Latest Home Security Articles

Personal Safety and Security in a Natural Disaster

Mon, 11 May 2009 20:50:22 -0500

When a natural disaster strikes, chaos naturally follows. We'd all like to
think that the good in humans come out then. But altruism does not always
rule the day and that is simply human nature. Whether you find yourself
facing a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, wildfire, or tsunami, it is
essential to take your own personal safety and security in a natural disaster into consideration. The sad fact is that when natural disaster strikes, some people will seek personal gain. You must arm and protect yourself and there are a number of products on the market that can help you stay secure.

First, it is always best to employ common sense as your first line of defense of your personal safety and security in a natural disaster. Stay aware of your situation and surroundings. Stay informed by listening to the news on a battery operated radio or watching it on television if your power is working. Make sure you stay in communication with your family and friends and with emergency service personnel if needed. Products to help you stay informed and in communication are available as well. You want to think portable and battery operated. If you have no power or need to evacuate, it must be easy to take with you.

Next you'll want to consider legal ways of arming yourself to ensure your
personal safety and security in a natural disaster. Pepper spray is one
option you have for arming yourself against any looters, marauders or other

potential danger. Pepper spray is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes and causes difficulty in breathing when sprayed directly at the perpetrator's face. One thing to take into consideration is that you must be fairly close to your target in order to effectively dose them with the pepper spray. The lasting effect of pepper spray varies, but typically can be counted on to disable the perpetrator for up to an hour in some manner.
Another way of ensuring your personal safety is through the use of a stun gun. Stun guns deliver an electric shock to the perpetrator and cause them to go into involuntary muscle spasms. This gives you time to put distance between yourself and the person intending to do you harm. Stun guns cause acute pain when administered effectively. Stun guns are used by police departments nationwide. For more information see the section of our website dealing with personal safety and security in a natural disaster and visit our link to our sister web site Personal Security is Yours.

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Eric Holm - Owner, Publisher, and Manager of Emergency And Disaster Supplies Feel free to use our emergency preparedness information. For an even greater supply of personal protection items our sister store specilizes in personal safety and home security products.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Emergency Kit 101 For 2009

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:45:38 -0600

Many people dismiss the time honored-tradition of making personal resolutions this time of year. That tradition has gone along the wayside for most the idea of adding pressure to our hectic lives seems daunting in this day and age. While I am not one to encourage people to make personal resolutions around New Years, I am one who likes to see people make practical changes to the way they act and live in order to improve safety and give a little peace of mind.

One of the easiest things families can commit to doing this year is to create an emergency kit for their home. Unforeseen disaster and complications can hit us at any time. Preparation for these things can increase safety and give you peace-of-mind.

What You Need to Know
I break emergency kits into two types: Home and Travel. A kit stored at home will usually contain more supplies because of the added room and the potential to be stuck in the home for long spans of time during a disaster. However, during many disasters, evacuation is necessary. In these cases an emergency kit that can be easily picked up and taken with you is needed, something like a large waterproof backpack or easy to carry duffel bag work well here.

Packing Your Emergency Kit
There are a lot of items that should be included in a good emergency kit. Below is the list of the most common items recommended for kit, categorized by essential, important, and nice-to-have. Each family will need to evaluate the list and put together the items they believe will be the most crucial for them in a time of crisis.

Essential Kit Items
LED flashlight: These reliable torches are a must. The new technology is far superior to battery-draining incandescent bulbs and provides a brighter, more visible light than any other light source available. Remember to include two LED torches and extra batteries.

First-Aid kit: Stock a complete kit with basic medical items like bandages, disinfectant, basic pharmaceuticals, etc. If your family members require daily medication, make sure to store extras in the kit as well.

Multi-tool or pocketknife: A sturdy multi-tool provides you with basic tools in an easy to carry package. A good multi-tool will have screwdrivers and knife blades in various sizes for a number of different applications.

Non-perishable food: Include food that doesnt need to be cooked in your kit supplies. Pack enough for at least a 72-hour (3-day) period. Nuts, granola bars, dried foods, and peanut butter are all excellent choices. Canned food has a good shelf-life too. Just be sure to include a can opener (or make sure your multi-tool has one)!

Bottled water: Pack one gallon of water per person per day. This not only serves as your drinking water (which your body desperately needs) but will provide enough to use for sanitation purposes.

