Archive for July, 2009

Flashing Safety Light: Keep Your Kid Safe This Halloween with a Reliable Safety Device

Halloween is probably one of the most memorable times of the year for every child in the U.S. and in many parts of the world.  It simply offers the best combination that fuels a child’s fantasy: spooky creatures that are fun to watch and wear, permission to scare other children and grown-ups, all the candy you can eat and of course, the best excuse to stay up late.  Unfortunately, Halloween has its own set of dangers for children.  For one, most activities occur at night, which means that kids expose themselves to the danger of not being visible to motorists.  Keep your children safe this Halloween with a practical safety device, the flashing safety light.

How it works
The flashing safety light is a strap-on device that kids can wear on their arm, wrist, belt, leg, ankle, backpack or any part of their clothing.  The light comes from a high-intensity LED lamp that emits strong flashes of light that can be seen from some distance away.  This safety device is also commonly worn by joggers, bikers and motorists to help keep them visible in low light or in a fog.  This helps minimize the possibility that they could be hit by any oncoming car and increase the chances that they could be seen by other pedestrians.

The flashing safety light is also an excellent alternative to an emergency beacon.  Most models are equipped with multiple light patterns that the user can change at a push of the button.  The flashes can vary depending on the child’s preference and is advantageous for allowing grownups to recognize them from a distance, especially in the dark.

The flashing safety light is also an excellent safety device to use during a Halloween romp because it comes with a reflective strap to increase the child’s visibility.  It is also flexible enough to be attached onto a bicycle, so in case the child decides to ride one during Halloween, he is still easy to spot.  When used this way, the flashing safety light is attached to a bracket that can be rotated for maximum visibility from different directions.

An advantage to the safety flashing light is that it is not cumbersome to wear – it’s lightweight and small enough to be unobtrusive to the child’s activities during Halloween.  Children also will not be embarrassed to wear it because they could change the color of the light to their liking by simply changing the protective lamp cover.  They can also play with the patterns that they are most comfortable with.

Halloween doesn’t really need to be a worrisome event for parents.  As long as children are well-informed, know their way around the neighborhood and travel in groups, there is no reason why they shouldn’t enjoy this annual party.  And yes, having a flashing safety light can help keep them safe, too.

Handcuffs: One Top Restraining Device

Handcuffs are a standard with the police force, although they are also becoming popular with people who want to use them for Halloween and other parties.  The design of handcuffs is such that the rings could be used to enclose the wrists and tightened so as to contain the person’s hands and arms.  They can only be unlocked with the use of a key, although older types of handcuffs could be unlocked using a pointed device.  Today’s handcuffs have improved over those that were in use just 5 or 10 years ago.  Regardless, handcuffs have remained as one of the top restraining devices for personal and law enforcement use.

What are handcuffs?
Handcuffs are ring-shaped restraints that are used to lock the wrists together or at least to keep them close in front of or behind the body.  Most handcuffs are made from metal, although there are models that have a slightly different design that are made from tough plastic.  These come in disposable strips that are commonly known as ‘plasticuffs’, which are now being used by many personnel in law enforcement.

The point of the handcuff is to control the movements of a person and prevent him from running away.  Since people need their hands and arms for balance and momentum, handcuffs limit their ability to run fast or to hit with more force.  They can also be used to restrain a person in one location.

Choosing the right handcuffs
There are certain designs and features that mark quality handcuffs.  These include:

Lockable
Handcuffs are designed to be unlocked by a key.  The best handcuffs are those that are not easily unlocked by other means.  Many of the handcuffs being sold today come with double locks for extra security.  This makes it difficult for the restrained person to easily open the cuffs and escape.

Ease of use
Another good feature to look for in handcuffs is the number of hinges.  Older types are two-hinged cuffs but there are models that are tri-hinged.  The extra hinge allows for easy lifting of the cuff over the wrist to enclose it.  Double-hinged cuffs generally require full opening of the ring in order for the wrist to be slipped in.  This can be especially helpful in case the person is resisting, allowing for easier enclosure of the wrists.

Material
Handcuffs are typically made of metal, usually plated with nickel or zinc.  The plating gives the cuff their shine and also provides a smooth, protective barrier for the skin on the wrists.

Safety device
Another feature that quality restraining devices such as handcuffs should have is the safety catch.  This is designed into the product to help prevent the cuffs from tightening too much around the person’s wrist.  Handcuffs that are too tight restrict the flow of blood, which could be a health concern on the individual being restrained.

