Self Defense and Security Blog

I just got back from standing on a street corner waiting for the memorial procession of Captain Scott Speicher to pass by. The city of Jacksonville today is turning out in record numbers to support and respect our hometown hero. I’m encouraged to see the support for our military and for all of our fallen heroes. My spirits have been raised today seeing the turnout of people of all ages to honor this great American. Thank you Jacksonville for supporting this great man, his family, and the military. Finally, thank you Captain Scott Speicher for your sacrifice!

I read an article recently on What Independence really means to Americans, that says it better than anything I have ever read. You may agree, you may disagree. You might even be offended by this article, but it is truth as I believe it to be. The author has it right in my opinion.

Here it is in it’s entirety. It’s long, but worth the read……

Is it me, or is July 4th ever referred to as Independence Day? The typical American is so disconnected from our Constitutional past, for the fight for independence. We give great lip service and slogans of being free and put on great celebrations and make elaborate spectacles of ourselves. But, hardly is the 4th of July referred to as Independence Day anymore.

So, what is it that we’re celebrating? Does anyone care? Is it too politically incorrect to say it? Or is it that we don’t want to furnish a lie?
As we applaud soldiers in uniform on cue, place flags in our yards, and lip-sync the words to the national anthem at sporting events, give a thought to what it’s all for. Do we even know why we do it? Is it just something to do because we think that it is expected of us, as all eyes are on us? Yet, if we should dare to make too much to-do about being American, like placing a flag on our desk at work, wearing Ol’ Glory on our t-shirts at school, or demanding that American values and language be dominant, we risk great disfavor in this era of extreme political correctness and fear offending someone.
As I look around, I see little sign of Americans and less of America’s freedom or independence. Freedom and personal responsibility have become words that are spoken as ‘times of back when’ and ‘in the old school days.’ Today we seem to be unwilling to take personal responsibility for our actions, which is the major consequence of personal independence and freedom. Today government is more involved in the lives of the American citizen than at any other time in the nation’s history. Too many of us have grown weary of the burden of freedom.
The notion of government entitlement, is rampant. Government regulation of what we speak, what we think and what we do with our time and money, is at an all time high. There are more citizens working for the government and dependent on the government for our very existence then ever before. Our public/government school system is one that teaches not to be free-thinkers, entrepreneurs, or independent, but how to be workers, conformist, and to be dependent on it [the government]. The existing political currents seem to be hell-bent to make America so financially, intellectually and morally destitute, that we have no choice but to go to the world with cap in hand and prostitute ourselves to the world’s benefit and pleasure.
Over the past 16 years, U.S Administrations have sought fit to turn a nation that once was a world exporter and creditor, to one that is a world importer and debtor. Within the first 6 months of the current federal Administration, Mr. Obama has gone on a world tour, apologizing for America’s dominance and has established a policy capitulating to global consensus, via the United Nations, rather than first consideration of America’s best interest. Due to generations of mis-education, today the average college graduate is more able to recite David Letterman’s Top 10 List, than the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.
Today, children are taught that what is theirs rightfully belongs to the collective, or those less fortunate. No longer do we teach Biblical principles such as, reaping what you sow, or being rightfully able to enjoy the harvest of ones own labor. Unlike when I was growing up, when my parents bought me school supplies to take to school, it was not for the use of other kids who were less fortunate, but for me to use.
In generations past, the issuance of credit was one that was used and given with respect and conservatively. And to be on welfare or be contempt to receive charity was worst then death itself. That was the way we thought back then. The psychological comfort that we today find with amassing hundreds, thousands, and trillions in debt, and social deviancy, both personally and via the government, has led us to accept a far lesser standard for not only for ourselves, but our leaders. This has had grave consequences for our nation’s independence and quality of living.
To be free is to be independent in mind, to be producers and manufactures of our destiny, and that of others. To be independent in mind, naturally leads one to be responsible for his actions. This type of mentality is in great contrast to one of group identity, one that has an entitlement mentality, and one that finds comfort in being servants and dependent on others for his very existence. Unfortunately we find ourselves resembling more of the latter then the former, as a nation.
We personally find ourselves serving more to needs and wishes of either the banks or credit companies and now our nation is working for the benefit of countries such as, Communist China, due to the unprecedented financial debt that the U.S government owes to it. Adlai E. Stevenson may have said it best when he stated, “A hungry man is not a free man”. Maybe he understood that a hungry man would more be likely to accept spoiled meat, not noticing the chains being attached to his legs. And as a nation, it would be more willing to put itself at harm unable to defy the wishes and needs of the owners of its debt, no more than a junkie defying the demands of the drug pusher to satisfying his debt by selling his children into servitude.