Warm blankets: For your home, any warm, dry blankets will suffice, preferably made of wool. Space blankets for your travel pack will conserve space and lighten the load.

Waterproof matches/lighter: It is important to have fire-starting tools in the event that extra warmth is needed.

Important Kit Items
AM/FM radio: Important information is often broadcast across radio waves in the event of an emergency. Keep extra batteries in your kit for the radio if you choose to include one in your kit.

Extra clothing: If inclement weather is involved, the value of warm, dry clothes increases dramatically. Put extra clothes in a waterproof bag.

Dust mask: Natural disasters can produce a big mess, stirring up dust and other harmful particles.

Bleach: This common household cleaner serves a number of purposes, the most important being purifying drinking water. Sixteen drops per gallon will provide you safe, drinkable water.

Cash (and change): ATMs and credit card machines dont work when the power is out. Keep extra cash in a safe place within your kit in case you need to buy supplies during an emergency.

Whistle: Often overlooked, do not underestimate the importance of a good whistle. These little wonders are simple to use, safe to carry, and easy for emergency personnel to hear.

Nice-To-Have Kit Items
Moist Towelettes: For cleaning and sanitation
Plastic garbage bags: For cleaning and sanitation
Tarps / Plastic Sheeting: Window and Wall Repair
Feminine Hygiene Products
Baby Diapers / Formula
Extra Glasses, contacts, etc.
Duct Tape

~Richard McNeal, 2009

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Richard McNeal lives in Oregon and is a contributing writer for DLK
We invite you to read more about portable emergency lights like flashlights and lanterns at our LED light source website. LED lantern

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Wall Clock Camera - The Perfect "Spy" to Protect You

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:24:34 -0600

A wall clock camera can be one of the most important investments for your home or business security you can make. These clocks, with a camera inside, can give you video proof when you need it most.

Just imagine, your first full week of vacation in years has come along and you have decided to take your family to a resort on the coast. You plan to rest and relax. Your family is packed and ready to go, excited about the upcoming trip.

The only thing left to do is to find someone to take care of your dog and watch the house for you. You ask a trusted neighbor and he excitedly agrees to help you out. You and your family leave, never once worrying about your home, because you know it is being taken care of by your neighbor.

A week later your family returns. Nothing looks amiss. Your dog is healthy and the house looks the same as you left it. A couple weeks go by and you're back to a normal life: work days, school days, car pools and bills to pay.

As you sit down with your monthly stack of bills you notice something amiss. There have been unauthorized charges on three of your credit cards. How did that happen?

You immediately call the credit companies and they tell you that the purchases started on the same day you went out of town on vacation. How could that be? Now you have to cancel all of your credit cards and have new ones issued. You need to change your banking information and hope that whoever found this information doesn't also have your social security number. What a headache!

This headache could have been avoided by using a wall clock with hidden camera! If you had a spy camera wall clock you would have quickly seen that your "trusted" neighbor had snooped through all of your personal documents looking for your credit information. If used properly, clock cameras or clock camcorders are legal, and give you the proof you need for police and insurance claims.

Clock security cameras can be used in any room. Wall clock cameras are now available to match the decor in any room and never look out of place. Since most people have a habit of looking at the time, a hidden camera in a clock is perfect for getting solid evidence of misdeeds on video. You will get crystal clear shots, each and every time, of the person that has invaded your personal space.

Clock spy cameras are not just for home use though. Buy one for your office and keep an eye on your employees' productivity. Have one next to your cash register in your retail shop and catch dishonest employees as they try to steal your hard earned money. Place a hidden clock camera in your bar. The next time your bartender decides his friends shouldn't have to pay, you will not only know the truth but you will have proof on video too. That evidence could come in very handy fighting a possible unemployment claim.

A simple hidden clock camera can give you the ability to see the "real truth" in ways standard surveillance systems do not. You can easily use clock cameras to safeguard your childrens' lives, personal property at home, and business assets.

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Protect your home, office or place of business. Buy a wall clock camera today and let the time be your eyes! David English is the owner of the Marshall Self Defense online store. A one stop shop for your protection and surveillance needs. For more information visit www.marshallselfdefense.com/wall-clock-hidde n-camera-info.htm nanny cameras

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

How can a flood risk report help?

