes sound to shock attackers long enough for you to do what you can to flee or protect yourself. Your first consideration should be its effectiveness. Look for personal alarms capable of producing sounds over 130 decibels. Also, look for something small, inconspicuous, and user-friendly.

Personal alarms like these are either gas or battery-powered. Gas-powered personal alarms tend to last longer and are more powerful, but they can also be dangerous to use as they’re prone too burst if they’re exposed to excessive cold or heat. Battery-powered alarms, on the other hand, are generally more portable and safer.

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Although authorities have sworn to protect and serve the public, it wouldn’t hurt to implement additional solutions to keep our loved ones at home secure. One way of doing that is by installing a home security system.

Types of Protection
Choose a home security system capable of defending you from the types of threats you’re most worried about. Are you afraid of burglars breaking into your home the most? Are you worried about fire accidents? Are there other kinds of threats that you may be worrying about?

Monitored versus Non-Monitored
Although non-monitored security systems are more affordable, they also offer reduced protection. For maximum security, it’s better to invest in a monitored home security system. Better yet, sign up for round-the-clock monitoring. If something does happen, your case will be immediately reported to the authorities and you can rest assured that help is on its way.

Access and Control
Home security systems shouldn’t be rocket science. You should have at least two ways of accessing and controlling its system: first with the main control panel and secondly, with a portable device. The best systems are also password-protected, ensuring that only authorized figures are able to control it. Last but not the least, your security company must offer means for clients to access the system online and, preferably, view images caught by surveillance cameras.

Components
Make sure that the home security system you install at home monitors and secures every point of access.

Magnetic contacts should be provided for windows and doors. Anyone who attempts to open a window or door in your home will immediately trigger the alarm. Glass break sensors should be used together with magnetic contacts. If used together, burglars won’t be able to lift or break a window to get in.

Motion detectors should also be used as an added precaution. If there’s a chance that a wrongdoer’s able to get inside your home without being apprehended, motion detectors will, however, make it difficult for him to move around.

Security cameras must also be part of your home security system. Dummy surveillance cameras must be used in every part of the house to serve as decoy for covert cameras. Make sure the cameras are capable of recording night-vision images!

Backup batteries must be provided in cases of power blackouts.

Finally, and as a last resort, make sure there’s a panic button provided. If you’re aware of someone breaking into your home without triggering the alarm, a panic button will let you trigger the alarm yourself.

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A taser or stun gun can be a very powerful and effective self-defense weapon if used properly. It can temporarily disable an attacker and prevent bodily harm on the user. Unlike its predecessor, the pepper spray, the taser doesn’t contaminate the air and if used properly, doesn’t produce any discomfort on the user. Here are safe ways to use a taser in case of an emergency:

Learn how to wield the weapon.
It might look like some prop used in a Star Trek movie set but the taser is a real weapon. In fact, it is used by many law enforcers to control and prevent unruly criminals.

If you want to use the taser safely, know what it is and how it works. Find out what its stopping power is and any safety features. It comes with a user’s manual so use that as a reference.

Practice using it but avoid aiming at other people or animals. Use a stuffed pillow or anything that won’t be physically harmed during your rehearsal. The key here is to become familiar with your weapon. If you aren’t used to wielding it, you will be too nervous to use it properly when the need arises.

Know the maximum shooting distance.
A taser will only work if the needles or prongs come in contact with the attacker. Most tasers can work for up to 12 or 15 feet. However, safety experts say that the user should fire at an ideal distance of at least 5 feet – 7 feet max. The farther away the target is, the more difficult it will be for the user to hit the it.

Make a spark test.
Prior to carrying your taser, conduct a simple spark test. This will determine whether the gun is in working condition or not.

Know where to aim.
The best part of the body to aim at is the torso or any area from the hips to the lower part of the neck. This is where the effect of the taser will be experienced in full.

If all else fails.
Don’t always rely on the taser to get you out of a dangerous situation. Have a good plan B to protect yourself. The taser is a device that might malfunction so you need to have another way to escape or prevent any physical injury to yourself.

Make sure it’s legal.
As a final tip to use a taser safely, make sure that it’s legal to carry and use in the state or city where you are. Many unfortunate incidents have already occurred in the past regarding the taser, some of which involved the more experienced law enforcement. Remember that in the wrong hands, the taser can be a deadly weapon. Know how to use it properly and responsibly.

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