If the stills don’t get you, the taglines probably will.  “Guy gets shot by a Taser and falls down… funny video!” or “This guy gets tazed… nearly gets a heart attack!” or “Funny video of drunk guy getting tazed!!!” And then, there was that episode of CNN Headline News where Glenn Beck compares taser videos with potato chips — he just couldn’t “watch just one”.  Should videos showing people getting tazed be categorized as funny or even ‘funniest’?  Think again and you’ll probably say, ‘NOT!’

Understanding what ‘tazing’ does to you
The sight of a man or woman jerking or showing fitful movements may seem funny enough.  After all, these are not considered normal or average human behavior.  People looking like marionettes with strings being pulled recklessly up and down may elicit some guffaws from other people because, come to think of it, it can be funny behavior.

Unfortunately, the reason why these people are behaving as such or even the cause of the jerky movements is no laughing matter.  Think 50,000 volts of electricity and you’ll know that we’re talking serious shock here — probably not enough to kill someone (although there have been reports of lethal consequences), but sufficient to cause pain, discomfort, even loss of balance and coordination.

Of course, it’s easy to point out that the man or woman getting tazed was actually resisting arrest prior to the incident or even showing unruly, uncontrollable behavior and that getting shot with electricity was simply them getting their comeuppance.  Beck even went on to comment that a man getting tasered on campus was actually ‘asking for it’ just by being unruly.

The problem is that by focusing on the funny elements — the grainy image of a man or woman shuddering, shaking and twitching involuntarily and crying out in pain — we may actually miss out on the more salient matters.

Why is this person being shocked?  How extreme or serious is their offense or behavior that a Taser had to be utilized?  Were they real threats to the person using the Taser?  Was there any other option that could or should have been used instead?  Is there reason to believe the act of shocking that person was not abusive?

Don’t Taze me, bro!
Getting hit by a Taser is not funny business.  It is not considered a firearm but it can have some dangerous and even lethal consequences, as we have witnessed from the news.  The funniest taser videos have shown that while we are a society that can laugh at the quirks and perceived craziness of others, we should also be mindful of the fact that having the power of being at the non-firing end of a stun gun puts pressure on us to be more responsible and, should it come down to it, that much more creative in finding solutions.

Dogs are wired to defend their territory.  They are also creatures of a different species from humans.  This probably explains why they might sometimes attack even if unprovoked.  If you live in an area where there are known vicious dogs, you might want to consider using a dog pepper spray to protect yourself.  In case you’re wondering how a dog pepper spray can overpower a dog, find out how this product works:

What is a pepper spray?
The ingredient behind every pepper spray in the market is Oleoresin Capsicum, more commonly shortened to ‘OC’.  It is a substance that is found in certain varieties of peppers.  OC has the same characteristics as most peppers, in that it is hot, spicy and — if used on the skin and other sensitive areas — can cause a burning sensation.

Pepper sprays utilize this substance.  Every bottle or canister contains a specific amount or dosage of OC to ensure that it works against an aggressive dog.

How does it overpower a dog?
Dog pepper spray acts upon the mucus membranes of the dog.  When inhaled, the substance irritates the lining of the membranes in the eyes, nose, mouth and throat.  The dog is not only taken by surprise but the irritation also causes it to stop in its tracks due to the burning sensation in its eyes, nose and mouth.  The dog pepper spray can also cause the dog to cough and gag.

This effect, while immediate, is only temporary.  The effect can last from about 3 to 5 minutes, although it could have a maximum effect of about 10 minutes, depending on the dosage of the dog pepper spray and on the dog itself.  That’s just about enough time for anyone to run away and avoid the dog or call for help.

Is it safe for the dogs?
Some people may think that using pepper spray against an animal is cruel but pepper spray containing Oleoresin Capsicum is really not life-threatening.  It’s food-grade, which means it’s derived from an organic substance.  The only issue is that it can be irritating when used at a higher dosage (such as those found in dog pepper sprays for overpowering vicious dogs) and sprayed directly on the face where the substance can get in direct contact with the mucus membranes.  It is considered as one of the most reasonable — and effective — tools to use in place of physical or lethal force.