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:09:32 -0600

Floods can occur anywhere anytime. And UK is a region that has been facing flood disasters for long now. With the threat of flooding so serious for everyone, it’s vital that homeowner’s and the people who are planning to buy new properties or shift to new homes, research the uk flood risk zones level and prepare for a flood disaster.

Why insurance is not a sufficient protection?

It is very important to have your buildings and property insured as it will ideally at least repay the cost of building repairs and contents replacement, following flooding area uk. But insurance:

1. Won't protect you against the distress or inconvenience caused by being in temporary accommodation for lengthy periods.
2. Won't protect you against a potential fall in the value of their home.
3. Won't stop future insurance premiums raising exponentially e.g. a premium of £500 being increased to £10,000.

Benefits of a professional flood report.

1. A comprehensive flood risk information uk report is based on indicative flood data. The Professional Flood Report is able to differentiate between properties within a flood plain, identifying, for example, those properties on higher ground which therefore face reduced or no risk.
2. The data also gives a property-specific assessment of river and coastal flood risk. Your clients don't need to be near a river or the sea to be flooded. This valuable data identifies where groundwater flooding could potentially occur.
3. Past flooding gives a strong clue to where flooding may occur in the future. Thus a professional uk flood news report identifies geological deposits associated with flooding to show where potential future flooding could occur.
4. The report also includes key flood data from the government sanctioned source like National Flood Forums etc.
5. The report indicates the likelihood that one of Britain's leading insurers would insure your client's property. Claims numbers are a strong indicator of flood risk areas uk. Our report assesses the volume of verified flood insurance claims made in your client's postcode sector.

Flood also tends to be a recurring threat at properties which means that once affected a home could suffer more than one flood in a short period of time. Not only is it vital to be aware of current insurability options on a property, but also about any risk of flooding hence the importance of obtaining a Professional Flood Report.

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HomecheckFlood is a team of professionals providing uk flood risk areas information and generate detailed floods zone assessment news and reports using statistics, live case studies and other useful links.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Where Can You Buy Pepper Spray

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:18:25 -0600

Since pepper spray is not a controlled substance it's pretty easy to find locally at most hardware stores, or large department stores, as well as online retailers. If you live outside the city limits, pepper spray will most likely be available at your local farmer's co-op.
BUYING FROM A LOCAL STORE: Buying pepper spray from a local store is the best option if you need to have the pepper spray right now. This way, you do not have to wait for it to be shipped and can have quick access to the product. The problem with this is that most local hardware stores or department stores know very little to nothing about the product. So finding the right pepper spray for your situation will be up to you. The thing to consider is that you can buy pepper spray from a local store, then go ahead and do some research online and have a can or two on reserve, in case you need it.
BUYING FROM AN ONLINE STORE: The only disadvantage to buying from an online store is waiting for the pepper spray to be delivered. Normally, after you place your order, you can expect 3-5 days for delivery. However, there are many advantages to making your purchase online. You can shop around and find the most competitive pricing and discounts. There are several stores online that specialize in only pepper spray. Many of these have trained staff available to help you determine which pepper spray is right for you, and answer questions about how to use the sprays, etc. When buying online, make certain that you are dealing with a company that knows the product.
HISTORY OF PEPPER SPRAY: 1973 was the year pepper spray (also known as OC spray) was first manufactured as an aerosol. At that point only law enforcement agencies and the United States Postal Department used pepper spray as an aid to:
1. Control suspects
2. Keep angry dogs at a safe distance
Note: When using a dog pepper spray keep in mind that some dogs may not have the proper mechanism for draining the tears out of the lachrymal gland (tear duct). Therefore, it is important to use an EPA approved canine repellent spray that has a lower concentration of oleoresin capsicum.
Pepper spray should not be treated casually simply because it is easily available; it is a very powerful substance and should be used with forethought and caution. Pepper spray has the ability to help someone out of a life-threatening situation if used properly.
While there are no proven long-term negative effects, pepper spray can be quite debilitating in the short-term, causing burning sensations, tearing, coughing, nausea and other symptoms.
If you decide to buy pepper spray, take the time necessary to learn its proper use, ensuring you'll know exactly what to do if confronted by an assailant or angry dog. Most cities will have multiple self-defense classes, some in-depth others covering the basics and most discussing the pros and cons of using pepper spray.
Pepper spray is manufactured in various concentrations and comes packaged in different types of canisters depending on its planned deployment. Many sprays even have an expiration date. Pepper sprays often have a shelf life of 2-4 years. Details should be available on the packaging, if not discuss your needs with someone knowledge in self-defense. One of the first decisions you'll make when buying pepper spray is the intensity of the solutions which varies between 1% and 10% with 5% being a good choice.
Since pepper sprays have a shelf life, if you are unsure of when your pepper spray expires, be sure and replace it with a new can once a year, on the conservative side. Then you can use the old can to practice with. Print a picture of a face on the computer, and tack the picture up on the fence or a tree. Then stand upwind and shoot away!
PEPPER SPRAY ILLUSTRATION: Pepper spray is derived from cayenne pepper, so imagine biting down on a single very hot chili pepper, it's likely to cause discomfort but the symptoms will quickly diminish. The same experiment with 10 potent chili peppers is likely to invoke tears, coughing and more. While not a scientific comparison, this is similar to the difference between a 1% solution, and a 10% solution.
While pepper spray is available (in most instances) over-the-counter, there may be state laws affecting its use. Most retail establishments should have this clearly posted, if not be certain to ask. Since your purchase is likely for all the right reasons, you wouldn't want to break the law inadvertently. If you have difficulty determining the law, either do an online search or call your local law enforcement agency and simply ask.
When considering your purchase think about a scenario where the pepper spray must quickly be deployed, could you place your hands on it in seconds? With that thought consider a "Hip Holster" (basically a belt clip). A pepper spray holster makes grabbing the canister as easy as reaching for your cell phone.
When you buy pepper spray, you're in essence buying peace of mind knowing if danger does strike, you'll have defensive measures in the palm of your hand.

