Jeff’s Security Products Blog

If you are in desperate need of an outdoor motion sensor security lights, but don’t want to spend big dollars or hours to get the job done, here are 6 benefits of outdoor motion sensor security lights you may not have known. 1. If you are away from your home it will be protected because the lights come on bright all over your yard and anywhere they are pointed. You can feel safer knowing everyone can be seen. It is proven fact that homes with motion sensors have less crime than those that do not. 2. There are many outdoor sensor security lights available. You can go online and look for the perfect one for your home. There are wireless ones or there are the kinds that stay with the home. You will be able to find something to fit your budget. 3. Motion lights are convenient for the family. When you come home and it is dark inside your home the motion lights will come on. If your hands are full you will be able to see to open the door. If your kids get dropped off after schoo

l, or playing sports, they can see to get into the garage, or to put their key into the door.  4. Motion lights can clear your lawn of rabbits, and skunks because the pest do not like light. When it is dark outside it will scare them and they will leave the yard. If you have problems with raccoons in the trash you will not have this problem any more because they will be scared and run off. 5. Security lights save money. You do not have to have your lights on all day or night. They will come on only when there is someone in your yard. So you will save on bulbs and also you will see it is more useful for your home. 6. Outdoor motion sensor security lights help your neighbors watch your house. If you go on vacation they can see if the light goes on in your yard, so they can go check out the house.  

Why all the above are great reasons to get outdoor motion sensor security lights the final choice on whether to purchase them will be up to you. Hopefully these 6 benefits will give you some ideas on whether to buy them or not.

Stun guns are becoming an increasingly popular method of self-protection. As a non-lethal weapon (as opposed to hand guns), they offer users the opportunity to incapacitate an attacker without killing him. For both moral and practical legal applications, it’s easy to see the appeal of a stun gun. Before you head to your local security shop, however, there are some key points to note about stun guns.

There are a myriad of weapons out there that use high-voltage electricity to disable would be attackers, but they all fall into two basic categories: short range and long range. Short-range options require physical contact with the assailant, while their long range cousins instead shoot electrodes attached to the end of long, thin wires. The most popular of these long-range stun guns is the Taser, used by law enforcement and military organizations across the world.

Most civilians in the market for a stun gun purchase a weapon of the short-range variety. These are much smaller than Tasers, and thus easier to conceal, a key characteristic for the average user. The newest models tend to look like cellular telephones or small flashlights, and can easily be carried in a purse or belt holster.

At this point, you’re probably wondering exactly what a stun gun could potentially do to save your life in the event of an aggressive attacker confronting you on a dark street. It’s important to note that stun guns aren’t magi

cal pieces of wizardry that can automatically disable attackers. The most important factors in determining whether you’ll get away from your attacker are the power of the stun gun you purchase, and the amount of time you’re able to hold the weapon against their body.

In most of today’s high power devices, one half of a second is necessary simply to repel the attacker. This short dose won’t disable; instead, it will merely cause a high level of pain, probably doing nothing more than angering and inciting the aggressor to inflict more pain upon you. For real effective power that will cause your attacker to drop to the ground for at least enough time for you to make your escape, approximately four seconds of contact is needed. This may sound like only a brief moment, but when your opponent holds a significant strength and weight advantage, applying the shock for this long can be a very difficult proposition.

For that reason, some industry experts remain skeptical of the application of stun guns in the civilian environment. They argue that stun guns give their owners a false sense of security. At the same time, there are few non-lethal alternatives out there that can offer even close to the stopping power of a stun gun. Mace, for example, can only temporarily blind an attacker, but that will have little effect if the aggressor has already made serious contact with the victim. For now, the stun gun and Taser represent the most effective, non-lethal tools available to civilians that don’t want to bring a firearm into their household

Convenience stores have traditionally been targets for theft, that’s because there’s handy cash, it’s open late, and it’s easy to get in and out.  According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, working in a convenience store has one of the highest annual homicide rates among retail industries.  In fact one other study shows that convenience store employees are second only to taxicab drivers in rates of workplace homicides, but now many major cities across the U.S. are taking steps to keep convenience stores safe.  In order to do this, city officials are passing ordinances that require certain standards from convenience store owners.  In Dallas, Texas new regulation requires convenience stores to install high-resolution cameras, silent alarms, and drop safes by May 2010.  The ordinance also requires store owners to register with the city and sign an affidavit allowing police on their property to target loiterers and trespassers.   Meanwhile in Houston, Texas,  where there’s an average each year of about 1,000 convenience store robberies and 10 homicides, police have begun enforcing new regulations as well.  The rules require convenience stores to register with law enforcement, provide employees with training, and install equipment such as drop safes, panic buttons, and cameras.             Risk factors for being Robbed          According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, risk factors for convenience stores being robbed include, poor cash handling and lack of bullet resistant shielding.  Lack of security systems and surrounding environmental characteristics (for example, stores not located in shopping centers, distance to graffiti, and distance to multi-family housing).             So what can convenience store owners do?

