Stun Guns, Pepper Sprays, Personal Alarms, Child Safety, Home Protection

1. Upgrade your Web browser to 128-bit encryption.
2. Read web site privacy policies carefully and make sure you understand them. Look on your favorite web sites for privacy seals of approval from BBBOnline, TRUSTe, ePublicEye, or CPA Web Trust.
3. If you’re reluctant to provide certain information on an online form, don’t.
4. Set up a special free email account with Yahoo, Hotmail or other free services and supply those addresses when you fill out forms.
5. Before you give your credit card number to any commerce site, make absolutely sure it’s secure. Look for a closed padlock icon at the bottom of the screen or https in the URL.
6. Delete all the cookies in your cookie directory (generally c:\windows\cookies) frequently. A cookie is information that a web site puts on your hard disk so that it can remember something about you at a later time.
7. Disable cookies in your browser (an extreme measure) or set your browser to alert you to cookies or to accept only cookies that return to their original server. Even better, install a cookie management software (such as Webroot Software’s WindowWasher to The Limit Software’s CookieCrusher) to control which cookies you PC will accept.
8. Use an anonymous browser such as Anonymizer to hide your identity and filter cookies.
9. If a web site gives you the option to opt out of tracking, take it.
10. If you have a fast and constant DSL or cable connection, get some personal firewall software, such as Symantec’s Norton Personal Firewall or Network ICE’s BlackICE Defender, and install it FAST!
11. Turn off file and printer sharing in Windows if you’re not using it. Intruders will have an easier time accessing your files if this is activated.
12. Elect not to accept news or updates from Web sites you visit.
13. Fake your return address when you use chat or newsgroups.
14. Turn off your Instant Messaging software when you’re not using it.
15. Set your Instant Messaging software to allow only people you trust (in your buddy list, for example) to access you.

Wherever you are on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or cab, stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, avoid the person or leave. Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, restaurants or stores that are open late.

On Foot – Day or Night

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

Vehicle Safety

• Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there’s enough gas to get where you’re going and back.
• Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you’re coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.
• Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages.
• If you think someone is following you, don’t head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station or other open business o get help.

If Someone Tries to Rob You

• Don’t resist. Give up your property. Don’t risk your life.
• Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from being victims.

Take a Stand

• Make your neighborhood and working place safer by reporting broken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots and lobbying local government for better lighting in public places.
• Initiate a block watch program in your neighborhood by contacting your local crime prevention unit.

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

• Dress casually and comfortably.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

• Keep cash in your front pocket.

• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas.

• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

• Beware of Strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Do as much as you can to avoid a confrontation – “anticipation and avoidance” are the key words. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk to an aggressor without provoking them. Practice relaxation, as appearing fearful or stressed can actually provoke an attack. Remember that body language is important in aggressive situation, so maintain a comfortable distance between you and the aggressor.

Use a gas or electronic attack alarm, as these give out short piercing sound and will temporarily disorientate an attacker, giving you enough time to escape. Carry it somewhere where you can get to it quickly – don’t leave it buried at the bottom of your bag. If you don’t have an alarm, just make a noise yourself by screaming as loud as you an, or shouting “call the police” – If you’re loud enough this can be just as effective as a personal alarm. If you have an alarm, use it and shout as well.

Steady yourself if danger threatens. Panic can disable you, so again its useful to learn how to keep control in a difficult situation. And if you must fight back, adopt what police term the “bash and dash” approach. Primary targets are the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, throat, groin, knees or shins; choose whichever is easiest to get to.

If held from behind don’t struggle forward, you’ll only exhaust yourself. Instead throw yourself backwards to surprise your attacker or stomp on the lower leg or foot.

You have the right to defend yourself with reasonable force and this includes using items you have with you such as an umbrella, bag, briefcase or keys. However, don’t carry or use anything that the law would regard as an offensive weapon. Once you’ve achieved your primary aim of stunning or surprising your attacker, get away as fast as you can. If you manage to overcome them don’t attack again, you could be putting yourself in more danger or you could end up being charged with assault.

These are just the very basics of self-defense, but to learn more about it and get some exercise at the same time, find a local self-defense class and encourage your family along to join you. Just remember “anticipation and avoidance” are the best forms of defense.

Public transport is normally very safe and most taxi companies are reputable licensed firms whose drivers have been vetted, so here is some advice that should help you feel more confident when traveling by bus, train, tube or taxi.

