Protect Yourself And Your Possessions

As the warm weather is upon us we tend to leave our home more often. Along with us we want to carry all of our personal possessions. One of the most important personal possessions that should be carried and readily available is a self defense product such as pepper spray, a personal alarm or a stun gun. Here are some tips regarding personal possessions and your safety. These are tips that we hear all the time but must be reiterated every once in a while. After all, our wallets, purses, credit cards, personal organizers and cell phones are just a few of our everyday items we carry that would be missed if they were stolen.

Some of the items we carry can be replaced however, there are some that if stolen could cause you a lot of grief and sorrow. The best advise would be to take only the items you will need.

Only take what cash you think you will need. Take only the credit cards you are most likely to use. If you do not need a camera or a camcorder, don’t take one with you. Limit the possessions you carry with you.

If you carry a purse or wallet, keep it where you can feel it, like inside of your jacket or pants pocket. Check to see if it is still there on a regular basis. If you are carrying a bag, strap it across your chest and hold on to it, but try not to look overly cautious. Always keep the opening or the zip part towards you. Never leave your bag unattended. If you have a backpack on, be extra cautious. Keep your cell phone out of sight as well, preferably in a zipped pocket. Watch out for pickpockets. They are watching every move you make.

Always be aware of your surroundings and appear relaxed. Pickpockets like busy streets and crowded places. If someone bumps into you, it could be a pickpocket. If this happens check and make sure you still have your possessions with you, but do not act too obvious.

If something has been stolen from you go to the nearest police station or call the police. Do not call 911 unless you have actually caught someone in the act and you have managed to apprehend the person. Be very careful. Do not risk your life. It is not worth the value of what they may have stolen. Put your own safety first.

I hope this helps those of you who are busy bodies and are always on the go. There are non-lethal, self-defense products out there that can help in your defense against an assailant. Such products include Mace, pepper sprays, personal alarms, and stun devices like stun guns and Tasers. Please check your locality or jurisdiction for pepper spray and stun device restrictions.

Should I Carry Pepper Spray?

Yes you should! Your life may depend on it. With the increase in crime today, pepper spray, stun guns, tasers and personal alarms are becoming increasingly popular to thwart off a would-be assailant. It is estimated that at least 15,000,000 American's now carry personal defense sprays, the majority of which are OC pepper sprays.

Law abiding citizens are realizing that they have to depend on devices like these to protect themselves and their families. There are around 40 manufacturers of pepper spray, who offer various sizes, formulations and spray types.

Pepper sprays normally come in aerosol type containers, some no larger than a tube of lipstick. Some are small enough to attach to a key chain. Some are disguised as a pager or baton. Most of these sprays can be fired several times and have a range between 8 and 20 feet, depending on model and size.

Remember, all activations will reduce the contents of the canister; smaller capacity models will therefore need to be replaced every 9-12 months if these testing procedures are adhered to. Always check manufacturers testing and replacement recommendations.

If you have to use your pepper spray in self-defense, make sure that you have some distance between you and your attacker if possible. You don't want the spray to affect you. Aim the spray at the eyes and facial region of the attacker, then release a 1 to 2 second burst of spray. After you have done this move away, but watch the attacker carefully as you do so. By watching the reactions of your attacker you will be able to tell if a further burst of spray is required. Remember spray and move, spray and move. Once the attacker has been incapacitated, seek help and call the police.

Most pepper sprays have a shelf life of 3-4 years although some expire after two years. The expiry date should be marked on the canister. Any use of the spray beyond the expiry date is HIGHLY unadvisable. Your life may depend on it working properly. Although the spray will work indefinitely, it will loose its potency over time.

Sprays should be tested right after purchase and then every 90 days. Fire the canister in half-second bursts. Testing must always be done outside. Make sure that the wind is blowing from behind you.

Pepper spray is legal to carry in most states. There are however, some states that have restrictions on pepper spray. Please check with your local and state law enforcement officials for restrictions and legality in your area.

Pepper Spray Laws And Restrictions

What is pepper spray? Pepper spray is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes which causes pain and temporary blindness to incapacitate an attacker. It is also used as a bear deterrent. The active ingredient in pepper spray is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The OC is derived from Cayenne peppers, some of the hottest peppers in the world. OC is a reddish-orange, oily liquid, insoluble in water. The OC agent is dispersed by the aerosol in a number of spray patterns depending on the model.