Blowguns Are Not for Kids: So Why Does Your Kid Have One?

Blowguns are one of the few primitive types of weaponry that have made it to this century.  Efficient, simple and effective, blowguns are still used in many parts of the world as tools for hunting and self-defense.  But as simple as blowguns may look, they are, for all intents and purposes, still weapons.  No child should be playing with them, even if an adult is around to supervise.   Blowguns may look like fun toys to have but they are definitely not designed for kids.

Understanding the blowgun
A blowgun consists of two parts: a long, hollow tube and a projectile.  The hole in the tube is narrow enough so as to allow some sort of projectile or dart to be inserted and for air to be blown through.  The blowgun may be made with materials such as wood, bamboo, plastic or steel.  The projectile or dart may be made with the same materials or any combination of these.

Why kids and blowguns don’t mix
There are several reasons why blowguns are not for kids.  Here are just a few of them:

Younger children could hurt themselves or others
A blowgun is narrow and elongated while darts are sharp.  Kids, especially younger ones, are not really concerned for their safety or are just too trusting of themselves to actually consider a blowgun dangerous.  To them, it’s simply just a toy.  Children could easily harm themselves if they accidentally trip on the device or hit someone with it.

Projectiles could be swallowed
Darts come in a variety of sizes, majority of which are small enough for a young child to swallow accidentally.  A child could also hurt himself by attempting to fire the blowgun by inhaling with the other end of the blowgun still in his mouth and reversing the direction of the dart.

Furthermore, some dart varieties come with small parts that could be detached, chewed on and swallowed.  These parts could also cause choking.

The more accurate the blowgun, the more dangerous it is
Kids learn fast and it shouldn’t take them long to figure out the subtle adjustments they need to make in order to be able to fire accurately at a target.  In general, shorter blowguns are much more dangerous than longer blowguns because they are designed to be more accurate.

Shorter versions also do not require a lot of air to blow, so any child with enough air in his lungs could force it out and fire the projectile easily.  There could be some problematic consequences if it hits a person, an animal or another child.

It is illegal for a person younger than 18 to use or own a blowgun
Thinking of giving a child a blowgun as a gift?  Think again.  Your state does not allow it and in some parts, it’s illegal for even grownups to use, particularly if you live in Texas, Ohio, Florida, California and Massachusetts.  There is also an age requirement for its ownership and usage in states where it is allowed.

Using a Home Alarm System? Avoid Making These Mistakes and Keep Your Home Safe

Yes, it comes with a user guide and the technician who helped install it probably explained the details of its proper use and operation.  However, a home alarm system can still cause some confusion in many homeowners.  Confusion that can sometimes lead to unfortunate mistakes that render the system useless, cause damage to its most critical parts or even void its warranty.  Here’s how you can avoid making mistakes in using a home alarm system of your own:

Understand what you need in a home alarm system
Overestimating or underestimating your home’s security needs is probably the first mistake that people make in using a home alarm system.  Most people just simply decide they need a security system and then go out and buy one that: a) offer the cheapest deal;   b) seems simple enough to install and use or c) so advanced that it could keep out even the whole Ocean’s Eleven gang.

The key to ensuring that you get a home alarm system that not only keeps your home safe but also gives you value is to find out first what type of security needs you have.  Your security concerns are unique, so try to consider these issues first prior to purchase and usage.

Know what you’re buying
There is nothing more perplexing than a homeowner that expects more than what his system could give.  Home alarm systems come in different designs and configurations to fit a homeowner’s unique needs.  When using a home alarm system, learn about its features and functions and find out what it can and cannot do.  Do not expect your alarm to work at 20 feet if it can only detect intrusion from 10 feet away.  Determine its strengths and vulnerabilities so you have a better understanding how it works and how to use it.

Follow instructions
There are certain limitations to each home alarm system in terms of:

- choice of location for installation
- performance in relation to certain factors such as weather and general environment
- the homeowners themselves

Although the manufacturer will probably give you tips on how to install and run the home alarm system properly, you do have to follow the instructions it came with.

Recognize a malfunction if and when it occurs
Home alarm systems can and will malfunction, usually due to wear and tear.  Check your system periodically and have it maintained by an authorized technician to ensure that it works.  Remember that a malfunction can make your system vulnerable, so it pays to be observant.

Respect your agreement with the manufacturer or security company
Another common mistake to avoid when using a home alarm system is to perform your own repairs during the warranty period.  By tinkering with the device, you effectively void the warranty it came with.

