Do you consider yourself streetwise? What do you think being street wise entails? Being streetwise is not only a requirement in the big cities and back streets, but is fast becoming a necessity in all parts of our country.

The first tenet of being streetwise is to stay alert and tuned-in to your surroundings. This is so whether you are on the street, in an office building, shopping malls, driving, or waiting for a bus or cab.

The second tenet is to trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, steer clear of the person or leave. Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out and know the locations of police, fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.

There are two ways we mainly deal with the street. They are on foot and by car.

On Foot-Day or Night

* Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
* Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket. Carry only what is necessary and try not to keep currency and credit cards all in one place.
* Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movement.
* Don't flash money or other tempting targets like jewelry or clothing.
* Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
* Try to use automated teller machines in the daytime. Have your card in hand and don't approach the machine if you're uneasy about people nearby. Better yet, only use the ATM machines inside of grocery store, malls, or gas stations.
* If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house. If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly say "Leave me alone! Someone call the police! Get away!"

By Car or Public Transportation:

* Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there's enough gas to get where you're going and back.
* Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you're coming right back. Check inside and out before getting into your vehicle.
* Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages.
* If you think someone is following you, don't head home. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station, gas station, or other open business to get help
* If someone tries to rob you don't resist. Give up your property. Don't risk your life.
* Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from being victims.
* Take a Stand!
* Make your neighborhood and working place safer by reporting broken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots, and lobbying local government for better lighting in public places.
* Initiate a block watch program in your neighborhood by contacting your local crime prevention unit.

Now is the time to make sure that you put these suggestions into action. Becoming street wise is important. Don't hesitate, start today!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/just-in-everyone-needs-to-be-streetwise-157271.html

Bill Wallmuller is the founder of Merokee Enterprises. Two of the author's concerns are personal safety and crime prevention. You can learn more by visiting the Website: http://merokee-home-security.com

A Guide To Choosing Your Personal Safety Alarm

The probability of facing hostility and violence in our daily lives is a lot higher than most people envision. We all want to feel as safe, confident and secure in our lives as possible and personal alarms can help you to do that.

There are many different types of alarms out there. Choosing the right alarm can sometimes be tricky. Read on for suggestions and tips on how to obtain the right alarm for you.

The Objective of a Personal Safety Alarm

The objective of a Personal Safety Alarm is to shock and disorientate an attacker, giving you vital seconds to get away. They are not designed to immobilize or scare off the attacker. Personal alarms are not primarily used to attract the attention of passers by; there may not actually be anyone within earshot. They also do not necessarily encourage people to help.

Key Features:

The most significant element of an alarm is the sound it emits. This sound needs to be as loud and as high-pitched as possible. Ideally, it also needs to be dissimilar to those usually heard such as automobile alarms, police sirens, etc. Most experts concur; the most successful sound is constant shriek and over 130 decibels, not a sound we usually hear; thus making the alarm better able to shock and disorientate

A personal alarm needs to be simple to carry, but it is important to take into account whether a very lightweight and small alarm will be as loud as you need it to be (and whether it will get lost at the bottom of your bag). Some small alarms can, in spite of everything, be very loud, although the sound may not last for very long. They can be easier to handle for some people. The best compromise is in an alarm that can fit without difficulty into the palm of your hand, but is still very loud (even if perhaps it is not as small and dainty as you would like).

Ease of use also is also a consideration: how would you operate the alarm in an urgent situation? There are numerous different ways to activate different types of alarms, including push caps, push buttons and pull out pins. How awkward is it to locate the button and activate it? Do you have problems using your hands or fingers? If so, perhaps you might need to use both hands. As an alternative, are you able to operate it purely by pushing it against something else?