On the Bus

• Use a bus stop you know is usually busy and is well lit.
• Know the departure and arrival times and try and let someone at the other end know which bus you plan to catch. They could always meet you at your stop.

By Train

• Wait on a well-lit section of the platform, close to the exit or where there are other people around. Many stations now have CCTV cameras and staff that are trained to deal with emergencies.
• When you get on the train try to sit in a busy compartment and keep any bags and personal possessions you have next to you.
• If you feel uncomfortable switch seats or even consider getting off the train and catching the next one. Only do this if the station where you are getting is manned and busy.
• Know where the emergency button or cord is situated or any help points at the station.

Taking a Taxi

• Carry the phone number of a taxi or mini cab firm you know, and whenever you book a taxi ask them for the driver’s name and the type of car they will be driving.
• Try and book the taxi you need to bring you home before you go out. Give your name and when the driver arrives make sure they know the name it was booked under. If you have to book your taxi in a public place, do it quietly where people are unlikely to overhear your name and address.
• If you can, share a taxi with a friend and have your money ready and keys handy at the end of your journey so that you can enter your home quickly.
• If ever you feel uneasy in a taxi ask the driver to stop in a busy place that you know well and get out.

If you are in immediate danger of being raped, here are some things that you can do.

1. Make a loud noise – Carry a whistle or scream “police” to attract attention.

2. Run – Only run if there is somewhere safe to run to. If there is nowhere to go you may aggravate the assailant further by running.

3. Stall - Speak calmly and rationally. Try not to plead, cry or show that you’re scared, this may be the reaction that he’s going for.

4. Urinate or vomit - Do anything you can to repulse the assailant. Tell him that you have a STD or AIDS.

5. Fight – Women who resist attacks and act quickly are less likely to be raped, than those who are passive. The optimum time to react is in the first 20 seconds when the body releases chemicals in the blood that help to put up a fight. Be cautious if he has a weapon.

6. Keep alert – Even though it will be difficult, try to pay attention to as many details as possible, so that you can identify your assailant.

7. Get help - Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. Police are becoming more willing to help victims of rape. You are not obligated to press charges or go to court.

8. Collect evidence – Do not bathe, show or douche. If you change clothes, put the clothes you were raped in, into a bag and seal it.

9. Tell someone – Call the police, rape crisis counselor, telephone operator or friend. It is very important that someone knows and that it is not kept a secret.

Marking your property is one of the most simple and effective ways of protecting your possessions.

• For a start, property marking puts burglars off because it let’s others know that the item has been stolen, making it much more difficult to sell on. The other big advantage is that it makes tracing and returning your stolen property a lot easier for police.
• The Metropolitan police say that there are two main types of property marking: the first is know as permanent marking, when you engrave or “punch” your property with your street number and zip code. Inexpensive permanent marketing kits can be bought from most hardware stores.
• Make sure you engrave with a fine drill or sharp-pointed tool, and use a template or stencil to keep it neat and tidy. Punching is a form of permanent marking that is done with a hammer and a set of punches bearing numbers and letters. This method is good for bicycles, mowers, engines or other sturdy metal objects, but don’t use this on aluminum as it’s easily damaged. Of course, you could just improvise and scratch your zip code on it with a sharp object, depending on how happy you expect to be with the final appearance.

Invisible Protection

• Invisible marking is the other method of property marking. This is best for antiques or valuable property that would lose value if spoiled by permanent marking. Police usually check stolen property with a special ultra-violet lamp, so an ultra-violet (UV) marker pen should be used. Just as for permanent marking, use your postcode and mark again if you move. The police also say that it is important to remember that UV marking fades and will need to be renewed every so often.
• Most police forces run schemes that let you borrow an UV or ceramic marker, and you can buy them at most hardware stores. However, in some cases, chemicals can be used to remove invisible markings and as it fades quickly, you should remember to regularly update you markings.
• Although you can’t see it with the naked eye, invisible marking can still be a deterrent to burglars, but you must let them know you’ve done it by using stickers from the police say, “property in this home has been marked”. Contact your local police more details about this.
• When it comes to deciding which items to mark, the answer is “up to you”. Think about what you value most and what might be attractive to thieves. The truth is almost anything can be a target for theft, so why not mark everything?
• It’s worth keeping a property list of inventory of all your household possessions, and be sure to mark the things that you own as you compile your list, including items kept in your shed or garage.
• Finally, where your property is marked is important, especially if engraving or punching. The changes are you’ll want to kept he mark out of site, so try marking underneath or around the back of the item. The most important thing to remember is to choose a surface that can’t be removed without spoiling the basic appearance or performance of the item. If thieves can’t remove your mark without breaking your property, then it’s worthless and they probably won’t want it.