          With police regulations being enforced over time, there is action that convenient store owners can take now to help make their store safe.   To combat crime, owners can install proper drop safes and post signs that drop safes are used.  They can also train employees in robbery prevention and install, as well as maintain, modern security systems.  Owners and workers need to keep the windows free of signs and advertisements.  Also, make the cashier area visible from outside the store.  At times, convenience stores are usually manned by one employee, especially after 10 p.m.  Owners should schedule at least two employees late into the evening and early mornings, if not at all times.               What can You do?          Daily, some 135,000 convenience stores in the U.S. serve 100 million Americans who find their easy in-and-out access appealing.  If a convenience store robbery happens while you are in the store try to stay calm, don’t make any sudden movements, and do precisely what you are told.   But to help avoid this situation all together, don’t go into a convenience store that is in a high risk area, even if it’s more convenient!  It’s safer to drive further to a more secure area.           The Law enforcement Magazine reports that most convenience store robberies are committed by males under the age of 25. The majority of robbers say they were under the influence of an intoxicant at the time of the robbery.  Offenders opted to commit robberies near where they live and usually hit between the hours of 10 p.m. and midnight.  Convenience store surveillance cameras became popular in the 1970’s and drastically reduced the number of robberies.  It’s law enforcement and convenience store owners and customer’s hope that with new technology and smarter safety plans the number of robberies will drop even more.

While apartment living offers advantages you must also pay special attention to security.  Once you have chosen an apartment to live in and have moved in, here are some safety tips to follow.           Lock Your Door          Never leave your apartment door unlocked, even while taking out the trash or bringing in the groceries.  Yes, I know this can be a nuisance, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.  Just imagine if someone was waiting for you when you returned to your apartment.  Of course we don’t want this to happen, so lock your doors!   Before you go to bed at night make sure to check that both locks on your door are secure.  Remember, burglars are looking for a way in and through an open entry is the easiest way.                         Know who’s Knocking on your Door           Be careful when answering the door and don’t open the door to strangers.  Use your door peephole.  If the person who is knocking on your door identifies himself as a utility worker the ask them to slip their identification card under the door.  If you are still in doubt then look up the number yourself of the company he says he works for and ask if he is a legitimate employee.  If you requested a cable or TV repair person to come to your apartment, be weary if two people show up.          Be Social          You should make an effort to meet your neighbors, learn their names, and their work schedules.   In essence, y

ou should make more friends.  If you are in some kind of trouble, a friend is more likely to help than a stranger.  Getting to know your neighbor also helps because you can learn their schedule and pinpoint when something is unusual.  And finally, because neighbors talk to each other, it’s likely that you will hear about problems that happen throughout the complex.              Get a Pet            Thieves hate pets, especially dogs.   Unfortunately, most apartment complexes do not allow big guard dogs, but you will have better luck getting the okay on a watch dog.  A scottish terrier, chihuahua, and poodle are among the top ten watch dogs.  Remember, a barking dog, even a small one, can be enough to scare away a potential thief.             Leave the Light On            Leave the lights on at all times, even when you are sleeping or not at home at all.  This is especially true when you are coming home after dark.  If you’d like to conserve energy, then you might want to buy a Fake TV.  A Fake TV cost around $30. And fools thieves into thinking you are at home when you are not.  A Fake TV uses flickering lights just as a real TV would, but uses one-third of the energy.             Get Renter’s Insurance!          Even though you don’t live in a house, renter’s insurance is a must.  Renter’s insurance will cover damage to or loss of your personal property.   Apartment management is supposed to insure the physical building against damage from events such as a fire or hail, but it does not cover your belongings.  Another reason to pay for renter’s insurance is to protect yourself against accidents caused by other people.  Renter’s insurance usually cost around $30. A month and is well worth it.

You have now invested you hard earned cash on a home alarm system and you are thinking about spending even more money on add-ons, but is the money worth it?  You bet it is, especially with add-ons like a smoke detector, water detector, and automatic light activation.  In the end, your investment could save you tons of money and possibly a headache or two.  Let’s take a look at some of the add-on features.

          Smoke Detectors          These operate like conventional units, but their alarm is usually louder.  If you opt for a monitoring service and the detector senses smoke in your home, it sends a signal to your alarm’s control panel, which then contacts the central monitoring station to contact the local fire department.  Some security systems (like wired) connect the power supply to the smoke detectors, which means you don’t have to change the batteries of the smoke detectors.          Carbon Monoxide Detectors          Just like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors can be hardwired and you can link them to the central alarm control unit.  Your home should have a carbon monoxide detector if it has an attached garage, uses any fossil fuel heating or refrigeration source, or has a fossil fuel electrical generator within close proximity.          Water and Flooding Detector          This add-on can prevent, or at least limit, the damage that is often the result of unseen and normally undetected leaks, drips, and appliance failure.  Getting an early warning of a water leak can mean all the difference on the extent of water damage to your house.         

Glass Break Detectors           This is a great add-on to coincide with window and door sensors.  Glass break detectors come in a couple of designs.  Acoustic detectors detect the sound that glass breaking makes, while the vibratory kind detects the vibrations of the glass.            Remote Control and Panic Button             A remote control or key fob is similar to a car alarm remote.  It allows you to arm and disarm your alarm from several feet away without entering your code.  Some remote controls include a panic button that activates the house alarm and alerts the proper authorities in the event of an emergency. The downside to remote controls is that someone can steal or find it and disarm your security system.

            Extra Key Pads          Extra key pads for entry and exit doors are a good idea, that’s depending on the design of your house.  There are also exterior mounted key pads which can provide secure keyless entry for your family.  A monitored system can also lock down entry after several repeated, failed attempts at entry which indicate a thief might be trying to break-in.          Automatic Light Activation          This feature is not available for all systems.  If you can add this on, it lets you program the system to turn on house lights whenever the alarm is tripped.  You can also set the lights to turn on at a certain time of the day or (again depending on the type of security system you purchase) program it from your car or a touch-tone phone to tell the system to turn on interior and exterior lights for when you arrive home.

Often, good business security is merely an afterthought, something you may only give attention to after a break-in has occurred. You may then rush to secure your business, but it’s best to take your time in selecting the right kind of business security for your operation.

Businesses without alarms are four times more likely to be burglarized than business protected with forms of business security. Business security increases the safety of your employees and customers as well as your stock. If a criminal does manage to get in, business security helps keep the losses at a minimum. Here are some different ideas you can consider for your own business security plans.

Business Security Tip #1: Protect the Premises

The most common form of business security is the alarm system. Both wired and wireless systems are available. These systems can be easily installed and can be supervised by professionals at a monitoring center. Business security alarms protect all points of entry - doors and windows. There are also business security alarms that detect motion inside the room. If a window is broken, a door opened, or someone creeps across the room, the alarm will emit a shrill wail and will also alert security officials.

Business Security Tip #2: Protect Your Valuables

If you have important documents or items at your office, it is best to keep them in a fireproof safe. Regular safes only protect your valuables from burglars. Fire safes do double duty: they protect your valuables from foe and fire. Our fire safes have either bank vault quality or digital electronic locks that bolt tightly shut. Knuckled hinge pins prevent a criminal from simply removing the door. All fire safes can be easily bolted right to the floor, so even if a criminal wanted to carry a possibly 200-pound safe out the door, they couldn’t.

Business Security Tip #3: Protect Your Employees

There are two tools you can use to arm yourself and your employees in the event of an emergency. A panic button simplifies personal and business security down to a direct line. If an emergency arises, but the alarm is not triggered by normal means, hit the panic button to set off the alarm and call for help.

If an intruder tries to attack an employee, mace or pepper spray will temporarily disarm the criminal, givi

ng the victim time to escape and get help. Arm your employees with mace or pepper spray to protect them on late nights and walks to the parking lot, where many criminals attack. Your employees will appreciate your concern for their personal safety beyond just business security.Business Security Tip #4: Keep Intruders Away

Law enforcement officials recommend a motion sensor light as a strong crime deterrent. Criminals will shy away from well-lit businesses, because they prefer the cover of darkness to do their dirty work. Put a spotlight on them, either with an energy-saving motion sensor light or a flood light that stays on all the time.

There are also common sense ways to secure the outside of your business. Begin building your business security system with basic business security. There are simple do-it-yourself steps you can take to create an inexpensive business security system before you even add any special technological components.

•Install exterior lights and include either a timer or a motion detector
•Secure all exterior doors and windows with well-built, sturdy locks
•Trim back trees and shrubs around windows and doors

These DIY business security tasks are easy and fast projects, yet they offer you and your employees’ paramount security.

Business Security Tip #5: Monitor Your Store

Security cameras can be your eyes and ears all around you. Video monitoring systems, whether CC-TV systems or spy cameras, bullet cameras or dome cameras, offer 24-hour supervision for your business. Security cameras can keep a shopper from becoming a shoplifter, and will scare away burglars. Beyond preventive business security, if an intruder does get inside, the cameras will help officials identify and capture the criminal and bring him or her to justice.

Business Security Tip #6: Know When Customers Arrive

A very basic form of business security is the wireless door chime. It will alert you whenever a customer enters the store, so you can always be certain someone is there to supervise the store while customers are present. This not only protects your store but improves your customer service.

Business security technology these days can make your business super-secure, saving you money and giving you peace of mind. Protect yourself, your employees, your customers, and your property with a business security system customized to your security needs.

It’s a little deceptive to say that you can “burglar-proof” your home.  The truth is there’s really no such thing as a burglar-proof home.  But you can take precautions to help ease your mind and make your home less inviting to a potential burglar.  10 Steps to Burglar-Proof Your Home1.     Lock your doors and windows at all times.  Most burglars attempt to enter a home through the front door or through ground floor windows.  Leaving doors and windows unlocked is like putting out the welcome mat for intruders.2.     Never leave a spare key hidden outside your home.  Leave your spare key with a trusted neighbor instead of hiding it under the doormat – that’s the first place a burglar is going to look.3.     Secure all tools and ladders.  Burglars can use a ladder to climb up to second-floor windows that are less likely to be monitored by a security system and more likely to be open or unlocked.  Garden tools can be used to break windows.  Make sure you store all of your tools and ladders somewhere secure, like your locked garage.  Burglar-proof your home by also having a burglar-proof garage!4.     Install a home security system.  Burglars want to get into a home quickly, without drawing attention.  An alarm system is an excellent way to burglar-proof your home.  Most burglars aren’t willing to risk getting caught; they’ll move on to a house without a security system.5.     Get to know your neighbors.  Your neighbors are the ultimate security system.  A trusted neighbor can keep an eye on your home if you’re gone, keep a spare key to your home, and pick up your mail and newspapers if you’re out of town.  Starting a neighborhood watch can be a great way to meet the people in your neighborhood and improve security where you live.

6.    

Don’t put your expensive possessions on display.  Burglars usually do a little window shopping before they choose to break into a home, so try to keep your high-dollar items out of sight.  And don’t forget the packaging:  advertising that you just bought a new plasma-screen TV isn’t a great idea.  If you purchase expensive electronics equipment, break down the boxes and put them in the trash can or take them to a nearby dumpster. 7.     Buy a safe.  Don’t leave cash, jewelry, and other valuables in plain sight – and don’t hide them in strange places, like the cookie jar or the freezer.  Most burglars will turn the house upside down looking for valuables that they can grab quickly.  A sturdy safe isn’t easy to move, and a burglar is less likely to spend time trying to break into it.8.     Take photos of your stuff.  It’s always a good idea to have a record of your possessions.  And if your home is ever broken into, pictures can be helpful when you’re trying to determine what is missing.  For extra security, you should etch your name and driver’s license number (but never your Social Security number) onto the back of expensive electronics equipment – your items will be easier to identify and harder for a burglar to pawn.9.     Don’t put your name on your house or mailbox.  It makes a burglar’s job that much easier.  He’s got your address, and now he knows your last name.  All he has to do is call information and get your phone number.  He can call ahead to see if you’re home before breaking in and cleaning you out.10. Get a dog.  Dogs are great companions:  they’re affectionate, playful, and loyal – and they bark.  You don’t have to get a huge dog, either.  A burglar will usually be scared away by any barking dog, whether it’s a Chihuahua or a German Shepherd.So, though there may be no entirely sure-fire way to burglar-proof your home, there are plenty of steps you can take to make your home pretty darn Unattractive to burglars.  Take these steps, and burglars will likely move on to easier pickin’s, leaving your home and belongings safe and secure.