Are Personal Alarms Really Effective?

Small, easy to conceal and can cause a racket when triggered.  No wonder personal alarms are one of the top selling self-defense gadgets in the market today.  Many people, particularly seniors, women and teens, prefer them because they are lightweight and easy to carry around.  They are also unobtrusive, particularly since many personal alarms are designed to mimic ordinary everyday objects.  But when you are staking your life on such a small device, questions inevitably arise: are personal alarms effective?  And how do they work to deter crime?

How personal alarms work
Personal alarms are designed to sound a loud alarm when switched on, usually with a button.  This button is usually referred to — appropriately enough — as the panic button.  The alarm is a high-decibel sound that’s meant to warn other people that someone needs help.  It can also be used to locate someone, such as a young child or an elderly, in case they get lost or need assistance.

Personal alarms are also the preferred choice for people who can’t fight back or can’t scream loud enough.

Are personal alarms effective?
Personal alarms emit a blaring noise that will only be shut off if the user pushes a button.  The noise can register at up to about 140 dB.  That’s a lot of noise if you consider that a train whistle only registers to about 90 dB.  Use this much noise against an attacker and you will cause panic or momentary confusion, giving you enough opportunity to fight back, bring them down, run away or alert someone that you are in imminent danger.

If the user is lost and need to be found, the personal alarm can be very effective in calling someone’s attention.  It’s also an excellent device to use to warn or alert other people during any kind of emergency.

Personal alarms can be very effective self-defense tools but they too, have their limitations and it’s important for users to recognize this so they know what to expect and are better prepared for certain situations when a personal alarm may not always work to their advantage.

While quite effective in deterring crime or a possible attack and in helping locate a lost loved one, the personal alarm may not always suffice in certain situations, such as when:

- The user is in an isolated area where no one else can hear the alarm and no one can come to the rescue.
- An assailant may forcibly take the alarm and turn it off, thereby rendering it useless.
- The alarm runs out of power.  This device needs fresh batteries in order to work.  In case the batteries die out when they’re needed most, the alarm will not be of any help.

In spite of its disadvantages, the personal alarm still has its own set of benefits.  The user simply has to understand what it can and cannot do so as to be able to maximize its use.

Ways How NOT to Use Folding Knives

Knives in one form or another are one of the earliest forms of manmade weapons.  As tools for self-defense, knives are considered handy, practical and with enough skill, quite effective to use.  Knives come in a variety of designs and styles and one of the most popular among self-defense enthusiasts is the folding knife.  It’s compact, lightweight and protects the user from accidental cuts when concealed in the clothing.  Unfortunately, having a folding knife does not automatically make one a self-defense expert.  Accidents can happen, particularly if the user is unskilled, inexperienced and doesn’t have a good understanding of how to utilize this tool.  Do not make the same mistakes that beginners do and learn how NOT to use a folding knife:

Do NOT keep the knife open when carrying or concealing it
The design of the folding knife is such that it conceals the blade and prevents the user from cutting himself.  When carrying the folding knife or concealing it in your purse or person, make sure that the blade is folded back to the sheath and that the lock is in place.  This will keep you secure and prevent any physical harm to you.

Do NOT show off the folding knife
The less your potential attacker knows, the better.  If you’re carrying around a folding knife, do not whip it out for no reason just to show off or perform a demo in front of your friends or co-workers.  This is probably fine for private parties but it’s best that not a lot of people know you have one.  That way, you have the element of surprise to your advantage.

Do NOT use the folding knife without practicing first
Even a Jedi had to learn to wield the light saber, so why not you with your folding knife?  With practice, you become familiar with your weapon.  The more you know how to wield it, the more confident you will be using it.

Do NOT use the folding knife without clipping the lock in place
The lock is meant to keep the blade from folding back into the sheath.  If you have to use the folding knife, make sure that it’s locked and stable.

Do NOT expose the folding knife to moisture
Some types of steel blades are vulnerable to corrosion when exposed repeatedly to moisture and/or air.  Clean it regularly and wipe any moisture off with a clean cloth.

Do NOT use the folding knife without knowing if it still works
Always keep your folding knife clean and try to inspect it periodically when not in use.  This will help prevent any corrosion that could occur, which could lead to tighter blades that won’t ’swing’.  Check the parts regularly to determine if they’re still working properly.  If you’ve been keeping a folding knife in a drawer somewhere for at least a year or two, inspect it for any damage before carrying it with you.  That way, you’ll know for sure that it will work in your defense.