Be aware, though, that there may be dog pepper sprays that contain other types of substances that may be harmful to the dog.  Always check the contents of the spray prior to purchase to make sure that what you’re buying is the right stuff.

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.

In this day and age, you’ll never know when you’ll need a panic alarm.  Not only are panic alarms a necessity for people who have physical limitations, they are also important self-defense and medical emergency tools for those who might require immediate assistance.

What is a panic alarm?
Panic alarms are portable electronic devices that are used to trigger an alert – either in the form of an audible alarm or as a remote alert to a monitoring station.  As their name suggests, they are used in case panic situations emerge that may threaten or endanger an individual, his home or other properties.

Types of panic alarms

Handheld types
These panic alarms are directly controlled by the user.  In many handheld models, a trigger device such as an alarm button, switch or pin built into the panic alarm unit is pushed or pulled off.  This causes the panic alarm to produce a loud alert, such as a siren or a bell.

This type of panic alarm is handy enough to be carried in a purse or used as a key chain.  They are quite useful for individuals who wish to use panic alarms as self-defense tools to prevent an attack (such as during an attempted robbery, hold-up or sexual assault) and/or to call for help.

Once triggered, this type of panic alarm will require a reset.

Receiver-Transmitter types
This type of panic alarm is an excellent choice for home use by the elderly, the sick or very young children left alone in the house.  The transmitter device is either handheld or portable (such as those worn around the neck or wrist) or fixed (such as those installed on the wall).

The transmitter device can be triggered two ways – manually or automatically through a pre-set electronic signal.  In the case of a manual panic alarm, a receiver unit detects the signal and sends out an audible alarm. This alarm is usually loud enough to be audible to people within the same house or to the neighbor next door.  An automatic signal, on the other hand, is triggered by a sensor on the transmitter.

Monitored alarms
Monitored panic alarms usually require the assistance of a third party to work.  They are usually the alarm of choice for people who require emergency medical services.  The panic button or transmitter is usually worn.  When triggered, it will send a signal wirelessly to a receiver console.  The console will then automatically call a pre-set number of a monitoring center to alert them.

From hereon, there are different scenarios that could occur, depending on the service subscribed to.  The monitoring center could:

- dial the nearest 911 center to alert them of the user’s needs and current condition
- alert an emergency medical team who can assist the user
- call an emergency number specified by the user, such as a family member, friend or medical facility

Services and features can differ, offering users enough choices to customize the options according to their needs.

dual purpose personal alarm image

Wherever you are in the world, there’s no telling when you’ll be attacked. If you’re lucky, the authorities or at least someone dependable and willing to help would be around to protect you. But why entrust your fate in other people’s hands when you can be responsible for your own safety? When you arm yourself with a telescopic baton, criminals of all kinds are sure to think twice about attacking you.

Stop Being Defenseless with Telescopic Batons
Telescopic batons are made of solid steel and are the same weapons used by the police and security personnel. They are also expandable, with lengths varying from 16, 21, and 26 inches. Unlike other types of self-defense weapons, telescopic batons are not complicated to use at all. Most telescopic batons come with heavy-duty holsters made of nylon. Use its belt loop to hook it your waist and you’ll instantly change your image from defenseless target to someone confident and capable of protecting herself.

How to Use a Telescopic Baton
Although using telescopic batons is simple and easy, constant practice can increase your speed and help you respond more effectively if you do find yourself under attack in the future.

A quick flick of your wrist will expand the telescopic baton to its original length. Practice this move repeatedly so that you can perform it as quickly as possible. Try practicing with both hands as well so that no matter what situation you find yourself in, you’ll still be capable of using your baton without any difficulties.

Of course, getting it out is just the first part. You also need to practice using it not just a weapon to intimidate attackers but possibly as an offensive weapon as well if your attacker persists in assaulting you. The length of your telescopic baton will allow you to strike from a distance and you need to practice moves that will allow you to exploit this advantage.

To close your telescopic baton, a single tap and one straight, hard strike on a table, wall, or one with a similarly hard surface will effectively retract its length.

Choosing the Right Telescopic Baton to Purchase
Telescopic batons come in various sizes so choose one that you are comfortable handling. Make sure to look for batons that are easy to grip; you wouldn’t want to lose your hold on them when your fingers become slippery with fear or it starts to rain, do you? Also, other telescopic batons come with flashlight features, and this can ensure that you see your attacker better in the dark.