The unrealistic notion that we as a nation can use credit as true wealth, abandon the will to be self-sufficient, and being a military tiger with no moral and ethical foundation, has come to slap us with a blistering towel of reality.
A nation cannot remain strong and independent, as servants to the rest of the world. We cannot be the masters of our future, as those who are the manufactures and developers of wealth.
Alexander Hamilton rightfully stated that, “Not only the wealth, but the independence and security of a country, appear to be materially connected with the prosperity of manufactures…Every nation ought to endeavor to possess within itself, all the essentials of a national supply. These comprise the means of subsistence, habitation, clothing and defense…”
What kind of America is it that we seek to leave our next generations? Or is it all about the now, today, for us?
The Obama Administration, with its rhetoric of fear, has saddled each and every U.S taxpayer, adult and child, with nearly $700 thousand dollars in debt, due to its unparalleled spending and borrowing policy, for generations to come.
At the same time, the Administration seems to be unwilling to cease practices that cost the nation billions, financially and socially, such as: the importation of cheap transient labor (who many have no loyalty to the country and have detrimental effect on the financial and social well-being of America), the deployment of America’s sons and daughters to foreign lands (except in the defense of our clear and stated interest), the transfer of vital American infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing to foreign lands (to our detriment), and create a tax system that rewards saving and investing (which would make America the worlds greatest generator of real wealth), like the Fair Tax.
All he can do is scream that we are in a crisis. Whoa! If we are in a crisis, it is one of national independence and sovereignty, and real, honest leadership. Obama’s predisposition of appreciation of socialistic principles is driving America to view itself through the lens of dependency; whether it to be dependent on nations such as Communist China for financing and goods, or Mexico for labor, or the foreign owned Federal Reserve Bank for financial regulation of American banks, or that Americans salvation can only come through the hands of government. Is this what our Forefathers, sons and daughters, fought and died for?
America is abundant with natural resources, gas, oil, coal, as well as the greatest human resource that comes from people who are free to achieve greatness. Yet, we are not allowed to unleash our embedded greatness.
We are given only choices between two negatives. A choice between chopping off both legs or just one leg; even though you can still walk, though not run.
Americans must reignite our love for independence and relinquish the notion of security for freedom, demand high standards and virtue for ourselves and for our government, rebut any notion of socialist or globalization and establish an “American First” policy, and retain the love and appreciation of how special it is to be living in America and to be an American.
America and Americans are far from independent or free; if we do not retreat from the edge, we will descend into the abyss and forever relinquish our cherished covenant of freedom and independence.
The consequences of a people’s psychological disconnection from the history and respect of our nation’s past struggles for freedom and independence, makes a future of its seeds impossible due to the lack of knowing how to cultivate the soil for proper replenishment. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a 1749 German poet, stated one of the most fitting of quotes, “None are more hopelessly enslaved, than those who falsely believe they are free.” Today the question is whether or not we have become resigned to the fact that we are not free, just act as though we are?

Tony El
From Helium.com

To all of the brave men and women that have fought and died for the freedoms that everyone in this great country enjoy today. We salute you! We are all able to go where we want and do what we wish because of the sacrifice that our fallen veterans have made.

To all of them, thanks again.

When you leave for work, don’t leave your crime prevention sense at home. Almost any crime that can happen at your home or in your neighborhood, can happen in the workplace. But common-sense prevention skills can help make life “at work” safer for all involved.

Theft at the Office
• Keep your purse, wallet, keys, or other valuables with you at all times or lock them up somewhere safe.
• Check the identity of any strangers that you notice in your office — ask whom they are visiting and if you can help them find that person.
• Always let someone know where you’ll be — whether it’s coming in late, working late, going to the photocopier or mail room, going out to lunch or a meeting.
• If you bring personal items to work such as a coffee pot, a radio, or a calculator, mark them with your name or initials and an identification number.
• Report any broken or flickering lights, dimly lit corridors, doors that don’t lock properly, or broken windows. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.
• Be discreet. Don’t advertise your social life or vacation plans and those of your coworkers to people visiting or calling your place of work.

Trouble Areas
• Reception area — Is the receptionist or secretary equipped with a panic button for emergencies, a camera with a monitor at another employee’s desk, or a lock on the front door that can be controlled?
• Stairwells and out-of-the-way corridors — Don’t use the stairs alone. Talk to the building manager about improving poorly lighted corridors and stairways.
• Elevators — Don’t get into elevators with people who look out of place or behave in a strange or threatening manner. If you find yourself in an elevator with someone who makes you nervous, get off as soon as possible.
• Restrooms — Attackers can hide in stalls and corners. Make sure restrooms are locked and only employees have keys. Be extra cautious when using restrooms that are isolated or poorly lighted.
• After hours — Don’t work late by yourself. Create a buddy system for walking to your car or to the bus stop, or ask security to escort you.
• Parking lots or garages — Choose a well-lighted, well-guarded parking garage. Always lock your car and roll the windows up all the way. If you notice any strangers hanging around the parking lot, notify security or the police. When you approach your car, have the key ready. Check the floor and front and back seats before getting in. Lock your car as soon as you get in — before you buckle your seat belt.

