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.

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 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!

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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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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.

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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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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

Having a nifty self-defense weapon in your pocket or handbag can help you gain the upper hand in unexpected attacks. It’s going to be even more effective if you’ve chosen the ideal electronic restraining device for your use.

Static Charge Electronic Restraining Device
Stun batons and stun guns emit static charge when used. They are effective in restraining an attacker without being lethal.

Not all states permit civilians to carry such self-defense weapons with them so do be aware of laws regarding use of stun guns when traveling away from home. Stun guns are more preferable than stun batons because they’re more compact and therefore easier to conceal.

Stun guns can produce a range of voltage. The weakest could release only 80,000 volts while the most powerful stun guns could discharge as high as 625,000 volts on your attacker. Low-voltage stun guns can operate with just one 9-volt battery while higher voltage stun guns may have to use two or three 9-volt batteries.

Upon using a stun gun on your assailant, he will undergo shock for the first second, which could cause him to experience muscle spasms and mental daze. Longer contact would cause even greater mental disorientation and loss of balance.

Even if your assailant were to touch you while you’re using a stun gun on him, you need not be afraid as electrical charges won’t be able to travel from his body to yours.

Phase Induction
Stun guns that discharge electricity through phase induction are slightly more advanced than those using static deployment. As such, this next type of electronic restraining device is more effective, allowing for a more efficient knock-down rate and longer-lasting shock.

Because of phase induction, a stun gun with 300,000 voltage power can discharge electricity that would amount to as much as 400,000 volts. Voltage power for stun guns of this type ranges from 100,000 to 625,000 volts.

T-Wave
This type of electronic restraining device employs the greatest wattage, ranging from 18-26 watts and causing electro-muscular disruption (EMD). A phase induction stun gun only utilizes 7-15 watts while a static charge stun gun uses 9-20 watts.

When a T-wave stun gun is used on an assailant, his entire central nervous system is affected and his skeletal muscles are virtually rendered useless. Besides being immensely powerful, such stun guns can also work in as far as 21 feet in distance. Advanced models can even penetrate thick clothing.

Air cartridges for advanced Taser guns are, however, not reusable, making them the most expensive option, albeit possibly the most effective as well, of all self-defense weapons.

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Contrary to popular belief, pepper sprays have been around for a long time. They also come in various forms and kinds, allowing an individual choose the most suitable type of self-defense weapon for his use.

There are basically three kinds of chemical compounds used for making pepper sprays.

Oleoresin Capsicum
It works more as an inflammatory agent than an irritant and your best strategy for using pepper sprays using OC compounds will be to target your attacker’s face. Capillaries in your attacker’s eyes will dilate, forcing the eyelids to close, and resulting to temporary blindness. OC also renders your attacker choking and coughing while causing affected areas to burn and sting.

Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile (CS) and Alphachloroacotaphenone (CN)
Both these compounds, as opposed to how OC incapacitates attackers, work more as irritants. They target membrane tissues in particular and are also especially effective if you’re able to target your attacker’s eyes. Besides creating a stinging sensation on the affected area, it can also cause a person to feel disoriented and his eyes to tear profusely.

CS and CN are not, however, as instantaneously effective as OC. It will take approximately five seconds to half a minute before it comes into effect and as such, it’s important that you’re well-prepared for a counterattack from your opponent the moment you make use of your pepper spray.

Studies also show that the effects of these two compounds are somewhat lessened when used against people who are intoxicated, psychotic, on drugs, or incapable to feel pain for some reason.

Types of Forms for Pepper Sprays
Not all pepper sprays merely spray out its content. Some pepper sprays release pepper foams. The substance contains 10% pepper. When sprayed on an attacker’s face, his first instinct will be to wipe the foam away and in so doing, he will end up grounding pepper into his face and eyes, which will then create a burning sensation.

A UV marking dye is a self-defense weapon spray that is commonly used together with pepper sprays. When sprayed on an attacker, it will create a distinctive mark that will be invisible to the human eye but visible to UV tools. Such marks are highly helpful in identifying and capturing assailants.

Pepper sprays can also differ according to spray patterns, nozzle types, sizes, and concentrations. A bigger device may have greater content but it’s also more difficult to hide. Spray pattern is also important as some are effective with accurate aim while others work best in close range.

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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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