• Always be aware of your surroundings.

• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible.

• Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace. A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable.

• Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.

• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where rapists can hide.

• If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are people and lights. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.

• Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.

• If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don’t be afraid to attract help any way you can. Scream, yell or run away to safety.

• Always lock your car. Keep your car locked when you are away from it to keep someone from hiding and waiting inside.

• When you are inside the car, lock the doors for safety.

• Look inside and around your car before you get in.

• Be aware of other people in parking areas, especially those close to your vehicle.

• If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station to get help.

• If your car breaks down, open the hood or attach a white cloth to the antenna. If someone stops to help, stay inside your locked vehicle and ask them to call the police.

• If you choose to carry any type of weapon for self-protection, give careful consideration to your ability and willingness to use it. Remember thee is always the chance that it could be taken away and used against you.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, something is probably wrong.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk close to the curb, facing oncoming traffic.
• Carry bags close to your body.
• Look confident.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• If you are being followed, head for a crowded place.
• If people start milling around you, it could set-up for a mugging.
• Know yourself, how do you react in a crisis situation? Do you scream? Cry? Freeze? How would you defend yourself?
• Remember there is no right or wrong approach to dangerous situations.
• Show your anger, not your fear. A furious reaction often may stop an attack. Remember an attacker is looking for an easy victim. Yelling is always a good deterrent (a good choice is to yell FIRE) this will draw attention to those who do not want to get involved but may be concerned for their own safety and may come to help.
• If there are other people around, yell loudly enough to get their attention to what the assailant is doing.
• If you are alone and do not know anyone on the street or nearby, try calling a name out to make the attacker or assailant to believe you may be with someone. This may also help if you are alone at home.
• If someone has a weapon stay calm and wait for an opportunity. Weapons make the situation more dangerous and difficult, but there still may be something you can do about the situation.

Overview

Non-resistance to prevent physical violence: Negotiate, stall for time, distracting or diverting the assailant, then fleeing. Verbal assertiveness, screaming and using a whistle or shriek alarm to attract attention and help.

It seems we all need to carry more of our personal possessions around with us these days.

Cash in your wallet or purse; checkbooks, credit cards, personal organizers and mobile phones are just some of the everyday items that are sorely missed if they are stolen.

All these possessions might seem invaluable, but according to the police the best advice for hanging on to your possessions is “only take what you need with you”.

They suggest you learn to minimize the amount of possessions you carry with you. If you don’t need a camera with you, don’t take it and the same goes for cash and credit cards, only take what cash you need and don’t take all your credit cards with you, just the ones you are likely to use.

Keep your purse or wallet somewhere where you can feel it, such as an inside jacket or trouser pocket. Pockets you can zip or button are best. Check very now and then to make sure you still have your wallet or purse on you, but don’t make this too obvious as pickpockets can spot you doing this.

Likewise, keep your mobile phone out of sight – in a zipped up pocket is best. If you carry a bag, strap it across your chest and keep hold of it, but at the same time try not to look overly cautious. Keep the zip or opening towards you. Be aware that backpack style bags are especially vulnerable to thieves.

Do not leave your bag unattended in a public place, such as in a pub, coffer bar or shop. If you’re trying on shoes in a shop for example, don’t walk even a short distance away from your bag. Keep it with you or ask the shop assistant to hold it for you.

Try to appear relaxed, but at the same time be thoughtful about your surroundings. Pickpockets like busy streets and crowded places, and someone bumping in to you could well be a pickpocket. If this happens, check you still have your things with you, but again don’t make it too obvious that you’re doing this.

If something is stolen, go to the nearest police station or call the police. However, don’t ring using 911 unless you have actually caught someone in the act and have managed to apprehend them. Think carefully before chasing after someone or trying to restrain a thief. The value of what they have stolen may be minor compared to the consequences of being attacked. Always put own safety first.