Violence in the Workplace

Violence in the workplace takes many forms, from raised voices and profanity or sexual harassment to robbery or homicide. While homicide in the workplace is rising, 75 percent of work-related homicides are committed by unknown assailants while committing a robbery or other crimes. Despite media hype, the attacker usually isn’t a disgruntled coworker. To assess a workplace’s vulnerability to violence, ask yourself these questions.
• Is your office secure? Do you have easy-to-use phone systems with emergency buttons, sign-in policies for visitors, panic buttons, safe rooms, security guards, office access controls, good lighting, and safety training?
• Does your employer take care in hiring and firing? Before hiring, are employment gaps, history, references, and criminal and educational records thoroughly examined? Are termination procedures defined clearly with attention to advance notice, severance pay, and placement services?
• Could you recognize potentially violent employees? Signs of stress that could erupt into violence include: depression, frequent absences, talking in a louder-than-normal voice, being startled easily, increased irritability and impatience, and concentration and memory problems.
• Are you encouraged to report unusual or worrisome behavior? Is there a clear, written policy that spells out procedures in cases of violence and sanctions for violators? Make sure you know to whom you should report unusual behaviors

PARENTS REMINDED TO KEEP THEIR KIDS SAFE ON
INCREASINGLY POPULAR SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
In recent years, many free online social networking sites have come into existence and have become increasingly popular among minors, especially teenagers. Estimates suggest there are over 2000 social networking sites in existence; some of the most popular sites boasting registrants numbering in the tens of millions, with hundreds of thousands of new registrants per day. These sites allow individuals to communicate with each other and to form networks. As a registrant of these sites, a member can create a “profile” which is a unique webpage established so that the member can identify himself/herself to others.
These websites allow its members to customize their profiles with features including a forum for outside viewers to access photographs and details about the member, including physical attributes and personal information, as well as to access comments and thoughts posted by the member. Viewers of the member’s profile may also contact the member via e-mail or instant messenger, unless otherwise restricted.
Special Agents and task force officers associated with the FBI’s Innocent Images National Initiative, and their counterpart law enforcement officers around the country, have reported the increased use of social networking sites by sex offenders who troll sites in order to locate and communicate with potential victims. The websites’ popularity in developing new friendships makes it possible for sex offenders to seek victims by joining the site.

Although some of these websites have a specific age requirement in order to join, research has shown that minimally effective or non-existent monitoring by both parents and website operators have made it possible for underage children to join. The FBI has successfully fostered relationships with willing companies that operate social networking sites in efforts to aid law enforcement in the detection of online sexual predators, in addition to establishing a partnership that will contribute to a safer online environment.
This advisory should serve as a reminder to parents and legal guardians that their vigilance is necessary in monitoring the use of the Internet by minors under their supervision. Some tips for parents or guardians are listed below:

•Monitor your child’s use of the Internet at all times. With regard to social networking sites, discuss safeguards with your child and explain the need for
your involvement in setting up restrictions for access.
•Ensure your child is not misrepresenting his or her age while on the Internet. Even if a minor does not post personal information on their profile, a predator may track him or her down by perusing the profile of one of his/her friends, on which your child might be featured.
•Read and exercise the safety tips listed on the site of which your child is a member, and report inappropriate behavior directly to the website.
•Place your child’s computer in the family room to facilitate monitoring of online activity.
•Restrict your child’s profiles and groups on social networking sites to people your child knows personally; do not allow access to individuals your child has met through the Internet. Most sites allow for parents to block questionable individuals from contacting their children by viewing their child’s profile.
•Children should be discouraged from posting personal information.
•The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children operates a CyberTipline at cybertipline.com that allows parents and children to report child pornography and other incidents of sexual exploitation of children by submitting an online form. Complaints received by NCMEC that indicate a violation of federal law are referred to the FBI for appropriate action. Violations of state or local law are referred to the appropriate authorities.

The home party isn’t just for Tupperware anymore. The Self Defense home party is becoming a hit. People are selling our self defense products like crazy at these gatherings. These items are great impulse items, meaning people buy them on sight without “shopping” for them. They can’t be purchased in most stores or big box retailers. They are perfect for making a few bucks around the office, or the flea market, or at a “Self Defense Home Party”. Check out www.selfdefensehomeparties.info for more information. You can get a free catalog and look for yourself. There’s no obligation, and no catch.

Here’s a great story from the AP about a town in Iowa. Leave a comment and let us know what you think……

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) - Inmates at the Des Moines County jail in Burlington may have to begin paying for toilet paper. The county is facing a more than $1.7 million deficit in this year’s budget and the Board of Supervisors gave department heads the option of cutting costs or facing the possibility of unpaid furloughs or layoffs.

