Posts Tagged ‘safety’

Rear View Mirror Camera Plus Audio For Safe Traveling

You can travel safely with a rear view mirror camera with audio. The camera can pick up happenings on the road behind you, which can be advantageous if you have limited vision.

Getting a rear view mirror camera with audio for your car can allow you to travel safely. You have to remember that you can meet accidents on the road, and anything can come at you from all directions. You might find yourself encountering people from the side, and frighteningly, from behind. You may have the ability to focus on the front of your vehicle, and, with some limitations, you can also see and act on anything that comes from the side. But how well can you monitor what is happening behind you so that you can act in time to save yourself, the vehicle, and the rest of the people in your car? What if you were driving a truck that had limited vision?

One good thing about some rear view mirror cameras is that they have audio capability. You can listen to what is going on in the road behind you, and you can anticipate coming cars that might come from behind carelessly, or even trucks that have a limited range of vision and will not be able to see you. There is another thing that you should look for when you get a rear view mirror camera with audio: you might need one that can rotate so that you can see the inside of your car. This can be useful if you have a big car with children in the backseat, and if there is anything precious or expensive the backseat that you need to watch.

If you are going to buy a rear view mirror camera, look for one that has reliable and clear audio. Often, poor audio will have a lot of static that can ruin the noise that you would like to hear; and poor audio could even create sounds that would alert you into hearing something that is not even there. You might also have the option of getting a rear view mirror camera that has recording capabilities. This will allow you to monitor what is happening in your backseat, and you can trace breakage or sources of fights, depending on whether you have baggage or children.

These are only a few things that a rear view mirror cam plus audio can give you while you are on the road. For more information on what a rear view mirror camera plus audio can do, as well as the best bargains on such combos, ask for more information from your camera retailer. Come up with a big selection of brands so that you can select the brand that fits your budget and needs best. You should be able to travel safely, and if a rear view mirror cam plus audio can help you, then you will need to invest in one today.

Top 10 Self Defense Tactics for Women

Far too often women are the victims of attack when they don’t need to be.  Learning a few self defense tactics can save the day.  Even just by reading this you are getting a little edge on your attacker.  It is doubtful he is at home reading “How to attack women.”

The most effective technique you can employ is not to get attacked at all.  You are most vulnerable when you are on the move, like going to your car.  Stay within sight of people as much as possible.  Your attacker wants you to be alone.  If you are being attacked, don’t let him force you into your car (throw your keys if you have too) or around the corner of the building.  Women will often notice that they are being targeted before an attack.  If so keep an object between you and him weather it is a car or bench or anything that could slow him down.  Just slowing him down might be enough to get him to leave as he only has a small window to work in.

If it appears the attack is imminent then you need to quickly review your options.  Is screaming or making noise going to help?  Often times it is pointless so it is time for a weapon.  Of the personal non-lethal options the stun gun is the most effective as in makes that intimidating crackling. You don’t have something like that?  It is time to improvise.  An ink pen or keys to the eye is devastating.  If you are grabbed from behind and you’re wearing heels you have a great weapon.  Even if the heel is ½ inch square on the bottom your 135 pound weight becomes 540 pounds with all your weight on it.  If the heels are ¼ inch it goes up to 2100 lbs.  Ouch!

You just used one of the 3 strongest part of or body to strike with.  The other two are you elbows and the ball of you palm.  Use them or go after his weakest targets.  You already got one but there is still the groin, harder to hit than it sounds, his trachea, and his face.  Eye gouging is great too.  If he gets his hands around your neck there is one defense move you need to know; turn your head toward your shoulder.  This will stop him from crushing your trachea. Also try to get control of his hands.  Just by holding his wrist you have severely limited what he can do.  He would find it hard to draw and use his weapon, you would limit his ability to hit you, and make it very hard to rape you.  Remember that time is on your side.  He has to work quickly or get caught and your screams will make this time seem like hours to him.

A short article is not a replacement for a good self defense class but it will give you a start and put you in the right mind set.  In the class you have an opportunity to apply what you learn.  Also, look into a non-lethal self defense device. A 135 pound woman armed with pepper spray and 500,000 volts is going to be able to take any man.  Both the stun gun can be the size of a marker.  Big things can come in little packages.

Self-Defense Benefits of Female Voice Changer

Homes may be our most sacred place, but burglars and other criminals won’t care about this. If they wish to invade the sanctity of your home, they’ll do so. The only way to deter them right from the start is to let them know – or at least think – that your home won’t be as easy a target as they think.

Outsmart Attackers with Female Voice Changer
Physically speaking, women may be the weaker sex. It’s why attackers of all kinds tend to prefer to attack homes with female members, especially if they happen to be alone. You can, however, outsmart them and make them think twice about attacking your home with a female voice changer.

Pretend that You Are Not Alone
Use the female voice changer to adapt different voices when answering the phone. This will make your attackers think that you are not alone in the house and have more than one person with you.

Fool Would-Be Stalkers
Women are more likely to be targeted by stalkers than men. The whys and how’s don’t matter. What you should be concerned about is preventing your stalkers from contacting you. If a stranger is calling you, use the female voice changer and convince them that they have the wrong number.

Discourage Prank Callers
Prank callers and other people who harass you through phone calls may also be discouraged from repeating such undesirable acts with your female voice changer. If you warn them off using your own voice, they might not take you seriously. But if you use a different voice and speak to them in a more threatening fashion, that could make them think twice about calling you again.

Remember to Be Consistent
The female voice changer will be more effective in keeping you safe if you remember to be consistent. If you use a particular voice with a particular person for a particular reason, remember to do the same if that person calls again.

Try creating a credible persona and schedule for the various voices you use with the female voice changer. A male adult who’s with you even during working hours should be someone who may be currently vacationing at your home and one who works at night.

Charge!
Finally, be sure that your female voice charger is fully charged or plugged to the socket. Your secret will be out if your female voice changer suddenly loses power and reveal your true voice. Don’t wait for that to happen!

Grab Bar Shower – A Must-Have Safety Device in the Bathroom

Providing grab bars for your showers are essential if you want everyone to have a safer time inside the bathroom.

Who Benefits from the Use of Grab Bars?
Originally, grab bars for showers are designed to provide stability and support for the disabled if and when they find themselves using the bathroom alone for any reason. Time, however, has proven that grab bars for showers may also be used to provide similar support for children. Grab bars can also save you from a painful and potentially serious injury if you find yourself sliding because of a slippery floor.

Types of Grab Bars for Showers
Choosing the right grab bar for your shower will depend not only on your preferences and needs but also on the dimensions of your shower or bathroom.

Straight Grab Bars
They’re the simplest to use and may be installed vertically or horizontally. Installing a pair of them, with one at each side of your shower or bath tub will give you all the support you need as you step out.

L-Shaped Grab Bars
These are best used in the inside corners of bathroom or shower walls and stalls. They provide better grip than straight grab bars.

Reversible Inside Corner Grab Bars
ADA guidelines require the use of reversible inside corner grab bars for showers or bathing areas that are accessible by wheelchair. Accidents of all sorts can happen when wheelchairs and water are mixed together, no matter how careful you may be. Grab bars, however, can help minimize your chances of getting injured.

U-Shaped Grab Bars
Roll-in showers are designed to allow individuals to be seated at shower chairs in a roll, rather than being transferred or carried to their seats. Such showers will benefit from the use of U-shaped grab bars.

Hinged or Folding Grab Bars for Toilet Rails
This type of grab bar can be folded out of the way when not in use and pulled out just as easily if you need additional support. Only one end of these grab bars are attached to the wall.

Bath Safety Grab Bars
Lastly, we have the bath safety grab bars. While their design may seem too fussy, they’re actually very innovative and utilizes locking and pivoting technology. Bath safety grab bars are reversible and versatile as they can be installed not only at your shower but the toilet area as well. They are water-resistant, may come with a bath board, and are remarkably easy to install.

No More Household Accidents with Bathtub Safety Grips

Statistic reports show that there are as many as 200,000 bathroom accidents per year, and this figure is equivalent to approximately 70% of all home accidents. A simple tumble might not be something to worry about in most cases, but it could lead to serious injury when children and the elderly are involved. Even healthy individuals in their peak can suffer serious harm with a simple slip if they end up hitting their head against the wall.