In 1928, two Americans, Ben Carson and Roger Staughton discovered CS. Hence, the use of the first initial of each of their last names. CS or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile is a non-lethal chemical substance used as a riot control agent known as tear gas.

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, however some cities and states have restrictions, regulated or are prohibited by law. Pepper sprays, by law, cannot be shipped by air. There are various sizes and formulations of pepper spray. Defensive sprays can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age and older.

In New York, you can only purchase pepper spray or other defensive sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists.

In the state of Massachusetts, residents can only purchase pepper spray or any other defensive sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers.

In Michigan, pepper spray is to be no stronger than 2%. CS is the only tear gas allowed and can be no larger than 35 grams per can. Combination sprays are prohibited.

In Wisconsin, only pepper is legal and OC no stronger than a 10% solution. The pepper spray can is not to be any larger than 60 grams and must have a safety feature. No tear gas, UV dye or combination sprays allowed.

Never use Pepper Spray unless you feel you are threatened or you need to protect someone else. Improper use of a defensive spray may result in criminal action. You could be sued or in some states fined up to $1000 or imprisoned up to 3 years.

These are the latest restrictions we have found on pepper spray restrictions during our research. It may not be completely accurate. We make no claim to legality or responsibility to changes that may have occurred or that are in the process of occurring. Please check with your local authorities or jurisdiction for restrictions and legality.

Party Safety Tips

As summer approaches many people begin to think about barbeques and parties. However, they are not thinking about the danger that could be involved when people get together and do what naturally comes with this summer pastime… the consumption of alcohol. The most important tip we can offer for party safety is to be aware of the danger signs and plot an escape route. If you have to drink, remember, alcohol can affect your ability to make decisions. Manage how much you consume and look out for your friends. Here are a few safety tips you should familiarize yourself with when going to or throwing your own party.

Going To A Party? Remember these tips!

• Always get your own drink or watch it being poured.
  
• Don't leave your drink unattended and do not drink or taste anyone else's drink.
  
• Don't accept drinks from anyone else.
  
• Dispose of your drink if you think it tastes odd. If you just leave it, someone else may drink it.
  Drugs used to spike drinks can be colorless, tasteless and odorless, so you might not realize that something has been added to your drink.
• If your friend’s behavior is out of character, or they seem too "out of it" for what they have had, their drink might have been spiked.
  
• Watch out for your friends and make sure they are making safe decisions.
• If your friend needs to sober up check to see if they are alone, or is someone with them and are they safe.
• Encourage people who are drunk to drink water, which will help lessen the concentration of the alcohol in their system or eat something. Keep an eye on them and do not let them leave the party with their car keys.
• If you are going home with someone you do not know too well, introduce them to your friends before you leave.

Throwing A Party? Keep Your Guests Safe!

• Create a safe atmosphere. If you know that someone is harassing or intimidating someone else, then do something about it by letting them know you are watching, ask the person to stop or leave, find a safe place for the victim and do not be afraid to call 911.
• Know whom you have invited to the party and plan what you will do if someone crashes it.
• Provide food and drink spacers, such as water, soft drinks, or juice.
• Keep an eye on your guests. Make sure they are safe and having a good time.
• Offer to call a taxi for your guests and make note of the taxi company you’ve called.

Please follow these and other simple safety tips. Also consider taking a self defense product, especially if you don't know most of the people attending the party. Enjoy your summer!

How A Stun Gun Works

A stun gun is an electrical self defense device that uses high voltage to stop an attacker. Touching a person with the prongs on the stun gun quickly immobilizes the attacker. However, because the amperage of a stun gun is very low, no serious or permanent injury is inflicted.

The stun gun is designed to key into the nervous system. It dumps its energy into the muscles at a high pulse frequency that makes the muscles work very rapidly, but not efficiently. This rapid work cycle depletes blood sugar by converting it to lactic acid all in just seconds. The resulting energy loss makes it difficult to move and function. At the same time, the tiny neurological impulses that travel throughout the body to direct muscle movement are interrupted. This causes disorientation and loss of balance and leaves the attacker in a passive and confused condition for several minutes. Still, there is no significant effect on the heart and other organs.

As a general rule, a one-half second contact with a stun gun can repel and startle the attacker, giving some pain and muscle contraction. One to two seconds can cause muscle spasms and a dazed mental state. Over three seconds can cause loss of balance and muscle control, mental confusion and disorientation. Realize that 3 seconds is quite a long time when in a physical struggle. Every person is different and will react differently to the effects of a stun gun. What may put one person down in 3 seconds could take 5 seconds on another person.