County Budget Director Cheryl McVey says billing inmates for toilet paper could save more than $2,300.

Maybe they could save more by taking out the satellite TV too?

This story is local from here in Jacksonville. This is the way it is supposed to work. The little old lady protecting herself and reducing the bad guy to burning tears with her pepperspray on her keychain.

A “one-man crime spree” was halted by a 77-year-old woman with a can of pepper spray, Jacksonville police said Wednesday.
Torre Sebastian Harris, 20, was arrested Tuesday about 5:30 p.m. shortly after a robbery at a Kangaroo Express store in the 8300 block of Baymeadows Road. Chief David Stevens of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said a man entered the store, pointed a gun in the clerk’s face and demanded money.
The contents of the cash register didn’t satisfy him, so he tried to snatch a customer’s purse, according to a police report. The victim, Gladys Gehrig, fought back and sprayed the thief with a container of pepper spray attached to her key chain.
“She got him good in the face,” Stevens said.
Police picked Harris up a short distance away.
Stevens said he was linked to six other robberies throughout January on the city’s Southside by witness identifications and surveillance footage.
Harris was charged with 14 felonies and held in lieu of bail.

Do yourself a favor. Get one of these for yourself, one for your wife, one for your kids. These are small, but pack a mean punch…Just what you need when you are faced with a dangerous situation. As proven in the story above, pepper spray is an effective tool for self defense.

Be Prepared….Don’t be a victim!

With home invasions and burglaries on the rise, it makes great sense to ensure you are making your personal and home security protection your top priority. Make your home safe against an attack by a perpetrator - no matter what the time of day or night. Invest in a good quality home security system, so if this type of crime happens - you are alerted, the intruder hears the alarm, and there is someone on the line to dispatch the police immediately. Most burglars and intruders are not going to stick around with the alarm siren blaring knowing the authorities are on their way.
I would also implore you to carry some type of personal protection on you, on your keychain, in your purse, in your car, next to your nightstand, and near your front and back door. You never know when some freak will decide it’s your time and attack you. Always be prepared and know what to do if you encounter a violent attacker wherever you are, and have the equipment necessary to defend yourself, your home and your family if the need arises.
Be prepared….Don’t be a victim!

As a parent, this is my number one objective. Keeping our children safe not only applies to physical safety, but mental, spiritual, and emotional safety as well. Here are a few pointers to help with the physical safety. If the child is physically safe, the other aspects are much easier to accomplish.

Rules For Parents:
• Encourage your children to communicate with you. If someone is causing them to be anxious, fearful, or
concerned for their safety, but has not attempted overt acts, parents need to know about it;
• Never leave your children unattended;
• Know where your children are at all times;
• Know your children’s friends, where they live and their telephone numbers;
• Know the location of Safe Houses in your area and the Safe House participants by contacting your local
School District or Community Police Station;
• Listen to your children when they tell you they don’t want to be with someone and ask why;
• Have your children’s school or day care center personnel call immediately if your children are absent;
• Use extreme caution when selecting a babysitter, preschool or day care center. Check their references
and have face-to-face meetings with the babysitter, preschool and day care center personnel who will be
looking after your children; and Get to know your neighbors, especially in a new neighborhood
• Never let anyone touch them where their underwear or swimsuit should cover;
• It’s OK to run away and scream “HELP” if someone tries to make them do something they don’t want to do;
• It’s OK to tell if someone offers them gifts or money, or wants to photograph them;
• Teach them how to describe a person’s appearance, clothing and their car if they are ever approached by a stranger;
• Let them know that they can run to other people and to lighted areas if they are being followed;
• Keep them near you while in a store or other public place;
• They must never go out to a parking lot if they get separated from parents in a shopping center or mall;
• Teach them that they should go to the nearest check out counter and ask a cashier or clerk for assistance if they get lost in a store;
• Teach them what to do if they should become lost in a crowd;
• They should stay in one place if they get lost;
• Never go into a public restroom alone; and
• Never play in abandoned buildings.