Why wait for any of these to come true when you can take preventive measures right now? With bathtub safety grips, you’ll be at ease knowing that you’ve given everyone a simple and thoroughly safe way to get in and out of the tub.

How to Take Maximum Advantage of Bathtub Safety Grips
As bathtub safety grips come in different sizes and forms, the tips below will help you find the perfect model for your home.

Quick and Easy Installation and Removal
This is a must for all users, whether you intend to use bathtub safety grips temporarily or permanently.

Look for bathroom safety grips that come with lockable and lever-controlled suction cups for installation. To set them up, all you need to do is find a smooth, even, and non-porous surface to attach them. They can be installed on horizontal and vertical surfaces so tiled walls of your bathroom or the sides of your bathtub are both adequate.

Pushing the lever down will attach them securely to the surface while releasing the lever will immediately disengage them. Because of their quick and easy installation, they can be brought wherever you go and installed wherever you’re staying.

Avoid purchasing shower or bathtub safety grips that require you to screw them into position. Such grips won’t be good for traveling since you risk damaging rented or leased property.

Effective and Durable Use
Consider the dimensions of bathroom safety grips. Will they easily and snugly fit the hands of your children and other people at home? Consider the maximum weight it can bear as well. The sturdiest models are built for medical use and able to handle a maximum of 250lbs.

For improved safety, look for bathroom safety grips that have raised bumps on the surface. Their uneven surface provides users with a more secure grip as they push themselves up and get out of the tub.

Last but not the least, consider using a pair of bathtub safety grips and install one on each side of the bathtub. Since it’s the safety of your loved ones at stake, it’s best to go all the way for their protection.

Pepper Spray: Tips on How to Use and How to Buy

Pepper spray may seem to be a very simple product but it can really save lives! It can be a reliable self defense against bears, dogs and human attackers. Though pepper spray cannot kill anyone, it can stop the attacker through burning their whole face. The active ingredient, oleoresin capsicum or simply termed chile pepper can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and skin. The eyes can swell up and shut thus making the attacker temporarily blind. The irritation on the mucous membrane can make the attacker choke and cough. The irritation can last several minutes thus allowing the victim to get away.

Although using pepper spray does not require permits and it can be as easy as 1, 2, 3, some general tips will come handy especially for those who will acquire it for the first time. This article will give you some practical tips in using pepper sprays.

1.Hold your peeper spray right side up. Similar to a hairspray which will not work if you’re holding it upside down, your pepper spray will not also work on this angle. Practice your aim. On actual usage, make sure that you spray it directly on the assailant’s eyes and dodge away if you can to avoid being sprayed yourself. If you caught some mists, you can use baking soda paste, honey, sour cream or milk as antidotes.

2.It is not recommended to use your pepper spray if it’s windy. It will not advisable particularly when the wind is blowing on your direction since you may get sprayed back.

3.There are many types of pepper sprays and you can choose from gels, aerosols, foggers, and streams. But the best pepper spray to get maybe the Pepper Foam. This spray works best because it is very thick and sticky it can saturate the face of the attacker. Similar to all the pepper sprays, Pepper Foam come with identifying UV dye which can be evidence and identify the attacker.

4.Examine the pepper spray before buying it. Look for one that has a higher can pressure to have an effective spray. The best pressure range is 100psi. The can color is also essential since it can add surprise; choose navy blue, dark green or black. The spray nozzle and valves should also be looked upon. Choose a forced cone nozzle since this can facilitate a forceful spray pattern but what comes out is a fine mist. Last important feature is the shelf life, a common pepper spray will last 3 to 4 years.

5.Since pepper sprays have a lot of shapes and sizes, you may pick one which is unnoticeable. You may acquire pepper sprays with holsters molded into a pen, ring, pager, key chains and even lipsticks!