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Bryan Robinson is the owner of Redhotpepperspray.com and has trained with pepper spray since 1994. His goal is to offer personalized service, training and offering customers pepper spray products that are of the highest quality

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

What Are The Effects Of Pepper Spray?

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:17:45 -0600

While in theory, there are no long-lasting effects to pepper spray, those who've experienced the extreme inflammatory effects and burning sensation, would beg to differ.

MY EXPERIENCE: I personally have been sprayed with pepper spray in a training exercise, so I know exactly how it feels. This was not a tiny stream of spray that grazed my eye. It was a full blast pepper fogger spray that hit me square in the face from only a couple feet away. Having been in 1994, when pepper spray was relatively new to the market, you would think that it would not have been that bad. If you have ever bit into a really hot pepper, say a cayenne pepper, then you might know what hot is. Or if you ate the whole pepper even. Now let’s grind up a whole sack full of cayenne peppers and put the juices into a spray bottle that has a propellant. Now imagine this stuff hitting you right in the eyes, mouth and nose. It not only burns these mucous membranes, but it feels as if your skin is on fire. Pepper spray is the real deal, and yet a non-lethal solution to protecting yourself.
So, that is my take. Let me give you the broad overview from today's research of pepper spray.

REPORTS INDICATE: Pepper spray, also known as OC spray and capsicum spray is a chemical that aggravates the protective layer of the eyes causing immediate tearing, pain, and in extreme cases temporary blindness. Pepper spray can be used by individuals for safety, law enforcement for crowd control.

A person will find their eyes immediately closing, followed by uncontrollable tearing, coughing, possibly choking plus an extreme burning sensation on any exposed skin and mucous membranes.

RHINORRHEA: A discharge from the nasal mucous membranes will almost always be experienced by someone encountering pepper spray.

CAUTIONARY NOTE: The effects of pepper spray are more pronounced with the elderly or someone with existing heart or respiratory problems, if the situation allows caution should be exercised before deployment

What's happening to your eyes, and why they involuntarily close is due to the dilation of the capillaries in the eye itself. A person will experience about 40 to 50 minutes of bloodshot eyes, tearing, and overall discomfort. This will occur whether or not they were wearing eyeglasses, however, if contact lenses are being worn, they should be removed as soon as possible.

While pepper spray is derived from hot cayenne peppers, (the same used in cooking) a percentage of Capsaicin oil (extracted just below the stem of the hot pepper) is added causing the spray to adhere to the skin, and not easily be washed off, thus causing an immediate adverse affect, particularly on the skin and respiratory system.

