Personal Protection Devices - The Dos and Don'ts

New technology in the personal protection devices industry is constantly being improved. Before you invest in any personal protection devices it is important to understand all of the options in regards to their effectiveness and limitations. The options for these devices is extensive and growing all the time, and each one has its pros and cons.

The first recommendation I make is that you should think about getting a small selection consisting of at least three products. Three, at a minimum, will give you an effective selection of options that can be used for nearly all situations.

Contrary to the negative information presented by some people about stun guns, they are effective in temporarily disabling an attacker. These personal protection devices are used extensively by law enforcement on a daily basis and there has never been a verifiable death from the police using a taser. A lot of rumors and mis-information, but no facts. Think about this; What if the attacker was trying to kill or rape you or member of your family? You would certainly want to be able to defend yourself.

Consider these things before selecting personal protection devices:

• What size and type of personal alarm is best for your lifestyle?
• Are you in an urban, suburban or rural area most of the time?
• How loud will the alarm need to be for someone to hear it?
• Pepper sprays and mace come in different strengths and delivery methods. What is best for you, stream, foam, gel or fogger?
• Cost may be a factor. However, considering the alternative, it should be the least of your concerns. Most devices are very affordable.
• Different devices work better for different people. Although most are rather simple to activate and use, you should consider the abilities of the person who will be using it.
• All personal security devices create temporary discomfort and pain. That is their purpose and if you or a family member are squeamish about that, you need to rethink your purchase decision.

Dos and Don'ts of Personal Protection Devices

Here are the things you need to consider when purchasing your personal security devices.

Do:

• Know your state and city regulations regarding tasers, stun guns and/or pepper spray.
  
• Call your local law enforcement agency about any local regulations.
  
• Know and understand under which conditions and situations it is legal or illegal to use personal protection.
  
• Always be aware of your surroundings and situation. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
  
• Purchase from a site that is certified purchase secure by PayPal, Thawte or a similar U.S. service.
  
• Purchase from a U.S. based company.
  
• Purchase a tactical guide on the use of pepper sprays and mace
  
• Check the noise laws in your locale and state before getting an alarm. Remember, these are not toys.
  
• Research all of the personal security options and decide what is right for you.

Don't:

• Play around with pepper sprays and mace, they really do hurt for awhile.
  
• Use your taser or stun gun like a toy or test it on your dog or cat.
  
• Purchase from a merchant that doesn't have 100% satisfaction guarantee and at least a 30 day return policy.
  
• Buy from a merchant who has a bad rating with the Better Business Bureau.
  
• Purchase from a company without a valid phone number, email address and physical address in the U.S.
  
• Purchase a taser or stun gun from an unauthorized merchant.
  
• Buy a personal security device that you or a family member is afraid to use. If you pull it on an attacker, you must use it.