Play crime prevention roles with your children and teach them how to respond. If properly prepared,
your children will automatically take the correct crime prevention action in a dangerous situation. It is important to practice with your children and to encourage a “crime prevention attitude” in their daily lives.
Children are our most precious resource.
Unfortunately, because of their vulnerability, children are popular targets for molesters, drug dealers, and other predatory criminals. As a
result, parents have teamed up with local police departments, local school districts, and other professionals to focus on child crime prevention measures. By working with children and teaching them crime prevention measures, we can substantially reduce the chances of child victimization. An important tool for teaching children personal security is reinforcing their trust in the adults who care for them, e.g., parents, police and teachers. To further lessen the chances of children becoming victims, the following objectives should be stressed:
•Reassurance: Inform your children they can be safer if they form good habits and follow some simple rules. One good rule for children to remember is: never go anywhere with anyone without their parents’ permission;
•Openness: Encourage your children to confide in you, even if the subject feels uncomfortable;
•Strangers: Teach your children the difference between good strangers and bad strangers. Good strangers are police officers, teachers and firefighters. Children should seek assistance from them if they are in trouble. Children should avoid other strangers; and
• Secrets: Discourage your children from keeping bad secrets. A bad secret is when an adult tells a child to keep information from the child’s parents or guardian. An example would be an adult offering a child candy to get into his or her car and then telling the child not to tell anyone.
Another example would be if an adult tries to touch the private body parts of a child and then tells the child not to tell anyone. Private body parts are parts of the body covered by a bathing suit. Child molesters have also been known to approach children and fake a family emergency. A good example would be a child molester who drives to a school bus stop and tells a child, “Your dad is hurt and your mom wants you to come with me to the hospital.” The chances are high that a child placed in this circumstance might be tempted to get into the car. That is why parents should select a family code word that they and their children know. If a stranger does not know the code word, the children will know not to trust him or her. A good secret is keeping a family code word confidential.

Children Should Know:
• The definition of an emergency and when to contact police, fire or paramedics;
• Their full name, address, and telephone number, including area code;
• Their parents’ full name and work telephone number;
• How and when to use 911 and how to use a public telephone;
• How to use the telephone to call home;
• That they should check in with you or a trusted neighbor when he or she gets home from school so you always know where they are;
•Where to go for safety if you are not around;
•The location of Safe Houses in their neighborhood and the ability to recognize the Safe House Placards;
• Always keep doors locked, even during the day;
• Anyone they don’t know is a stranger;
• Stay away from cars occupied by strangers;
• Never open doors for strangers;
• Never tell anyone who comes to the door (or anyone who calls on the telephone) that they are alone;
• When answering the telephone, never give information to strange callers;
• It’s OK to say NO to an adult if the adult makes them feel uncomfortable or wants them to do something they feel is bad;

Happy New Year. Where did 2008 go? It went like a flash.

Thanks for your support this past year, and making 2008 such a success for us. We hope to continue in 2009 with the same trend. Check back with us often here on the blog for interesting articles and tips, and don’t forget to check out the website often to see all of the new items that we add during the year.

We hope that everyone has a safe and prosperous 2009. Stay safe….Be prepared….Don’t be a victim.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is more than just a “family problem” — it is a crime!  In California, and many other states, it is a crime for any person to threaten, beat, sexually assault or otherwise harm another person, even if they are married. Battering is not exclusively a crime against women, but they are the majority of victims; thus this article is primarily directed to the battered wife or woman.  Although we have few statistics on the incidence of domestic violence, we do know that:

• Approximately 30 percent of female homicide victims in the United States are killed by their husbands or boyfriends.

• Females are much more likely than males to be killed by their spouse.

• Domestic violence affects at least one out of every four American families.

Why do they stay?

The most frequently asked question concerning a battering situation is why does she stay? While reasons range from children, love, guilt, fear, pride, embarrassment, financial dependence — or a combination thereof — it is very possible the woman may be locked into a violence cycle.

Three-phase theory of family violence

The family violence cycle consists of three phases: the tension-building phase, the acute-battering incident and the loving reconciliation.

• Tension-Building Phase

During this phase the woman senses her mate’s increasing tension. He is “edgy” and perhaps challenges her and tells her she is stupid, incompetent, etc. The woman may internalize her appropriate anger at the man’s unfairness and experience physical effects such as depression, tension, anxiety and headaches. As the tension in the relationship increases, minor episodes of violence increase, such as pinching, slapping or shoving.

• Acute-Battering Incident

The tension-building phase ends in an explosion of violence. The woman may or may not fight back. Following the battering, she is in a state of physical and psychological shock. The man may discount the episode and underestimate the woman’s injuries.

• Loving Reconciliation

During the last phase of the family violence cycle, both parties have a sense of relief that “it’s over.” The man is often genuinely sorry for what happened and is fearful that his partner will leave him. He apologizes and may “shower” her with love and praise that helps her repair her shattered self-esteem. He tells her he can’t live without her, so she feels responsible for his well-being and guilty for her actions and blames herself for what led up to the abuse.

Crime and Violence Prevention Center • California Attorney General’s Office

Increasing spiral of violence

Once violence has begun, it continues to increase in both frequency and severity. Understanding the psychological consequences of her violent relationship can help the woman take power and choose constructive alternatives, as well as aid those who intervene to help her.

If you become a victim of domestic violence

• Call the police or sheriff.

• Make sure you are safe from another beating. Whenever you believe you are in danger, leave your home and take your children with you. Also, take important papers such as your birth certificate, vehicle registration, etc.

• Get medical attention. Don’t try to treat yourself; you may be injured much more seriously than you realize.