The linings inside your nose and throat will immediately begin to swell making breathing difficult as air flow is reduced. Couple this with the pain and discomfort involved and a person is effectively debilitated for about 30 minutes or so.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: While there are no substantiated cases of anyone dying directly from pepper spray, if other health problems are present (asthma, heart irregularities, etc.) the affected person should consult a doctor or health care professional to ensure no ancillary problems are incurred.

Since pepper spray irritates the lining of the nose and throat, causing difficulty breathing, there have been reports of lightheadedness, confusion, disorientation and lack of muscle control. While this may be a side effect, it can be more directly attributed to lack of oxygen or the stress of being sprayed.

In certain instances, the effects of pepper spray can last beyond the normal 30 to 60 minute recovery time and can cause problems in the GI tract. Since capsaicin (cayenne pepper) is used worldwide as a spice, a person who is adversely affected by eating something seasons with cayenne pepper, may experience the same effects when dosed with pepper spray.

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Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Pepper Spray Training – A Few Useful Self Defense Tips

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 05:16:38 -0600

Pepper spray can be very effective in helping someone out of a potentially dangerous situation, however possessing a canister of pepper spray and using it improperly could cause more problems than solutions.

MOST IMPORTANT: No matter what type of pepper spray you own, you must always first be aware of your surroundings. Always have your pepper spray accessible to you in case you need it in an instant. Pepper spray is useless if it is in the bottom of a purse, or left in your vehicle.

There are many useful tips you can find online about the use of pepper spray. But, when purchasing online, find a website that specializes in pepper spray and nothing else. Also, look for a phone number that you can call to ask questions about the products. A knowledgeable retailer will be able to help you decide which spray is best for you.

Some local law enforcement agencies and self defense courses offer a pepper spray training class. These classes can normally be taken in one day or less and can give you much more confidence in the use of your pepper spray.

While it's recommended that anyone serious about self defense, whether it's utilizing pepper spray or learning to disable an assailant physically, consider a professional self-defense course, here are a few tips and facts in the proper use of pepper spray.

PEPPER SPRAY PRACTICE: Most pepper sprays have a shelf life of 2-4 years. But as a conservative measure, it is wise to replace your pepper spray once a year. Then you can use your old pepper spray as a training device. Find a picture online and print it as a full page. Tack the picture up on a tree or a fence about head high. Make sure to stand upwind of the target. Then aim for the eyes and fire away. Try about a 1-2 second burst at a time.

INERT PEPPER SPRAYS: There are inert training pepper sprays available that you can shoot at targets or people for practice. The water training sprays are just water in pressurized spray cans.
If you want a chemical-based spray, they are available as well. The chemical-base is exactly like the pepper spray formula without the pepper resin. Either of these can be used in real person pepper spray training scenarios or to shoot at targets.

COMMON SENSE TRAINING TIPS

1. Avoid holding your arm straight out in front of you. While at first this might seem the obvious way to frighten an attacker, "I've got pepper spray, don't come any closer". It also allows the attacker the opportunity to knock your arm away, or grab the canister and "turn the tables'. It is much smarter to take a step backwards, away from your assailant, giving you time to gather your wits, grab the spray and aim for their face.

2. Yell "STOP", "HELP" or "POLICE"! Doing this will momentarily confuse your assailant and give you that much-needed 1 to 2 advantage. While shouting may or may not actually bring help, it's that small advantage needed to raise your arm, take aim and spray the assailant in the face.

3. Keep your eye on your target at all times. While this will very likely be a fearful moment, keeping your eyes on your assailant allows proper aiming of the pepper spray. Once the spray is dispersed move quickly away from the situation and seek law enforcement help.
4. Get away if at all possible; pepper spray is a deterrent, not a solution. As you back away from your assailant, deliver the pepper spray in the direction of their face, using an approximate two to three second burst. If the stream of pepper spray strikes your attacker, you will know immediately the pepper spray is will have the desired effect. Use these valuable moments to vacate the premises and seek help.
While few imagine being attacked in a dark alley or walking down the street, it's far better to be prepared, than victimized. Having a canister of pepper spray is simply self defense insurance we hope you will never have to use.

TYPES OF PEPPER SPRAY CANISTERS:

Forced cone. This is the most widely used pepper spray canister, it disperses a fine mist in an approximate 2 foot wide, by 8 to 12 foot pattern.