Important:

Remember, a personal safety alarm should be just one part of your personal safety strategy. There are many other ways you can help yourself avoid violence and aggression. Once you have set off your alarm, leave the situation as rapidly as you can, moving to a busy spot if possible. There is no need to wait and make sure that your alarm has had the desired effect. Just go.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/a-guide-to-choosing-your-personal-safety-alarm-66760.html

Bill Wallmuller is the founder of Merokee Enterprises and is active in personal safety and the war on crime. You can learn more by visiting the Website: http://www.personal-defense-technology.com

Explained! Pepper Spray Or Stun Guns For Personal Defense?

If you are serious about self-defense and are not able nor do you have the time to learn any of the martial arts, personal defense technology is the route to go. You want to take a non-lethal approach. In doing so, you will have a choice between only a few items that can stop an attacker in his/her tracks.

It is important you understand that you have a right to protect yourself and those you love. This is a basic right for all humankind. Moreover, you should be able to act on a moments notice. We urge you, do not become another victim…fight back!

Option One: Stun Guns

Stun Guns will stop most people. They should be at least 400,000 volts or more. Some people can take quite a jolt, and keep on coming. The effectiveness of the device depends on what part of the body the Stun Gun contacts.

A strong Stun Gun [they go up to 750,000 volts] can drop a large man in seconds. The muscles twitch uncontrollably, but the voltage is not lethal. To be most effective you would contact the upper part of the body, on the torso. You will have time to either get away, or further subdue the attacker. For the Stun Gun to work you have to be at least an arms length from your attacker. If there is more than one attacker, you will have to be in close contact with each of them, in order to stop the attack.

Option Two: A TASER

A TASER disables an attacker in a similar fashion with one major difference. With A TASER, you do not have to be as close to the attacker as you would with a Stun Gun. This is because a TASER shoots out two electronic darts attached to wires that would bring down just about any man. The TASER only holds one shot, after that it functions only as a stun gun.

Option Three: Pepper Spray

Pepper Sprays [such as MACE] are extremely effective in ending an attack. Pepper Sprays come in a several different strengths, but believe me; you would not like to be sprayed by any of them. Pepper Sprays devices also come in different sizes and different styles.

What is the difference and advantage of using Pepper Sprays?

You can use Pepper Sprays at a distance, and you can be effective with several attackers at one time; you can spray a whole gang at one time with some of these in large spray canisters. One must understand the operation of using Pepper Spray and the limitations. For example, a drawback with Pepper Sprays is that, if using outdoors, you have to be careful not to spray into the wind. It will come back in your face, and you will be very sorry. There is no problem with spray-back if you use the spray indoors.

You can also buy combo Stun Guns. These are Stun Guns with built in Pepper Spray. Now you can first Pepper Spray, and if needed…you can stun the attacker. A bad combination if you are a criminal.

All these methods work well in the situations as described above. Nevertheless, there is one thing you must remember. It is ALWAYS better to keep a distance from an attacker. This is most successfully done with Pepper Spray.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/explained-pepper-spray-or-stun-guns-for-personal-defense-70913.html

Bill Wallmuller is the founder of Merokee Enterprises. Two of the author's concerns are personal safety and crime prevention. You can learn more by visiting the Website: http://www.personal-defense-technology.com

Tested! Stun Guns! What Are Stun Guns And How Do They Work?

Stun Guns are easy to use, non-lethal, defensive devices with interesting technology. A stun gun is a hand-held, battery-powered device designed to deliver an electric shock to an assailant. The electrical current is the same sort of current used to run your car or any battery operated apparatus.

Stun Guns are not guns in the traditional sense, because they do not shoot anything or anybody. Their technology allows them to be a potent and portable choice of self defense weapon.

A Stun Gun has two prongs at the end of the device. Touching an assailant with the prongs and pulling the trigger will create an electrical current to go from the prongs through the garments of the attacker into his body.

The pulsed current causes muscles to work super fast, quickly depleting them of needed blood sugars. It also interrupts the microscopic neurological stimulus that controls muscle movement. The results are disorientation and loss of balance.

The complete process takes only a few seconds. It can immobilize a person for up to 30 minutes. A Stun Gun will cause your assailant to lock up and collapse.