How NOT to Use a Fake TV: Mistakes You Can Avoid

One of the most effective ways to deter a crime is by using a gadget that imitates the functions and behavior of the real thing.  One such example is the fake TV — a tool that many homeowners rely upon to prevent burglars from finding their homes attractive.  A fake TV is designed to imitate the lights of a real TV, complete with the flickering lights and constant changing of colors.  This makes it appear that a TV is turned on and that someone is at home, effectively discouraging a possible burglary.  But when you’re only faking it, you’re sometimes vulnerable to mistakes.  Here are tips on how NOT to use a fake TV so you can keep your home safe and secure:

Do NOT keep the lights on where the fake TV is
The fake TV has a built-in sensor that triggers a switch to turn on the device when the light is low.  The efficacy of this device rests on the eventuality that the sun will go down and it will get dark.  If the lights in the room remain to illuminate the area, the sensor will not work.

Do NOT locate the TV where it could be seen (and determined fake) by a person outside the house. The point of using a fake TV is to simulate human presence or occupancy in the home.  If someone from the outside sees that the light display is from a simple device, they will know for sure that no one is at home.

Determine a good location in the house, such as a second floor room or the den where the fake device cannot readily be seen.  The light coming from it is usually powerful enough to fill the whole room, much as a real TV would.  Better yet, check the effects from outside the home in the dark.  That way, you’ll see what an outsider would see.

Store the fake TV when not in use
If you’re at home and expect visitors, unplug the fake TV and store it in a cabinet.  You don’t want a friend or guest to discover that you’re using one of these.  While you could probably trust most of your visitors, it only takes a careless mention to someone else that you are indeed using a fake TV to make your home that much more vulnerable to a burglar.  If you’ll be home for long periods of time, keep the fake TV where no one else can see it.

NEVER tell anyone you’re using a fake TV
Other than family members, you should never, ever inform anyone that you’re using a fake TV.  There’s no telling how and when word could get around that your home may not always be occupied even if it looks as if it is.  There’s just no reason why you should announce to the world that you’re only faking it.

Throwing Stars: Mistakes to Avoid When Using One

The throwing star or shuriken is the quintessential ninja weapon.  Other than the katana or sword and the nun-chaku, the throwing star has become a part of popular culture, appearing in many illustrations and films featuring ninjas.  In the hands of a trained and experienced user, the throwing star can be a very effective weapon of self-defense.  But to many who are not familiar with this small yet efficient tool, misuse can lead to unnecessary physical harm.  Can’t wait to try your own set of shuriken?  Avoid common newbie mistakes and learn how NOT to use a throwing star:

Do NOT grip the throwing star in the palm of your hand
The throwing star is so named because it is shaped like a star.  Depending on the model, a star could have a minimum of 3 points to as many as 10 points.  Although a retailer will probably sell you a set with blunt blades, you are meant to sharpen them.  Only a sharp throwing star can hit its target.  Otherwise, it’s just as effective as throwing plastic saucers at an attacker.

Once the points have been sharpened, do not hold the throwing star in your hand.  If you grip it too tightly, the points could cut your palms.  The throwing star is meant to be held between two fingers — usually the index and middle fingers — and then thrown in the air at a target.

Do NOT use without knowing how
Just because you’ve seen how a throwing star is used on TV does not mean you can readily use it straight out of the box.  In most cases, you can’t.  To safely and effectively utilize a throwing star during an attack, it’s important that you practice the basic moves first.  Learn how to grip them correctly, twist or move your wrist so the angle of the throw changes.  Use the right amount of force depending on the distance.

Remember that throwing stars are meant to be nuisance weapons and can only stop an attacker momentarily.  If you can’t use them correctly, you will not be able to take advantage of their benefits.

Do NOT try advance moves without practicing the basics first
Be patient when learning to use the throwing star.  Learn the basic moves first and practice faithfully.  Once you’re comfortable with the throws and are hitting targets at least 80% of the time, only then should you attempt to use more advanced styles of using the shuriken.

Do NOT be careless when practicing with the throwing star
The throwing star is still a weapon.  Do NOT attempt to use it against an innocent person or animal for target practice.  It’s not only irresponsible, it’s also dangerous.  Furthermore, you will be breaking the law.