Broken-Stream. The broken-stream canister allows you to disperse the pepper spray even when your aim is not perfect, or there is more than one assailant. While very effective you will use the pepper spray contained very quickly.
Foam. Imagine pepper spray with the consistency of shaving cream and you'll have a clear image of this type of disbursement. Dispersed via foam will virtually eliminate the possibility of blowback, and easily disable your attacker, assuming the foam comes in contact with their face. Foam pepper spray works exactly the same causing the eyes to tear, breathing to become labored, and relief to be immediately sought.
Fogger. This type of pepper spray canister is used for crowd control, multiple attackers, wild animals (such as bears) and situations where careful aim of the spray may be inhibited. Caution should be utilized since blowback (contaminating the user) is very possible.
There are many types of pepper spray canisters available and each is effective in the right situation. But it is often best to get advice from someone who has trained with pepper spray and find out which type is the best for you.

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Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Make your home safe with Infrared Security Cameras

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:19:43 -0600

Like a common camera, the main function of an infrared camera is to construct an image using visible light. The only difference between a usual camera and an infrared camera is that the latter one uses infrared radiation to construct a picture. Infrared security cameras have infrared illuminators that are installed around the outer side of the lens of camera. Infrared light is originated from different areas of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Infrared security camera and its uses
The infrared illuminators of the infrared camera allow the camera to see fine video images in the absolutely dark areas. In a very small amount of light, infrared camera can form an image that looks just like photos taken during day time. The infrared security cameras are frequently used for commercial purposes that turn lights out at night.
Infrared security cameras are basically designed to see at the night time. For this reason, this type of camera often confused with the Night Vision cameras. However, different wavelength of the light is used for these two different cameras. Night vision goggles are extensively used by the military forces. Infrared security cameras use an unseen light during operation, but the light looks as a white visible light while viewing on video monitor.
The video image produced by the infrared cameras is generally black and white. But nowadays color cameras have also come into existence to provide better picture. Some of the day/night infrared cameras not only form color pictures but are also capable of constructing color videos during the daytime when natural light is accessible and automatically switch to black and white images while the light is low during the evening or night.
Some Infrared security cameras are there that allow people to watch images at a very low light and in absolutely no light conditions. You can take pictures both the inside and outside of your house anytime of the day you like.
In earlier days, Infrared security cameras were usually very much expensive. Common people could not even dream of buying an infrared security camera for the safety of their household. But nowadays, infrared cameras have become quite affordable and even common people can easily get one for their households. There are various types of infrared cameras are available in market and the prices of these cameras vary according to the inbuilt features of the cameras and the popularity of the brands.

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Looking for IR Camera ? Look no further you have come at right place. Check us out online!

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

What Everyone Should Know About Staying Safe And Enjoying Online Social Networks

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:50:24 -0600

The rapid rise and huge success of such social networking websites as MySpace, Friendster and Facebook has come at some social, and much individual, grief. Stories of manipulation, harassment and predatory sexual behavior increased just as fast as the virtual populations" of these sites, which is estimated to total over 100 million people in the U.S. alone.

These numbers (Facebook has 35 million members in North America) are hard to imagine at times, whereas the psychological and criminal games that some people play are not. They are the same things people have been doing to one another since the dawn of recorded history. Only the environment has changed. And it's when one environment (the virtual electronic one) begins to invade another (the physical, personal one) that trouble can arise.

Executives and managers at MySpace, Facebook and the other socialnets" have been working against fraud and predation since the very beginning. They all have codes of conduct, rules of behavior, complaint procedures and online monitors to ensure a safe, positive networking experience. There are proposed laws, on the federal and state levels, to criminalize online harassment and other acts, but the best response to the dangers of the socialnets is a personal one. There is no one better prepared or equipped to protect yourself and your family members than you.

Online safety basics
Besides not giving out your personal information to anyone, ever, you should sign up for socialnets with a secondary (extra" or special") email account from one of the free providers like Gmail, Hotmail or AOL. It is a great deal harder to track someone with a webmail address than someone using a work/business address or a personal one from a high-profile provider.

This caution should extend even to what you disclose about your activities, even when using a fake name. If you start giving out your location, phone number, school or business name, etc., you are providing stalkers and predators clue after clue to your whereabouts and your identity. You might think twice about what pictures you post, too. It is inconceivable that some young people are posting sexually charged photos on socialnet pages that have clues to their identity, but it happens still.