The results of being zapped with a Stun Gun are comparable to running a 25-mile marathon; the attacker just does not have any energy left. It is for this reason that this device gives you plenty of time to get away.

Stun Guns are not hard to use. To use a Stun Gun you need simply to grab your assailant, shove the Stun Gun into his torso and shoot. This will only take a second or so, depending on the sum of voltage in your Stun Gun.

Even though the voltage can be as high as 625,000 or more, the amperage is low, so it will not cause any permanent injury to the person who receives the shock. There is no proof that the electrical charge of the Stun Gun has adverse psychological or neurological effects. The effect on the heart or other major organ is very insignificant.

Most models include a safety switch to prevent accidental activation. The unit cannot produce a shock unless the safety switch is activated AND the On/Off switch is turned ON.

Stun Guns will not permanently injure or kill anyone because of the voltage. The technology used makes Stun Guns, at close range, extremely effective self-protection devices.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/tested-stun-guns-what-are-stun-guns-and-how-do-they-work-64996.html

Bill Wallmuller is the founder of Merokee Enterprises. Two of the author's concerns are personal safety and crime prevention. You can learn more by visiting the Website: http://www.personal-defense-technology.com

Video Surveillance Technology Explained - a Primer

The technology in video surveillance equipment is used in many ways for the advantage of society as a whole. The technology is used to investigate, among other things, the workload amongst pilots and air-traffic controllers, assessment of driver reactions to warning devices at railroad crossings, and studies of the performance of sleep-deprived locomotive engineers, just to name a few. The equipment includes video cameras, digital video recorders, digital video cameras, and CCTV [closed circuit TV] video cameras.
Events such as the 9-11 terrorist attack in the United States of America and the ever present threat of more terror attacks has resulted in video surveillance equipment becoming more popular than any time before.
This equipment and technology is used in various different portions of society including government agencies, security agencies, companies and businesses, schools, and public and private transportation vehicles.
Video surveillance apparatus is also a welcomed technology in places where around the clock human supervision is needed but not viable. As an example, the New York City Transit system [including the subway, tunnel and bridge authorities] uses video surveillance equipment for monitoring below ground traffic and stations.
There are many components to video surveillance equipment technology such as cameras, software, digital image cameras, infrared sensors, monitors and so on.
Surveillance technology has become an invaluable apparatus for business when it is correctly used. It can lessen the liability and workers' compensation premiums. It can help identify fraudulent insurance claims, and may help in the deterrence and apprehension of dishonest workers and customers. Present-day technology by the way of computer networks and the Internet additionally provides the capability to observe a business concern remotely from home or other locations.
There are many varieties of cameras and digital video recorders made for a variety of applications. Examples of these are entrance and exit cameras, cash register and counter cameras, internal cameras, outdoor cameras, etc. along with digital video recorders [DVRs] and [VCRs] are the main components of a digital video surveillance system.
Prices for the equipment standard for a four camera digital video recording system for a small retail or office type business can cost at least several thousands of dollars plus the cost of labor of installation. As you might expect medium, large and project level businesses will need to spend proportionately more to satisfy their individual security requirements.
Whatever expenses incurred in buying video surveillance equipment merits the effort and expense. This is because this technology not only reduces the cost of security but also helps in curbing crime and vandalism. There are very few companies, which do not use video surveillance equipment for some purpose or the other. Total sales in video surveillance technology are on the increase. They will continue to do so due to the effectiveness and versatility of this technology.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gps-articles/video-surveillance-technology-explained-a-primer-66746.html

Bill Wallmuller is the founder of Merokee Enterprises. Two of the author's concerns are personal safety and crime prevention. Learn more about surveillance equipment technology by visiting the Website: http://www.merokee-home-security.com/

Ways To Avoid Being A Victim Of Crime When Parking Your Car

In our fast paced modern living we probably don't give the practice of parking our cars as much thought as we should. As a society, we need to practice common sense when we park our cars, as we should do in other areas of our behavior.

