Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #16 (Personal Safety Devices)

There are many types of security products available now to carry as personal safety devices. It’s a good idea to have at least one of the recommended devices to carry with you. By carrying a security product, it will not guarantee to prevent crimes, but it will serve you well and most likely help to divert any criminal activity.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared. In addition to personal security devices, make sure that you’re always aware and vigilant of your surrounding at all times. Stay safe!

WARNING!

Be sure to check with your local police department, community service officer, or security expert to make sure that these are legal security devices that you can carry in your area or state. Also, check laws of other states that you plan to visit.

1. Pepper Spray

This is quite effective and it can only take a few seconds to affect someone’s mucous membranes. It will cause tearing and choking in 30 seconds or more and allow for you to escape the potentially dangerous situation. It comes in various types: mist, fog, foam, or stream. Be aware that a mild breeze can cause the spray to come back to you.

2. Child Alarms

This is also quite effective if your child wanders away, usually beyond 30 feet.

3. Alarms or Noisemakers

These types of devices, when continued to shriek until deactivated, are helpful because a potential attacker doesn’t want to tangle with or chase a noisy target.

4. Doorstop Alarms for Motels/Hotels

This is a great idea for added security if you’re traveling, especially alone. It won’t stop a possible intruder, but it will alert you and others to the activity.

5. Whistles

This is also a good safety device, but the alarms and noisemakers are better option.

6. Stun Guns

This type of security device produces an electrical arc that would probably scare off a “would be” attacker. However, you generally have to be close to the subject against bare skin, and clothing is a hindrance to be effective.

7. Stun Lights

This device acts like camera flash bulb and will briefly impair an attacker’s vision.

8. Skunk Sprays

What can be worse than the stench of a skunk?

9. Dye Sprays

This will mark a criminal to help authorities catch him afterwards, but that doesn’t go to preventing a potential crime.

It’s important to know all your options with personal safety devices and choose the one that’s right for you. Talk to your local police department or safety expert for more information.


Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

Other Blog:
www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com

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Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #8 - Safety of Our Homes

In my novel "Compulsion", Emily Stone takes her job seriously as she hunts down child abductors and serial killers, even though it’s all done anonymously and behind the scenes. One thing that she strongly advocates is public safety, and she will do whatever it takes to make sure that we are all safe.

One place that everyone should feel safe is at home.

Sometimes, we forget that when we’re in the safety of our home to keep vigilant and alert, especially when we are coming or going.

Ladies, here are some important safety precautions to remember at home. However, everyone should be aware of these tips too.

1. Always have your key ready before you get to your front door and pay attention to what’s around you.

2. Keep ALL windows and doors locked at all times when you’re away from your residence no matter what the temperature is outside.

3. Keep your front entrance area well lit, replace light bulbs regularly, and make sure that fixtures are in good working order. If possible, have motion lights installed in addition to the regular outside lights.

4. If you arrive home and find your front door open: DO NOT GO INSIDE, call the police immediately from your cell phone, neighbor’s house, or pay phone.

5. If you live in an apartment, list only your last name and first initial on your mailbox.

6. Don’t buzz someone in to your building or apartment complex unless you know them.

7. The same goes for holding the door open for someone that you don’t know that has been waiting. Don’t let anyone into your building or apartment complex that you don’t know.

8. If a stranger needs to use your phone in an emergency, keep them out, and offer to make the call for them.

9. If you ever have ANY doubt or feel threatened in any way, call the police. Report anything that seems suspicious to the police immediately.

These are just a few important safety precautions to remember when you’re at home, especially when you’re alone. Everyone should always feel safe and secure inside their own home.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist