| It seems like violent crime is everywhere these days. | | | | evening stroll, make a point to be around other |
| From the local nightly news to the front page of the | | | | people. You're significantly less likely to be attacked if |
| morning paper, we are constantly reminded that we | | | | you are in a well-lit, high-traffic area. - Trust your |
| live in a dangerous and unpredictable world. Crime | | | | instincts. Don't worry about seeming paranoid. If a |
| statistics confirm these reports - according to the | | | | person or situation doesn't seem right to you, get |
| FBI, there were a reported 1,390,695 violent crimes | | | | away immediately and tell someone. You're far less |
| in 2005. Today, it's more important than ever to be | | | | likely to become a victim of a violent crime if you're |
| able to defend yourself if it becomes necessary. But | | | | alert and aware. Unfortunately, there's no 100% |
| what exactly does "self-defense" mean? Is it about | | | | guarantee. For a little extra peace of mind, you may |
| being bigger and tougher than a potential attacker? | | | | want to consider some additional non-lethal |
| Does it mean carrying a gun in your purse? Not all of | | | | self-defense options: - Pepper spray: A small but |
| us are capable of fighting back physically, and | | | | powerful deterrent. It causes temporary blindness, |
| sometimes fighting can make your situation more | | | | difficulty breathing, and an intense burning sensation. |
| dangerous. Plus the laws concerning self-defense can | | | | Spraying an attacker with pepper spray gives you |
| be tricky - lethal self-defense is not always the | | | | extra time to get away and get help. - Stun guns: |
| solution from a legal point of view, no matter how | | | | Stun guns are available in a variety of sizes and |
| frightened you may be in a situation. Your Best | | | | deliver a powerful jolt of electricity that temporarily |
| Defense The key to self-defense is preparation. You | | | | disables an attacker for several minutes. - Personal |
| don't have to be paranoid, and you don't have to | | | | alarms: A personal alarm or panic sensor can be worn |
| carry a gun. The best way to defend yourself is to | | | | around the neck and pressed if you're in a dangerous |
| be aware of your surroundings and to know what to | | | | situation. The noise can startle and scare away an |
| do if you feel threatened or unsafe. Here are some | | | | attacker - and it draws attention to you. By staying |
| things you can do to avoid being a victim: - Be aware | | | | alert and using non-lethal self-defense products, you |
| of your surroundings. Always pay attention and | | | | are minimizing your risk of becoming a victim. You |
| observe what's going on around you. Criminals often | | | | don't have to live in fear. A little preparation can help |
| choose victims who appear to be preoccupied or | | | | you feel empowered in an unpredictable world. |
| distracted. - Avoid isolated places. Whether you're | | | | Ralph Winn. 35 years in the Security System industry. |
| finding a parking spot at the mall or going out for an | | | | |