There are two categories of crimes involving the action of parking a car. One is property crime and the second is crime against a person. Below is a description of some crimes in both categories associated with parking cars. There are also recommendations of actions we can take to lessen the chances that we become victims of crime and a statistic.

Theft and Vandalism:

The rate of theft or vandalism to cars increases in poorly thought out parking designs or arrangements. Seclusion and darkness are the best friends of auto thieves and vandals.

Wherever possible, make available to each dwelling its own locked garage within the property boundaries. Locked garages outside the boundaries or well-lit and visible common car parking areas are the next best things.

Where private garages are not feasible, carport or driveway parking is preferable to grouped parking away from dwellings.

As a rule, it is recommended that you avoid underground or multi-story parking garages, as they are breeding grounds for vandalism and crime. If they already exist, limiting access points and providing them with sturdy locked gates could help minimize risk. On the other hand, each resident could be provided with a lockable garage in their own space, with robust vandal proof metal doors, garages within garages, so to speak. Or users can be provided with a secure lock or a plastic keycard, which operates electronic doors or gates.

Grouped car parking areas should be avoided in high-crime areas. If they can't be avoided, they should be within view of some dwellings; they should be outfitted with sturdy gates and should never be located near alleyways.

Open car parking areas should be small and within view of dwellings. Visitors' car parking areas should be clearly identifiable, well lit, and also visible from dwellings.

Rape, Assault, Robbery:

Poorly planned parking areas increase the risk of physical assault and robbery against the car owner and to the public.

To make car-parking sites safer to the car owners and drivers, planners should provide direct access from parking areas to the entrance of dwellings.

Car parking sites should be no further than 60 meters from dwellings, and the path should be well lit and free from shrubbery. Shrubbery that blocks the view is a criminal's best friend.

If it is desirable to limit access to dwellings, make sure access via car parking sites is monitored as well.

In high-crime areas, advanced technological surveillance methods [CCTV, voice alarms, infrared, etc.] may be needed in car parking areas. For example, an infrared unit is available which detects the presence of intruders [but not cats and dogs] by body heat, and automatically switches on all lights in the car parking area and turns them off after 15 to 20 minutes has passed.

There are very few areas of our existence that cannot be made safer just by applying some common sense and following precautionary guidelines.

Make safety and self defense your first priority today. Take the time to go over these guidelines with all your family and set a good example. Remember, thoughts and intentions are great but nothing is done unless you take action. Don't hesitate. Do it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/ways-to-avoid-being-a-victim-of-crime-when-parking-your-car-66042.html

Bill Wallmuller aka Mr Merokee is the founder of Merokee Enterprises. Two of the author's concerns are personal safety and crime prevention. You can learn more by visiting the Website: http://www.personal-defense-technology.com and http://www.surveillance-equipment-technology.com

Road Safety Guides - Personal Safety On The Road

If you are concerned about your personal safety while out and about on the roads here is a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide from GEM Motoring Assist, the leading UK driver based road safety association.

Think ahead

- where possible travel by day on main, well used roads. Plan your route in advance and check that you have an up-to-date road map in the car so you won't need to ask for directions

- if you have to travel after dark, tell someone your destination, your route and what time you expect to arrive. If your plans change, let them know

- take your mobile phone - and make sure that the batteries are charged before you set off. Carry change in any case - your phone may be out of range at a crucial time

- ensure your car is serviced regularly. Check petrol, oil, coolant-level and tyres, especially before a long journey. Carry petrol in a safety-approved can

- join a national breakdown organization such as GEM Motoring Assist Breakdown Cover

While driving

- harassment or actual attacks are rare, but they do happen. Forethought can give you more confidence and minimise the risk

- keep the doors locked and the windows closed as much as possible, especially in built up areas and stop-go traffic or when travelling alone

- keep alert so you know where you are

- remember, tiredness kills. Take a break on long journeys

- never pick up hitch hikers

Personal possessions in your car

- keep your doors locked

- NEVER leave valuables, such as handbags or mobile phones on the passenger seat - they
could be 'snatched' at traffic lights