5 Tips on How to NOT Use a Pepper Spray

Can you make a mistake when using a pepper spray?  After all, it seems quite straightforward and instructions do come with every purchase.  But for the same reason that warnings of ‘Do not swallow’ are printed on labels of products such as shampoos, rubber slippers and toy trains, manufacturers of pepper sprays want you — the consumer — to know that there are indeed some strange ways your trusted can of pepper spray could turn against you.  Here are 5 ways on how to NOT use a pepper spray (and don’t say you weren’t warned):

Do NOT point the nozzle in your direction
This is akin to taking a gun and shooting your foot with it.  Pepper spray can sting — a LOT.  So much so that it even stops those tough police officers during training.  Have a good tactile memory of your weapon so you know exactly where the nozzle is facing when you whip it out to protect yourself.  Otherwise, you’ll risk becoming the butt of jokes at the office water cooler and during family reunions… for years to come.

Do NOT use on an attacker that’s more than 20 feet away
Most pepper sprays do not work at certain distances.  If the situation calls for you to spray, wait till an attacker is at a much closer range.  Otherwise, the air will simply disperse the spray and render it ineffective.  Spraying someone from a good distance away is like spraying someone who’s behind a glass partition — it simply won’t work and will only make you look silly.

Do NOT spray when the wind is blowing in your direction
The wind can be your friend but it can sometimes play tricks on you.  When using the pepper spray, try to be at the more advantageous spot and that’s with the wind on your back.

Do NOT use on yourself just to prove that it works
It does.  It really does.  Pepper sprays are formulated to register their stopping power in SHUs.  That’s short for Scoville Heat Units, which is the unit of measurement used to rate the level of pungency of the substance contained in certain types of pepper sprays.

Furthermore, what you’ll be up against is a substance that, although manipulated and manufacture by man, is made by Nature.  And you know what happens when man battles against Nature… Nature eventually wins.

Don’t be influenced by those grainy night-vision videos of episodes of ‘Cops’ that you saw on TV where some guy got sprayed but merely blinked off the irritant like it were raindrops on his cheeks.  For your own sake, do not believe everything you see on TV.  Pepper sprays are very irritating, so take our word for it and spray it on someone else, like that guy who’s about to rob you or give you a black eye.

Running out of pepper spray?  Don’t pry open your can
Whatever you do, do not attempt to open your pepper spray can.  It could explode or the substance could leak and cause irritation on your skin.  Don’t think you could save more by using your pepper spray to the last drop because you won’t.

Do You Know How to Use the Pepper Pen?

The pepper pen is an excellent self-defense gadget — handy enough to conceal in your pocket, light enough to carry and easy to use.  Unlike self-defense lessons, the pepper spray does not have a steep learning curve, so pretty much anyone with sufficient eye-hand coordination can use it for self-protection.  But is it safe to use?  And how effective is it?  If you’re planning to buy a pepper pen, make sure you know how to use it.  Here are tips to keep in mind:

Understand your tool
The pepper pen is a small self-defense gadget that looks like an ordinary pen.  This works as a camouflage, making the pepper pen easy to disguise and carry.  What makes it an effective weapon against attacks is that it contains an irritant called capsaicin.  Capsaicin works on the mucuous membranes, causing inflammation.  Because mucous membranes are affected, the spray causes coughing and difficulty breathing.

Since the substance also affects the eyes, it also leads to the production of tears, which is the body’s way to rid itself of the irritant.  As a result, the pepper pen spray can also cause temporary blindness in an attacker.

The key here is to understand that the pepper pen spray can and will affect the user as well, particularly if you make a mistake.  If you hold the pen in the wrong direction, it probably will not affect your attacker or at the very least, do little damage.  You could also harm yourself.

To use the pepper pen, be careful that you point the spray in the direction of the attacker.  Be mindful, too of wind direction particularly if you’re outdoors.  When using the pepper pen, be sure that the wind is behind you.

Know the effective range of the pepper pen
The pepper pen spray may not be effective at certain distances.  Depending on the spray, it may not, for example, be able to throw as effective a dose from 20 feet away.  Check the manufacturer’s instructions prior to purchase so you know its limitations.

Not all types of pepper pen sprays are considered safe
Be aware that there are certain formulations that are marketed as pepper spray that can cause physical harm not just to the attacker but also to the user.  This is because they are toxic and not safe for the environment.  Some have been criticized because they are known to cause permanent damage to tissues and even cancer while others have not been tested for safety.

When choosing the pepper pen to use, make sure to check thoroughly the component or formulation.  Currently the best choice is one that contains OC or oleoresin capsicum, a substance that is sourced from certain types of peppers.  It can cause major discomfort but is non-lethal.  It’s also safe for the environment.