The electrical shock that emits from the stun gun will not pass from the person being stunned to the person doing the stunning. The effect is localized only in the affected area and does not pass through the body. Even if you or the attacker is wet or standing in water, you will not get shocked by the stun gun. Stun Guns are legal in most states. Please Click Here For State Restrictions

Police hope sketch leads to identity of suspect in violent sexual assault

CAYCE, SC (WIS) - The Cayce Department of Public Safety is seeking assistance in identifying a suspect pictured in the sketch to the right.

Now investigators from several surrounding agencies have now joined cayce police in the search for the rapist.

SLED, Lexington County deputies and City of Lexington police have all joined the search. They are combing the scene where the attacker was last seen.

Investigators are searching through dumpsters hoping to find a soiled yellow shirt they believe the suspect was wearing during the incident.

Authorities believe that shirt may contain dna evidence that could help identify the suspect.

The suspect is described as Hispanic, 5'5" to 5'7" tall, weighing approximately 150 to 165lbs and could be between the ages of 27 and 35.

The 22-year-old victim says he spoke to her in broken English.

She was walking home from work on Knox Abbott Drive sometime after 2:00am Friday. That's when a Checker Yellow Cab pulled up and a man got out.

"I don't know whether she saw the cab stop and him get out or not. But he came across the street after getting out of the cab, asking for money," says Cayce Lieutenant Simmons.

When the woman tried to call her father, this complete stranger grabbed her phone, smashed it and began punching her in the face, again and again.

The victim blacked out, but recalls being dragged by her feet down the sidewalk and into thorns and heavy underbrush in a vacant lot.

Continue reading this article

Anonymous Rape Kits for Rape Victims, Nationwide Requirement

Good news! Next year it will be a FEDERAL LAW that all hospital emergency rooms offer a free forensic rape exam. This is a big step in the conviction of criminals who sexually assault people. Women who are the majority of sexually assaulted victims, don't necessarily know for sure if they want to press charges against their assailants. Offering the option to have the test performed right after the assault occurred and the anonymous results kept for a future date is crucial. This is important since evidence can be destroyed as time passes and if she does agree to press charges, the evidence collected would still be good. Hospitals or clinics will probably hold on to evidence for at least 90 days. This leaves an open window for the victim to decide. All the tests will be identified by a number and not the victim's name, to insure her privacy.

A US Justice Department survey reported 272,360 sexual assaults in 2006. The same survey estimated that only 41% of rape cases actually are reported to the police.

To read more information, click on the headline of this story.

Sometimes, even if we buy pepper spray for our daughters, they still can get hurt!

We can protect our daughters buy purchasing self defense products for them , but they are of no use when attackers come from the internet!

I read a story that took place in Missouri that just breaks my heart. A 13 year old girl committed suicide after she heard that the 16 year old boyfriend she had been socializing with on the internet, did not want to continue being her friend... This story has a twist though, the boyfriend was really not a teenage boy at all, it was a 40 year old woman. An evil adult, taking advantage of an underage. It so happens that this woman lives in the same neighborhood that the young girl lived in. She actually knew the young girl and has a daughter of her own. Her reason for building this make-believe profile of a young boy, was to monitor what the 13 year old victim was saying to others about her own daughter. The last message sent to the 13 year old was that the world would be a better place without her...
To read this entire article, click on the headline above.

1 in 3 Military Women Experience Sexual Abuse

Speaking out against the war, female veterans describe regular abuse at the hands of their peers -- and the military's failure to address it.

I knew it was bad, but I didn't know just how bad. Colonel Ann Wright, retired U.S. Army, grabbed the audience's attention at a panel called Women in the Military, hosted last month by Women Center Stage in New York City, when she said that one in three women in the military is sexually abused by her male colleagues. Ann wants to see huge signs displaying this statistic in every recruiting office, to let young women know what to expect if they sign up.

After 26 years in the U.S. Army/Army Reserves, Ann went on to serve in the U.S. Diplomatic Corps for fifteen years, receiving the State Department's Award for Heroism in 1997. She helped open the U.S. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, in January 2002 and then was Deputy Chief of Mission in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

To read more about this story click on the title above.

Any Plans for The Weekend?