• Seek assistance. Whether or not you file charges against your batterer, you may need to talk to a professional about your situation. Contact your local battered women’s shelter, women’s support group or victims’ assistance center.

• Save all the evidence (proof) you can. (You may even want to take photographs of your injuries.) Whether or not you file charges now, you may later change your mind and will then need proof that you have been assaulted.

A way out

Everyone has the right to be safe from threats and beatings — but you must take that first step. Once you recognize that it isn’t your fault and it is possible to change your situation, seek the help you need to correct your situation.

Help available

If you need help, look in the yellow pages of your telephone directory.  Remember that your local police and sheriff’s departments exist to help you. You should always have their numbers handy for an emergency situation. Other sources of help and/or referral are the Salvation Army or your private physician or attorney. Also, look in the yellow pages under “Attorney Referral Service”or “Legal Assistance” or “Bar Association” if you have a low income and need a lawyer.

• Despite many concerns, some now argue (and we agree)that it is actually safer to buy online than buying over the phone or handing your credit card over to someone in a shop(as long as you are purchasing from a legitimate vendor). This is because if the online payment is handled properly, your banking details will be “encrypted”, which means they cannot be viewed by anyone other than those handling the transaction - usually the banks.

• If you’re still unsure, Card Watch, the UK banking group that works with the police and retailers to stop credit card fraud, offer the following “top ten tips” when buying online:

• 1. Make sure your web-browser (that’s the software that you use to view websites, most commonly Internet Explorer or Netscape) is set to the highest level of security notification and monitoring. These options are not always automatically activated when your computer is set-up, so check your manual or the “Help” option.

• 2. Check to see that you are using the most recent version of your web-browser as it often includes better security features - up-to-date versions can be downloaded free from the Microsoft or Netscape websites. If you have a different browser or use on-line services such as AOL or CompuServe, contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or software supplier to find out how to activate their security features.

• 3. Before purchasing from a website, make a record of the retailer’s contact details, including a street address and e-mail address. If these details are not available on the website, consider going elsewhere to buy.

• 4. Do not enter personal details unless the security icon is displayed (this is a small padlock that normally appears at the bottom of your browser when you begin your transaction over the Internet). You can click on the padlock to see if the retailer has an encryption certificate. This should explain the type and extent of security and encryption it uses. Only use companies that have an encryption certificate and use secure transaction technology. The address of the page where you enter personal details should also start https://.

• 5. If you have any queries or concerns, telephone the company before giving them your card details to reassure yourself that it is legitimate.

• 6. Print out your order and consider keeping copies of the retailer’s terms and conditions and returns policy. Be aware that there may well be additional charges such as postage and VAT when purchasing from outside your country. When buying from overseas always err on the side of caution and remember that it may be difficult to seek redress if problems arise.

• 7. Check statements from your bank or card issuer carefully as soon as you receive them. Raise any discrepancies with the retailer concerned in the first instance. If you find any transaction on your statement that you are certain you did not make, contact your card issuer immediately.

• 8. Ensure that you are fully aware of any payment commitments you are entering into, including whether you are instructing a single payment or a series of payments.

• 9. Never disclose your card’s PIN number to anyone, including people claiming to be from your bank or the police, and never write it down or send it over the Internet.

• 10. If you have any doubts about using your card, find another method of payment

It’s a scenario familiar to any business traveler. Your airline flight was delayed, the cab line at the airport was endless and check-in was a mess. Jet lag has struck. It’s very late, you’re tired and you have a breakfast meeting with a key client at 6:30 AM. You grab your key, avoid the bellman and head to your room to collapse into bed. Stop. Take the next 5 minutes to perform these safety, security and cleanliness checks and prepare for the next day. These “how to’s” will save you time the next morning, they could even save your life some day. This can also apply to holiday travel while we stay in hotels during our visit to Grandma’s house for Christmas.

1. When you enter your room prop the door open, turn on the lights, and check the closets, bathroom, under the bed and behind the drapes. Mistakes do happen and sometimes someone else has been assigned to your room. This happens more frequently in suites with adjoining bedrooms that can be sold as separate rooms. Or there could be a thief. In any case, don’t close the door until you are sure the room is empty.

2. Check that the connecting doors, windows and sliding doors are locked. In general, avoid first floor rooms with sliding doors.

3. Once you lock the door and attach the safety chain, check the diagram on the back to review the nearest exits and mentally plan your escape route. Look out the door to check that the exit signs are illuminated. If the lights are out, be helpful and contact the front desk to let them know. The few seconds that it takes to review the exit information can save your life in the event of a fire, earthquake or other emergency. Just do it. FYI, most fire engine ladders can only reach up to the 6th floor.

4. Be sure that the heat or air-conditioner, lights, phone, radio and television are working. Turn on the shower and sink to check the water pressure and temperature. If they aren’t working, switch rooms now. It’s not worth waiting for someone to fix the problem, especially late at night.