Children and adults
If you are a legal adult, you can choose to release as much personal info as you wish, but you would be well advised to be careful, of course. If you are a parent of a pre-teen, you would of course need to monitor your child's activities online, and therefore you need to become even more familiar with email filters, online access restrictions, passwords and other software tools. In addition to limiting time on certain sites, you can also use various electronic gadgets to control access to the computer as a whole.

Of course, making existing and popular sites safer for children seems to be a losing proposition, as much of the allure of these socialnets for adults from 18 to 80 is their daring, even salacious" character. In response to this trend, a number of kid safe" socialnets have been developed and launched Whyville.com and Imbee.com were two of the first that have been built from the ground up for kids, usually 8 to 15 years of age. Since there is a great difference between the two age extremes, the site and its features are completely customizable by parents and can be tailored to a child's age as well as personality.

Common sense is best
For adults, taking risks comes with the territory, and some personalities can take more than others. Be realistic about your own personality, and the degree to which you can take being flamed, insulted, propositioned or yelled at (IN ALL CAPS!). Some online socialnet veterans like the excitement and fast pace of chat rooms, even unmonitored ones, while others prefer a more sedate and predictable online experience. You are free to choose your own type of online attitude, but do remember that what goes around comes around," and that there is a good reason that all cultures develop standards of appropriate behavior.

For children, there are no decisions to make, only adult ones to influence. Well-behaved 10-year-olds doing well at school, helping out at home and leading as responsible a life as possible for their age will probably get some input as to how their social networking life will play out. There are a sufficient number of controls to make any parent feel fairly safe. However, the greatest safety lies in the relationship that parents have with their children. Talk to them honestly, preferably after you make sure you're using the lingo correctly, in case you are not entirely web-savvy yourself.

At whatever age, using common sense and appropriate precautions is the name of the game. Spend some Google time" searching for and reading up on netiquette and online behavior if you do not know exactly what to expect. Talk to friends, family and coworkers about their experiences with socialnets and online activity in general, and be forthcoming about your concerns. Young or old or in between, openness and honesty will pay off handsomely when it comes time to discuss what everyone should know about staying safe and enjoying online social networks.

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OpenVizor.com is a free online international community and organization dedicated to the promotion and empowerment of global creativity and cultural exchange. Visit us online to share photos, post events, create communities and discover new connections.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

Benefits Of Stun Baton You Must Know

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:50:16 -0600

The Stun Baton is an extremely appealing self defense apparatus with the intention of home defense, although it can be carried in a holster for use outside the home. The Stun Baton is rechargeable with a long, electrified telescopic shaft, which provides you a different benefit above typical stun guns.

You have to be right next to the enemy to build contact with the electrodes on the person's chest in order to get a good quality shock when you utilize a standard stun gun. You can keep the enemy at arms reach with the Stun Baton, as the electrified metal shaft expands from three to eight inches.

With the pressing of a button the extent of the Stun Baton expands from thirteen inches to twenty one inches. In fact it looks like a tiny Star Wars weapon. The entire shaft will sizzle with electricity on pushing the fire button. The button should not be pushed unless a contact with a person is made, as frequent firings in the air will damage the apparatus.

When you panic you are in danger, draw out the Stun Baton, enlarge the shaft, moreover you have a non-lethal self defense apparatus that will shoot around eight lack dreadful volts wherever the shaft get in touch with the enemy. Wherever you touch the shaft to the enemy's body, it will go all the way through his clothes and the electricity will enter his body and initiate to immobilize him. The energy will not pass through him and harm you rather it will remain in the enemy's body.

The energy accumulated in the baton is discarded into the enemy's muscles making them to carry out an enormous deal of work quickly. This work cycle instantaneously reduces the enemy's blood sugar by replacing it by lactic acid. He is incapable to generate energy for his muscles, making his body functionless.

The minute neurological impulses that organize and direct voluntary muscle movement are also disrupted by the stun baton. Even if the enemy is touching you, the current will not pass to your body!

Minor muscle retrenchment and a repelling effect can be caused by a shock of one fourth second. A temperate blast of one to four seconds will cause an enemy to fall to the ground as well as some mental confusion. A complete charge of five seconds can immobilize an enemy, cause confusion, loss of equilibrium, and leave them astonished for some minutes afterward.

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We sell self defense products from Talon Mini stun guns, tasers, peppers spray, and personal alarms.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com