It's Friday and you are ready to tackle the weekend. Most people look forward to doing their own thing and enjoying the time off from work. A lot of us like to dine out, go to a movie or a concert or perhaps go dancing! Weekends are great for socializing and meeting new people. It's all fun and worry free, right? Wrong! With all the socializing activities going on during the weekend, there is also a lot of crime going on as well! Many crimes are committed on weekends because criminals have more people to choose from. They know that most people have their guard down and they take advantage of it. There is also more people under the influence of alcohol, which makes them an easy target for attackers.

It is important to remember to always keep your guard up, especially during these 2 socializing days of the week. I'm not saying to be on the lookout constantly, but to try to get into some good safety habits. Below are 5 good habits you should acquire and practice not just on the weekend but all the time.

1. Be aware of the world around you, don't go around like a zombie, not observing your environment or the people around you. It actually is more enjoyable to take it all in, instead of having tunnel vision.
2. Carry a self defense product with you at all times, such as pepper spray, a stun gun, personal alarm or a Taser. No matter how physically strong you are, you can always be caught off-guard or become distracted. Also, familiarize yourself with your self defense product. Know how to use it, learn what it is capable of doing to a person and if it runs on batteries, make sure it works. If your product is expired, like pepper spray can be, replace it as suggested by the manufacturer.
3. Always be aware of situations that can become dangerous. For instance, walking through a parking lot, in a public garage, isolated stairway, alley, or just in a place where there are few or no persons around that can help you if you get into trouble. In cases like these, you should have your self defense product readily available just in case you need it. This means take the product out of your purse, pocket or holster and if it needs to be turned on, turn it on and be prepared. This also includes going into the outdoors for a hike by yourself. Just because you are surrounded by nature, does not mean that it is safe.
4. Never leave a social gathering with a stranger or person you just met. Plan to meet with them again in a social environment, several times before taking the risk of trusting someone that could be a rapist or murderer.
5. Just like you are in the habit of picking up your keys before you leave your house, you should make it a habit of picking up a self defense product as well. A good thing to do is to lay it by your keys, this way you have it readily available to take with you when you pick up your keys and head out the door.

These safety tips, of course, are just a few things to remember and become used to doing on a daily basis. There are many more tips for safety on our website that you can become familiar with. Just go to our Safety Tips link on our website. Have a great weekend and be SAFE!

Stun Gun and Taser History

It all started when Thomas Edison decided to endorse the use of the electric chair to a state commission seeking alternatives ways for capital punishment. Of course stun guns today are not setup to be lethal, but they sure hurt and disable you temporarily!

Since Edison's endorsement in 1888, many countries started utilizing electricity as a torture weapon on prisoners. Torture weapons had to be strong enough to cause pain, yet not too powerful to cause death. In the 1930s, two devices where in use that fit the non lethal characteristics: the Argentine Picana Electrica and the Italian Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) device.

The ECT was invented by two Italian psychologists who worked with schizophrenics in the early 1930s. The electric shock was delivered directly to the head of the patient. But this device was not the ancestor of the present stun gun, it was much weaker than the powerful voltage that stun guns deliver these days. The Argentine Picana Electrica is probably the closest device to the stun guns being used today. It was used in many central and south American countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.

In the US, the first Taser design was proposed in 1952 for commando operations, the "Combined Policeman's Club and Restraining Device" appeared in 1960 and the "Electrified Stick for Postman" was developed in 1964. After that, these devices were used frequently by police to control or prevent riots. In the 1970s, inventors started marketing the devices as self defense products against muggers. This lead to the distribution and selling of all kinds of stun guns and Tasers available to the general public today. Of course WomenOnGuard.com sells stun guns and Tasers among other self defense products such as mace, pepper spray, personal alarms and more.

The Honorable Judge Michael E. Dunlavey...

We were very honored yesterday to include Judge Michael E. Dunlavey as a customer of WomenOnGuard.com. He was elected Judge in Erie County, Pennsylvania in 1999 and has an impressive military service background. Dunlavey, a two-star general in the United States Army Reserves, served as the U.S. General in charge of global anti-terror intelligence. In 2002, he was placed in command of terror suspect operations at a prison compound in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for captured members of Al Qaeda and the Taliban. At one time, the compound housed nearly 600 such prisoners.