I was walking down the street the other day and a guy asked me if he could use my cellphone. Wow, what to do? I thought quickly, “battery’s dead, I’m sorry dude”. That was a close one. I was wearing my cell phone stun gun on my belt. It looks just like a cellphone, but it’s really a disguised stun gun.
They are small, they look real, and are easy to carry in a place that is accessible should you need immediate protection. No digging deep in your pocket or purse, it’s there on your side, or even in your hand!
There are two models that I’d like you to take a look at. First there’s what we call the Pretender cellphone stun gun. It’s a powerful 950,000 volt thug-eater. It packs a huge punch for its small size. It has a built in very bright 12 LED flashlight also. The Pretender Cellphone Stun Gun has safety features built in also to prevent accidental discharge. It uses 3 CR2 batteries (that ARE included). The pretender also comes with a free holster for easy carrying.
The second is the Stunmaster 800,000 volt Cell Phone Stun Gun. It is well disguised. According to Jim Mackesy, undersherriff with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, “Stun guns have been around for quite some while, but, I have to admit I haven’t seen one as well disguised as this one is.” It makes it easy for you to surprise an attacker. That’s your best tactic in an attack situation. The Stunmaster 800,000 volt Cell Phone Stun Gun has a built in 100 decibel alarm, a bright flashlight, and a disabling wriststrap in case you are disarmed, it cannot be then used against you. Batteries and case are included.
Take a look at these. They are the perfect tool for staying protected without looking like it.

STAYING SAFE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

• Even though you are rushing and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. If possible, park your car in an area of high pedestrian activity. Avoid remote areas.
• Lock your car and close the windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.
• Loose change is a meal for a street person; they will break you window for small change.
• Your cell phone can be sold and reprogrammed and is a sought item of theft.
• A laptop computer will keep a drug user in a high state, at your expense
• Lock your packages out-of-sight in the trunk. Place your valuables in the trunk before you get to your destination, not after, the thief may be watching.
• Be sure and lock your car, many opportunists simply look for unlocked cars.
• If waiting for a ride from a friend or public transportation, do so in busy, well-lit places.
• Consider security film for automobile’s windows.
• Always report a theft to the police.
• Teach your children to go to the store clerk and ask for help if you become separated while shopping. They should never go to the parking lot or the car alone.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible; and if the credit card receipt has carbons, ask for these too. Notify issuers immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen, or misused.
• Be extra careful with purses and wallets. They may become targets for crime in crowded shopping areas, at bus stops, and on public transportation.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• At home, be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. Leave lights and a radio or television on so the house looks occupied. Do not put large displays of holiday gifts in view of your windows or doors.
• If you go away for the holidays, try to keep your home appearing “lived in”: Get an automatic timer for your lights. Have a neighbor watch your home and pick-up your newspapers and mail.
• If you use lights on your tree, make sure that they are in good working order.
• Immediately mark your new gifts with your driver’s license number, and note all serial numbers, keeping records in a safe place.
• Remember to be a good friend and neighbor this holiday season: Share these tips with others in your family and neighborhood. Also, why not get your neighborhood together and go caroling. Do not forget the elderly and other people who might be especially lonely during the holidays. Soon, you may wish to form a neighborhood watch group. People helping people, that’s what it is all about!
• And lastly, when hosting a party, find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests; and when going out drinking, please remember: Don’t Drink and Drive.

Encountering explosive devices/substances are
potentially life threatening. The smallest devices,
however plain or innocuous in appearance, have the
potential to injure, maim, or fatally wound.
Generally, explosive substances come in many
shapes and sizes and are classified as either “safe” or
“dangerous.”
“SAFE” Explosive Substances:
• “Safe and Sane” fireworks;
• Emergency highway flares/fuses; and
• Fixed ammunition and “blank” or saluting cartridges of less
than .50 caliber.

There are different signs that a person can look for which might indicate a
possible explosive device.
• Foreign mail, airmail and special delivery
• Restrictive markings such as confidential, personal, etc.
• Excessive postage
• Hand written or poorly typed addresses
• Incorrect titles
• Titles but no names
• Misspellings of common words
• Oily stains of discoloration
• No return address
• Excessive weight
• Rigid envelope
• Lopsided or uneven envelope
• Protruding wires or tinfoil
• Excessive securing material such as masking tape, strings, etc.
• Visual distractions
If you believe that the suspicious package may possibly be a bomb, consider the following: Bombs can be detonated by a variety of methods including the slightest touch. In any suspicious object is located, the device should not be touched or disturbed
under any circumstances. Immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor’s house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used as cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb. If a suspicious item is found that might be a “bomb”, call 911 immediately to request assistance and clear the area. It is imperative that individuals observing suspicious and/or unfamiliar devices take the following precautions:
-DO NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE THE DEVICE
-STAY AWAY FROM THE DEVICE
-IMMEDIATELY CALL THE POLICE

What should a community member do if they find a suspicious item that might be a “bomb”?
Community members should not move or touch the suspected item, they should immediately call 911 to report it.
Explosive devices can be contained in almost anything. Small bombs have been disguised in everyday type of items. Bombs can be detonated by a variety of methods including the slightest touch. Therefore, if any suspicious object is located, IT SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED OR DISTURBED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.