These days, as storms rage and other threats loom on our national and personal security, safety is at the forefront of our minds.  Creating an emergency supply kit for your home is not only vital for your survival, but for the comfort and peace of mind of knowing you are prepared.    The Department of Homeland Security in the United States has issued guidelines and suggestions for creating an emergency supply kit for your home.  Store all the following suggested items in an easily accessible place, as you will likely be in a hurry in the event of an emergency. Creating an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Home:  Assess Your Needs Before creating an emergency supply kit for your home, assess the needs of your household.   

• How many people live in your home?
• Does anyone need special medications or care?
• How many pets are in your home?
• How many people in your home are over the age of 65 or under the age of 5?

 Always assume you will need at least three days’ worth of everything.  Even with just your average family of four, you are going to need a substantial amount of supplies. Creating an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Home:  Choose the Right Container Create an emergency supply kit for each member of your family by packing each person’s necessary items into an individual, waterproof, sealable container, such as a large rubber bin with a locking lid.   Creating an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Home:  Start Collecting WaterFor every person in your home, you will need at least one gallon of clean water per day.  Pregnant women, the elderly, and children may need more.  People living in hotter climates might also need more. FoodThe average person needs 1,000 calories a day to perform regular tasks.  Some suggestions include:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Protein, fruit, or energy bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Nuts
• Crackers
• Canned juice
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• Vitamins
• Food for infants

Depending on what you pack, you may also need: 

• Can opener

• Utensils
• Napkins
• Paper cups
• Paper plates

 First Aid and Medical SuppliesStock a first aid kit with enough supplies for every member of your family: 

• Gauze
• Bandaids
• Scissors
• Soap
• Iodine
• Antibiotic ointment
• Burn ointment
• Eye wash solution
• Thermometer
• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication

• Antacid

• Laxative
• Three- day supply of any prescription medications and

medical supplies such as glucose, glucose testing strips, or blood pressure monitoring equipment Personal SanitationBody functions don’t stop in an emergency.  You’ll need: 

• Diapers (if you have a baby or an incontinent adult)
• Garbage bags
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Feminine napkins
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags
• Garbage bag ties
• Antibacterial spray
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer

 Communication and InformationRegular lines of communication may be down in the event of an emergency.  Have stored: 

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Battery-operated flashlights for each member of the family
• Walkie-talkies
• Extra batteries for everything
• Maps of your neighborhood, city, and region
• Whistle to whistle for help or to locate separated members of the family (one per person)
• Paper and pens/pencils

 Protection and ShelterIn the event of a storm or an attack, dangerous dust or chemicals could be in the air, in the water, or even on the ground around you.  In addition, you may be without proper shelter and vulnerable to the elements of sun, rain, heat, and cold.  Store protective gear for each member of the family including: 

• Latex or sterile gloves (two pair per person)
• Dust mask
• Hat to block the sun
• Rain parka
• Sunblock
• Bug repellent
• Complete change of clothing
• Sleeping bag
• Extra blankets
• Bath towels

 To create shelter, you may need:  

• Plastic sheeting (for shelter or sealing in a secure area of your home)
• Duct tape (for sealing in an area)
• Tent (if you have no other shelter)

 Emergency Emergency SuppliesYou never know what may happen in an emergency, so be sure to have: 

• A fire extinguisher
• Waterproof matches or a lighter
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities such as natural gas
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change

 Don’t Forget Your PetsYour pets need supplies, too. 

• Up to a gallon of water per day, per pet
• Three day’s worth of food
• Bowls for food and water
• Collar and leash
• Bedding
• Cages (as we learned from Hurricane Katrina, caged pets are more likely to be allowed to go with you in emergency evacuation or rescue situations)

 In an emergency situation, you cannot always rely on others to rescue you right away.  You must all be in charge of caring for your own family, providing them with the supplies they need to survive for at least three days.  By creating an emergency supply kit for your home, you are taking control of the situation and ensuring your family’s safety and survival.