Self-defense products actually have a long history. Although times have changed, the need for self-defense tools and weapons has remained, particularly for pepper sprays. But their size and appearance in the past made them difficult to carry around. These days, though, pepper sprays come in the most convenient form as pepper pens. These pens, while harmless looking, can actually keep you safe and protect you from a possible attack.

Why pepper spray?
Pepper spray is a favorite among individuals and law enforcement officers as a weapon of self-defense. Although its effect is temporary, it has the kind of stopping power that is sufficient enough for most self-defense needs. Its active ingredient is a liquid that has lachrymatory agents combined with volatile solvents.

It’s also a preferred self-defense tool because it is non-lethal. While pepper spray causes blindness and extreme discomfort, the effects are only temporary. Discomfort can last anywhere from about 5 minutes to about an hour, depending on the amount sprayed and the sensitivity of the individual. That’s enough time to allow the user to run away and find a safer place.

How small is a pepper pen spray?
A pepper pen spray actually resembles a regular pen. It comes in different styles and colors but instead of an ink-filled plastic tube inside the canister, the pen is filled with pepper spray liquid. The design means that the spray will not function as a regular pen but it will work as a self-defense spray.

How effective is a pepper pen spray?
The size of the pepper pen spray makes some people doubt its efficacy. Although it is indeed small, it does pack enough power to prevent an attack and keep you safe.

The pepper pen spray is designed to work as an aerosol, which means it’s pressurized for easy use. The pressure also ensures that the spray droplets can reach the target from a distance of about 5 feet or even more.

Some important things to remember about using pepper pen sprays
Pepper pen sprays can sometimes contain a combination of OC pepper and tear gas. This combination ensures maximum irritation to the attacker, causing teary eyes, coughing and difficulty in breathing. In some cases, a UV dye may be added.

Pepper pen sprays come with an expiry date. That means that their efficacy will wane over time. If unused, the old contents should be discarded and the canister refilled.

pepper pen image

Sometimes the best way to protect yourself is to fool an attacker into believing that you are stronger than they are. Animals do this through camouflage or physical trickery. Humans can, too. Here are the top 5 fake but effective self-defense gadgets you might consider buying to protect yourself:

Fake security cameras
Security cameras are part of a surveillance system that may be a bit costly to install. To help save money and still give you some amount of protection in the form of a deterrent, you could use fake security cameras instead.

Fake gadgets such as these heavy duty plastic replicas look and act like the real thing. They can be installed easily on a wall or pole where they will be easily noticed by would-be attackers or thieves. Since they move like real security cameras, there will be no doubt left in the minds of criminals as to their real purpose.

The best fake security cameras are those equipped with a blinking LED light and basic left to right motion. Two to three AA batteries are used to power the gadget.

Fake mobile phone
A cellphone is probably the most ubiquitous gadget there is today other than an iPod. It can also be used to disguise a very effective weapon for self-defense – a fully functioning stun gun. The phone of course will not work but the stun gun will.

Fake lipstick
Fake lipsticks that disguise a stun gun or a knife can be very effective self-defense gadgets. These, of course, are specifically designed for women and can be very effective for preventing and stopping a physical attack.

Fake lipsticks look like real lipstick cases and can be kept conveniently inside a purse or a pocket. In case a threat is suspected, they can be carried in the palm of the hand and deployed in case the threat becomes real.

Fake keychains
Fake keychains look like harmless little things that hang from your pocket but unlike fake security cameras, they actually work. Fake keychains can be very efficient self-defense weapons when wielded correctly. They are usually made with heavy stainless steel, fiberglass or wood and are equipped with sharp edges.

Some, such as the Romatron, are designed with heavy, rounded edges for hitting an attacker. Since these keychains are not very heavy, they have to be used with sufficient force in order to stun or knock out an opponent.

Fake guard dog
Can’t afford to keep a real guard dog? Use a fake one. This is actually a gadget equipped with a sensor that sounds off when tripped by an intruder. It then lets out the loud, low barks of a large, mean dog.

box housing dummy camera image