- don't leave valuables in a parked car

Parking

- NEVER leave your car unlocked, even on a garage forecourt when you go to pay for petrol. If possible use an immobiliser

- choose a safe place to park. Park in a well lit area where there are people about, especially if you don't intend to return to your car until after dark

- if you park in a multi-storey car park choose a space close to the exit and ramp and away from pillars. Reverse into position to give you a quick get away. Park close to the attendant if there is one

- make sure you know exactly where you parked so you will not have difficulty finding your car

- if you are a woman by yourself, try not to advertise the fact. Put spare shoes, bags etc. into the boot before leaving the car

- consider what you would do if your bag was stolen - keep your keys, money and mobile phone separately

- ask a friend or colleague to walk you to your car if you feel unsafe about your surroundings

- when you return to your car, have your keys ready and check the back seat (use a torch at night) before you get in. Lock the doors and drive away without delay

Handling Dangerous Situations

- if you can see or become involved in an incident avoid getting involved in an argument with the other parties

- if you are confronted with 'road rage' do not get out of the car; keep your windows up and your car locked

- if your car starts to 'play up', stop in a busy, well-lit area, preferably near a phone box, if you don't have a mobile phone. Get help immediately by calling your motoring organisation or garage. If you feel vulnerable and in need of special attention, inform the recovery helpline operator

- NEVER give lifts to strangers. If you see an accident or another driver in difficulty do not stop. Telephone the Police as soon as possible and report what you have seen

- if a car pulls up alongside or behind you and the occupants try to attract your attention it may be a genuine warning. However, keep your doors locked and drive to a busy place such as a service area or garage forecourt before stopping. Even then keep your doors locked until you are confident there is no danger

- if someone in a car is deliberately trying to intimidate you, or if you think a car is following you, keep driving until you reach a busy, public place, such as a Police, Fire or Ambulance station, pub or garage forecourt

- if a car travels alongside you at the same speed, slow down and allow them to pass. If the driver persists, drive to a busy, public place and use a public or mobile phone to call the Police

- if a car pulls in front of you and forces you to stop, leave the engine running. If the driver, or passenger then gets out and approaches you, turn on your hazard lights, reverse as far as you can and sound your horn continuously, no matter what time it is

- if the occupant of a car beside you at traffic lights or a junction tries to attract your attention simply ignore them. Don't make eye contact.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/road-safety-guides-personal-safety-on-the-road-92834.html

Established in 1932, GEM Motoring Assist is the leading UK driver based road safety association. GEM">http://www.motoringassist.com">GEM Motoring Assist provide a wide range of driver services including low cost car">http://www.motoringassist.com">car breakdown cover.

Personal Alarms Provide Personal Safety

While there are many good people in the world, there are also those that for one reason or another would like to do us harm. Personal alarms provide protection for men and women when they need it most and can significantly reduce your chances of falling prey to a predator.

What They Do

Personal alarms are generally attached to your key ring and come equipped with a button you can press in the case of emergency or attack. Once the button is pressed, personal alarms emit an ear piercing noise that immediately attracts attention from bystanders and makes your potential attacker aware of the fact that help is on the way. In addition, the sound personal alarms emit are high-pitched and very loud (120+ decibels). This noise is almost unbearable and is sure to dissuade would be attackers from staying in your vicinity for very long.

Some, but not all, personal alarms also come with a feature that can immediately contact the proper authorities whenever you press the alarm button. Personal alarms with this feature are generally those used by senior citizens who are in need of assistance in the case of falling down or experiencing medical emergencies. These specialized personal alarms emit a noise to alert passerby as well as directly contacting the necessary assistance.