How times have changed the advancement of technology in the recent years has revolutionised so many aspects of people’s lives. The security industry has undergone radical changes in technology and today’s systems are excellent. The advent of the computer and the advancements over the last twenty years has been huge and with wireless technology available the security camera systems have been overhauled. These systems are now a common part of many people’s homes or business, how do they work and what are the wireless camera systems.

They operate using the wireless technology available for any pc network. To get the system operational you will need a pc, wireless camera, router and some surveillance software. These systems are now at the cutting edge of technology and are becoming more and more advanced. The feeds from the wireless cameras can be directed in color straight to your TV or monitor and can even send color footage straight to your video recorder.

Some of the systems are so easy to setup it is quoted that they can be installed and running within 10 minutes. Installation is a simple process, just mount the cameras in the position where you want them to point, plug them into the power source, connect your video receiver into the power source and there is your wireless camera system installed. Obviously this is a very basic setup and they can be more sophisticated than this. Usually the wireless netwo rks will transmit up to a radius of 100 feet and it can transmit through floors, doors, walls and ceilings.

If you want to step up a level with your system then you may wish to have a radio controlled unit or also an outdoor night time wireless system. Whatever system you choose the principals of the wireless setup remains the same with the wireless transmitter for the audio and video. It is also possible to boost the wireless signals and get a long range transmitter, where as the standard transmitter length will be around 100ft the long range wireless transmitter will be around 1000 feet. If this is a requirement for your system then this will come at a premium as it is rather more expensive than the standard transmitter. For the top end camera systems you can get a transmitter that will broadcast up to 1 mile, should be unnecessary for the everyday user though.

Make sure if you are purchasing a unit for outdoors you get a suitable product in terms of the environment. Don’t buy an indoor camera system and put it outdoors, there are special systems that will be made just for outdoors, the indoor ones will not last if they get wet or the temperatures drop. It is also possible to get radio controlled wireless camera systems, if you have the cameras positioned and would like to move them if they are fixed you would have to go out and manually reposition the camera. The radio controlled cameras allow you to move the direction of the camera from the control centre to which every area you would like to monitor within that camera range.

When you hear someone say “self defense,” the image that probably pops into your head is a buff guy or girl doing martial arts demonstrations on a heavily-padded and willing assistant. Or maybe you imagine a little old lady whacking a would-be purse snatcher over the head with her large, heavy bag. Self defense sounds very physical, and sometimes it can be. But there are other ways to protect yourself and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Self defense is not always about fighting. Many people believe that self defense is about kicking someone in a certain place, or knowing how to execute the perfect punch to bring down an attacker. The truth is, sometimes fighting back can put you in a much more vulnerable position.

A good self defense strategy begins with your mind. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female, teen or retiree – everyone needs to know how to avoid dangerous situations. Here are some self-defense tips that will help keep you safe and aware in any situation:

• Avoid conflict. Maybe the guy in the car in front of you cut you off and is driving like a maniac. Every fiber of your being is urging you to speed up and tailgate him, flashing your headlights and extending a certain impolite finger. We’ve all heard stories about road rage turning violent. Avoid turning an annoyance into a dangerous confrontation by not reacting.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Your arms are loaded down with bags after a marathon shopping spree. You leave the mall and head for your car. Did you look around? Always be aware of who is nearby and what is going on. You should have your keys out and ready. Park your car in well-lit areas and don’t go alone when you can bring a friend.

• Trust your instincts. We’ve all felt that prickly, “I’m-Being-Watched” sensation. Don’t let your fear of being “

silly” or “paranoid” let you ignore your feelings. Maybe that shifty character isn’t really following you around the grocery store – but if you feel threatened or afraid, tell someone and get away.• Think body language. Criminals look for easy targets. When you are out in public, do you wander aimlessly with your hands in your pockets? Do you make eye contact with others or keep your head down? You should always look confident – back straight, head up, and arms at your sides. Walk purposefully with a destination in mind.

• Carry a cell phone. A phone is a great way to call for help in an emergency, or to let loved ones know where you are. Just don’t get carried away: remember, a cell phone can be very distracting and can lower your guard. Use common sense and good judgment.

• Take a self defense class.  self defense classes can teach you more about staying aware and protecting yourself. Many community centers and athletic clubs offer self defense classes for people of all ages and abilities.

Self defense is about prevention. When you pay attention to what’s going on around you, you are sending a message of strength and confidence to any potential attackers. Listen to yourself and trust your feelings, and never be afraid to call for help if you need it.