What should a someone do after receiving a telephonic bomb threat?
Immediately call 911. Patrol officers will respond and give advice regarding bomb threat procedures and options, as well as complete a “Bomb Threat” report. Bomb threats represent a serious and deadly situation that can quickly turn tragic. The destructive potential of even a small device must be seriously considered. Any person that receives a bomb threat over the phone should immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor’s house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used, because cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.

What should someone say to a caller when he/her warns of a bomb at the location?
When a bomb threat is called in to you, attempt to keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him/her to repeat the message and be sure to record every word spoken. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, you should ask him/her for this information. It is a good idea to inform the caller that the building is occupied and the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to innocent people. As you attempt to keep the caller on the line, listen for any particular background noises such as motors running, background music, and other noise, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller. As you are gathering information about the caller write down as much information as possible (see bomb threat checklist). When the police arrive at
your location, be prepared to give an accurate description of the caller’s voice. As the caller speaks, listen closely to the voice quality, for any regional accents, and for any speech impediments the caller might possess.

What should someone do if they receive a suspicious package in the mail?
Explosive devices can be contained in almost anything. Bombs can be constructed to look like almost any item and can be delivered in any number of ways. Most bombs are homemade and are limited in their design, only by the imagination of their maker. Letter and package bombs are not new. While the latest incidents have involved political terrorism, such bombs are made for a wide variety of motives. The particular form of these bombs varies in size, shape, and components. They have electric, nonelectric, or other sophisticated firing systems.

Report anything suspicious to the authorities. There are no penalties for being too careful. These days, you never know. Don’t be a victim.. Be Prepared.

Black Friday…Cyber Monday…Broke Tuesday!

This time of year brings out the shopaholic in all of us. It also brings out the hackers and e-theives in droves. According to the people who keep track of this kind of thing, more identities are stolen on Cyber Monday than any other day of the year.

Protect yourself from identity theft by taking a few precautions.

Buy from reputable websites. Don’t buy from the sloppy little site just because they have the cheapest price on something, do your homework and investigate a little bit and find out what you can about the business before you purchase something.

Don’t surrender any information that isn’t absolutely necessary. Most reputable e-tailers won’t make non-essential information mandatory on the checkout page.

Be sure that the website checkout page is secure before entering your credit card information. Be sure the URL of the page starts with “https“, “s” standing for secure.

Periodically check your credit report. I believe as a resident of the US, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report every year. You can keep an eye on your situation and may be able to head off trouble before it finds you when you’ve decided to make a big purchase. You can also add flags to your credit report requiring the credit granters to ask for more identification before granting credit. This may alert you to some fraudulent activity before it gets started.

To sum it up, be careful, be prepared, and don’t become a victim.

Finally, we’re back online. Our store was burglarized on Friday night(Sat morning). We had a mess to clean up and much glass to replace. The fool was after cash (ha ha) from the cash drawer. He got a bunch of loose change.

The reason that I mention it is that we got some great surveillance video of the whole thing. Without having the cameras, we wouldn’t have any idea what happened (besides the obvious), or we wouldn’t have anything to show the police. We had two day night cameras pointing at the entry door that captured the whole thing in color even in the low light of 4am.

We are sellers of this stuff, and we are believers in this stuff and we are users of this stuff. It works and it just may help identify this thief and keep him from burglarizing someone else down the road.

These cameras will work in your home or business, or anywhere that you can connect them to a PC. Take a look at them for yourself and protect your property from idiots like this.

We spent late night Tuesday and early morning Wednesday in the hospital emergency room waiting area. If there ever was fodder for a tv show, it’s happening nightly there. It’s no wonder all of the medical soaps do well.

There were car wrecks, broken bones, just plain old illness, stabbings, you name it, but the best one was a guy who came in because his eyes were burning and he couldn’t see. He was wandering along the street downtown staggering because of his blindness and someone brought him in.

Come to find out, he had been hit with some type of pepper spray. He was disoriented, and having trouble catching his breath. He was screaming about his burning eyes (he was actually cursing profusely).

Just about what I’d expect to see. Pepper spray is a great form of self defense. It does major damage. Although not permanent, it is enough to really mess someone up if they were to attack you. It’ll get you enough time to get away from the scene and to safety.

I’m not jumping to conclusions at all, but I’d say score one for the good guys here! Someone was prepared and didn’t become a victim.

Take a look at all of the ways that you can equip yourself with a pepper product. There’s bound to be one that will fit your lifestyle.