Presence of mind will always be the best defense on horrifying times where there are attackers. The use of pepper spray only makes it easier to get rid of any assailants. You can effectively use your pepper spray with the practical tips above. Follow these 5 tips and save your life now!

pepper spray walking weights

Tips for Using Throwing Knives Safely

You’re probably familiar with throwing knives as props for a circus or carnival act. They are that and so much more. Throwing knives are some of the oldest forms of self-defense weapons. They can be very dangerous and risky for those who don’t know how to use them. But for those who do, they can be a very effective means to prevent an attack and save your life. Here are tips on how to safely use throwing knives:

Always know your weapon
Although a set of throwing knives generally weigh and look the same, you need to be able to familiarize yourself with each one in order to wield them effectively and safely. Be familiar with the design, the handle, the length of the blade, where the sharp edge or points are and how the knives perform when thrown.

Choose the right length
A good throwing knife measures around 12″ to 16″, depending on the size of the user’s hands and his/her comfort level. The weight should be sufficient so as to allow it to sustain an effective distance and bury itself into the target.

Maintain your distance
A throwing knife works best if you maintain sufficient distance from your target. Maintain four to six paces from your target. This distance is about 6 to 8 feet – up to 13 feet, depending on how you hold the knife. This should be enough to allow you to bend your upper body forward for the throw and for you knife to sustain momentum.

Hold your knife the right way
There are two ways you can hold a throwing knife: by the blade or by the handle. If you prefer to handle the knife by the blade (also called a half-spin), maintain an average of 7 feet from the target, move a foot forward (left for righties and right for lefties) and make an overhand throw. Maintain about 12 feet or so if you prefer to hold the throwing knife by the handle (this manner is called the full spin).

Adjust your distance depending on how the knife hits the target.

Practice
You probably can’t hope to hit your target in the right spot the first time you use a throwing knife. If you must learn how to use it safely and effectively, you need to practice everyday initially, at least for an hour or so. This is so that you will be able to build muscle memory. In case you need to use a throwing knife for a performance or for self-defense, you will know exactly how to do it.

Use a plyboard, a strong cardboard or a sandbag as a target for practice.

Know that it is a weapon
Never play with a throwing knife. Accidents can happen and if you’re not careful, you could cause harm to yourself or another person. Practice common sense to ensure that you use your throwing knives safely and responsibly.

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How to Use Pepper Gel as a Self Defense Weapon

A new self-defense weapon has entered the market and though it’s naturally more expensive than other weapons, it’s also more effective and able to further increase your chances of protecting yourself against attacks.

It’s The Same Formula
Pepper gel contains the same formula used for pepper sprays and foams. Its main offensive ingredient is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), a compound taken from cayenne pepper. The effectiveness of pepper compounds as a self-defense “weapon” is measured in Scoville Heat Units or SHU. A habanero pepper has 300,000 SHU. A jalapeno pepper merely has 5,000. Pepper sprays and gels, however, have approximately 2,000,000 SHU.

It’s The Same Procedure
Pepper gels are just as easy to use as its predecessors. Pepper gels come in flip-off bottles. The lids are necessary for preventing accidental spraying. It’s important to keep it concealed but easily accessible. This could be inside your pocket or snapped on to your jeans under your shirt.

If you’re under attack, all you have to do is flip off the lid, aim for the eyes or face, and squirt away!

It’s The Same Effects
One spray of pepper gel will cause your attacker to experience shortness of breath. Temporary blindness may follow shortly after or occur concurrently. Last but certainly the least, your attacker will experience pain in the areas affected by the spray. Touching the liquid will only result to even more pain as it can cause a burning sensation on your attacker’s hands.

Better and Longer Lasting
Gel form, however, allows the advantages of this type of self-defense weapon to be more powerful.

Firstly, pepper gels have greater range. While pepper sprays can only work in a range of six to twelve feet between you and your attacker, pepper gels can reach targets located as far as eighteen feet away. Two feet may not seem much at first glance, but when you’re under attack, an additional two feet could give you the precious seconds you need to make a successful escape.

Pepper gels also have greater concentration of OC because of its semi-liquid form, making it even a more powerful self-defense weapon.

Targeting your attacker is also made simpler. Unlike pepper sprays and foams, pepper gels are unlikely to disseminate or lose power before it reaches its target. You’ll find pepper gels easy to use even when your hands are shaking and you’re about to go into full-blown panic.