Judge Dunlavey, contacted Susan Eaton, Co-owner of WomenOnGuard.com. He stated, "Great website and product line. I have to deal with abuse cases every day. Now my secretary is under threat. I will be able to provide a meaningful Mother's Day gift to my daughter, secretary, clerk and the Mother of my children. From what I see every day the problem of abuse and assault has become worse not better. Keep up the hard work of your mission. The more informed people are, the better chance we have of changing this cycle of predatory violence." He also mentioned to Susan, "This is serious business. All you have to do is look at the latest video games, listen to the lyrics of the latest rap song or watch the videos on MTV and it is easy to see why men, women and children are being abused and victimized at an alarming rate. Common respect for another human being and decency are values that are not being promoted. So rather than becoming a victim people should prepare to protect themselves and avoid danger if possible."

A Vietnam Veteran, Dunlavey has a distinguished military service record. His rank, two-star general, is the highest possible for the Army Reserves. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Joint Meritorious Unit Citation.

Press Release: WomenOnGuard.com Taser C2 Giveaway Winner

During the month of April, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, WomenOnGuard.com had a Taser C2 Giveaway. The lucky winner was Lori Mullen, a nursing student from Texas. She won a Taser C2 with Integrated Laser Sight retailing for $349.99.

Indian Beach, NC April 5, 2008. WomenOnGuard.com is a website that sells non-lethal, self defense products such as Mace, pepper spray, stun gun, the Taser C2, personal alarms and home protection products. The site includes hotlines, safety tips, helpful links and a Blog. The website donates products, on a monthly basis, to a different women’s crisis center around the country.

“We try to educate women on the importance of carrying a self defense product”, stated Susan Eaton, Co-owner of WomenOnGuard.com. Most importantly, she stated that the Taser C2 is one of the best if not the best weapon women can posses to defend themselves. It is very easy to use, reliable, definitely will bring an assailant down and it is non lethal. It not only keeps a woman safe but also her assailant. Most people agree that having more fatalities in our society is not the answer. Crime should not be treated with more crime. Susan states, “People, especially women, need to be aware of the availability and simplistic use of the Taser C2”.

WomenOnGuard.com wants to inform women AND men that the Taser C2 with Laser is unlike any serious weapon on the market today. First of all, it doesn’t even resemble a gun, which announces death just by seeing one. It reaches a target of up to 15 feet away. Not only can it shoot prongs that will take a person down, but it also includes a laser sight that helps with your aim. The Taser C2 also has a LED light that shines on assailants as you aim, which distracts them and facilitates your view at the same time. Unlike when you shoot a gun, there is not a kickback, which is an important consideration to keep in mind for most women. In other words, it will not push you back when you shoot it. The Taser C2 has another feature that most people are unaware of. It is a contact stun gun as well! If for instance you shoot at an attacker and another person comes at you, the Taser can also be used as a stun gun, by touching that second person with the end of the Taser C2. 50,000 volts of electricity will penetrate their body and knock them down as well. Yet another important fact about the Taser C2 is that it’s power magazine has up to 50+, 30-second firings or a shelf life of 10 years!

Susan goes on to say, “The Taser C2, as well as all of our non lethal self defense products that we carry, can help prevent violent crimes. In today’s society, carrying a self defense product is a must.”

You must be 18 years of age to purchase pepper spray or stun gun products.
Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, however some cities and states have restrictions on sizes and strengths. There are some states where the stun gun and Taser are illegal. WomenOnGuard.com does have a “State Restrictions” category on its website however, accepts no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.

Perfect Gift for Mom

Wondering what to get your mom this year for Mother's Day? Well, look no further. What better gift to give your mom than the gift of self protection. Giving your mom a self defense product is truly a unique gift, she probably has never received before! We often think of our moms as being almighty very strong women, after all they raised us. But physical or emotional strength is often not enough to fend off an attacker.

Choose Carefully
Pick a self defense product that your mom will be comfortable with. Some women are not comfortable carrying for example pepper spray. Other options to that would be a personal alarm or a stun gun. Some women would rather carry a taser than a stun gun, to keep what might be an attacker at a good distance! Some women don't feel safe at work and would love a stun pen or a pepper pen, which look like regular pens, but really are a stun gun or pepper spray in disguise! There are many products to select from, some look like the actual defense tool, while others are manufactured to resemble a ring, a cell phone, pager, lipstick container, etc.

Any self defense product would be a far better gift than to just give your mom candy or perfume! Your mom will thank you for it.