Why to Purchase Personal Alarms

There are many self-defense products out on the market, but personal alarms are a wise choice for a few key reasons. First, unlike pepper spray and tasers, you can take a personal alarm with you on airplanes and into public buildings. This means that you are protected literally everywhere you go. Secondly, personal alarms are generally small and largely inconspicuous. This means that they are a convenient accessory that will not weigh you down or tempt you to leave them at home. Lastly, accidental self-injury is not possible with personal alarms, as it is will products like mace and tasers. If you accidentally activate your personal alarm, the worse you can expect are ringing ears for a few minutes.

Where to Purchase Personal Alarms

Many outlets exist wherein you can purchase a personal alarm at an affordable prices. The internet is a great place to research and buy personal alarms and it is possible to find special online rates that are drastically lower than what you would find in any given storefront outlet.

By entering a few key words into your favorite internet search engine, you will be rewarded with a plethora of links to online stores wherein you can purchase personal alarms. Be sure that the company from which you choose to buy has positive feedback from satisfied customers. In addition, you may be wise to purchase your personal alarms from a company that is willing to back up its product with a warranty. There is security in knowing that the producer of your personal alarm has absolute confidence in the quality and working condition of your alarm. You need to be able to place trust in the fact that whenever and wherever you need to activate your personal alarm, it will work exactly as advertised.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/personal-alarms-provide-personal-safety-798726.html

Steven Holmes

Child Safety Online - Dont Wait!

As the internet becomes more of a social medium it brings with it some of the social problems of society. Problems such a bullying and predatory adults who seek out weak and venerable people such as children and exploit them. Child safety online is an issue every parent/guardian faces and is one that must be addressed immediately upon your child having online access.

Here are areas parents MUST show diligence in to protect their children online.

1. Talk to your child about the potential dangers of the Internet and how to protect themselves. Let your child know how serious an issue this is and that you will be monitoring their usage and checking their sites in order to keep them safe.

- Tell your child the following.

- Not to put any personal information online anywhere.

- If your older children are using a chatroom be sure they know to immediately exit if they
feel uncomfortable in any way.

- Never agree to meet in person, or send personal photographs to anyone they meet online.

- Never respond to messages containing offensive or threatening language.

- Always check with mom or dad before going into an online area that has fees or charges.

2. Parents need to adhere to the following and manage these on a regular basis.

- Block sites that could harm or violate privacy. It is suggested to block sites like Facebook and MySpace. However if your older children are using these sites then parents need monitor their friends list and photographs.

- Be sure there are no inappropriate comments in their profile and check uploaded videos from YouTube.

- Monitor their use of email programs such as MSN and Yahoo.

- If your child chats, monitor who they chat with and when.

- Get your school age child's user ID and password to their social networking page. Check it often, and note down anything that you think threatens their safety.

- Be aware of the amount of time your child spends online. Monitor them closely to make sure they're using the Internet safely.

- Keep the computer somewhere that you can monitor the screen easily from time to time. A placewhere you can casually glance at it and check the screen.

- Take advantage of your Internet service providers parental controls. These controls can block access to certain Web sites, chat rooms, newsgroups and other things on the Internet that are not suitable for children.

- Your child's school should have an acceptable use policy for Internet access. Be sure this is in effectat the school and that student Internet use is monitored by teachers.

- Discuss online safety with friends' parents and find out if the children are monitored online.

- Keep your ears open for comments from your child with regards to their friends and their interactiononline. Don't assume all parents have every angle covered. Remember there is no full proof system for their safety.

- It is important to maintain an open line of communication with your child so transparency is important. Let your child know you will be monitoring his online activity and that you will be checking his sites, emails, and chatrooms.

Ensure that your children dont get caught up in the social problems of society, unfortunately these get into your home via the internet so keep them and yourselves safe from predators online.

There are many reasons kids are not safe online know what they are and how other kids not being safe online can spread from your child's school to your home. child safety online.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/child-safety-online-dont-wait-749575.html

The Parent Fairy
has a teenager and toddler under her wings and holds 21 years parenting experience.

A former ballerina The Parent Fairy has a passion for ensuring nutrition and healthy eating habits in children, as well as making sure dieting is approached and carried out in a healthy manner.