Lastly, pepper gel, again because of its natural form, stays longer on the attacker’s face and consequently prolonging his agony. Unlike spray or foam, gel can’t be easily wiped away and clings stubbornly to the skin. They’re definitely the ideal self-defense weapon, able to give you the element of surprise “and the upper hand” in practically any fight.

mace pepper gel image

Black Belt Does Not Mean You’re Safe

Having a black belt in any martial art might make you sufficiently skilled to defend yourself from various threats, but it doesn’t guarantee your complete safety. A black belt in karate might not get you far if you’re taken by surprise, attacked from behind, or held at gunpoint. Skill in martial arts will always be a big help, but it can even be more effective if you use with other self-defense strategies.

Prevention is the Best Self-Defense.
The best way to stay safe is to avoid any incident that would require you to defend yourself. Why put yourself in a position where you’d have to put your black belt to use if such a situation can be avoided in the first place?

Be Aware of Your Surroundings.
Awareness is a skill that takes time and practice to learn, but it’s a skill that you need to develop as early as possible. Awareness of your surroundings requires you to analyze potential threats and developing contingency plans.

Start with a cursory scan of your surroundings. Know the number and location of all possible exits. Try to commit your surroundings to your memory. Many attackers initiate their offense by plunging their victim into darkness. This smart move, however, can be easily countered if you’re still able to find your way in the dark.

Don’t be complacent. No matter how “safe” a certain place may look like, it would still be better if you search for possible places an attacker might be lurking, biding his time before making an appearance. This doesn’t make you paranoid by any means but rather, you’re simply taking control of the situation and ensuring that you won’t be taken by surprise.

Be alert at all times and don’t take anything for granted. If you’re about to unlock your car and get in, make sure that no one around is close enough to suddenly hold you at knifepoint. At the same time, however, make sure you look inside your car and check if no one has gotten in before you, waiting to launch a surprise attack from the backseat.

Trust your intuition.
Human instincts are generally sharp and it’s best to listen to what your gut feelings tell you. Humans are born with a drive to survive so if something inside you is ringing alarm bells about anyone or anything, listen to the warning because it might save your life!
Having a black belt in martial arts can make a person feel safe – too safe at times. Don’t make that mistake!

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Your Brain Is Your Best Self Defense Weapon

When you’re under attack, your most prized weapon won’t be your stun gun or your martial art skills. Indeed, what will be able to help you most and get you out of trouble isn’t something you’ve bought or learn but rather, something you have with you all your life: your brain.

Don’t Panic
Panic is arguably your brain’s greatest opponent when you’re under attack. Once panic enters your mind and takes control, you will become unable to protect yourself because panic is making you think that anything you do is futile. If you want to defend yourself against an attack, the first thing you need to do is not to panic and become hysterical.

Stay in Control
It’s alright to be afraid. Fear is a natural reaction and it can even help you become more cautious. It helps you choose between smart and stupid risks. Fear can even prevent dangerous things from happening. Fear commonly acts together with instinct and if your survival instincts are warning you away from something or someone, it’s best to pay attention to them and go the other way.

But fear can also defeat you if, as with panic, you allow it to take over your brain. Fear can render you immobile and make you indecisive at the worst possible moment. If you’re under attack, it’s alright to acknowledge your fear but make sure that you’re able to move and think in spite of it.

Be Flexible
Don’t let ego overpower your common sense. Yes, you have your stun gun with you. Yes, you’re a proud black belter. But if there are options available, options that won’t have to put you in a direct confrontation with your would-be attacker then it’s important to seize such options. Better be safe and silly than sorry and hurt!

Your mind must also be flexible enough to accept what’s happening. Let’s say you’ve taken all the necessary precautions and yet you still find yourself under attack. Accept that and move on. You’ll only put yourself at greater risk denying reality.

Find Out What They Want
It’s important to determine your attacker’s objectives as early as possible. This way, you’ll know if what he’s after is something worth fighting over. Make sure that you don’t make any assumptions as those can get you into further trouble.

Don’t Give Up
Your body obeys your mind and it should never be the other way around. Even if you’re physically hurt, you need to understand that yielding to your attacker will only put you in further pain. Don’t let your brain give up thinking ways to save yourself and you’ll be fine.

image credits to hurleygurley