WHO ELSE WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE AWESOME GEAR TO BRING ATTACKERS DOWN?

THE BASIC PROBLEM

It always seems to be warmer weather that brings the creeps, crooks, crack heads and attackers out of "hibernation". It's been an unusually warm year that's getting warmer fast, and a quick glance at any newspaper or broadcast will alert you to the simple reality that a startling amount of the bottom-feeders are out in force already. You need to GEAR UP to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.



In this article I will just scratch the surface pertaining to the tools and mechanisms available to all of us that can help make us safer wherever our paths may lead. By no means is this meant to be an exhaustive list of the only ways to accomplish this goal. Every individual has their own comfort level and all of us needs to both find our own "zone" as well as checking into state and local laws that pertain to each device that we are interested in obtaining for personal protection.

MY FAVORITE "GEAR UP" SOLUTIONS

• Wildfire 18% Pepper Spray - This pepper spray is HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Wildfire Oleo Resin Capsicum (pepper) is a derivative of 3 million Scoville Heat units (SHU). Wildfire comes in five sizes from 1/2-ounce purse size to 1-pound pistol grip versions. This is a very effective formulation that will bring goon to his knees whimpering and sniveling like a baby until the police arrive. If they are too slow, give the creep another blast as necessary.

• Mace Brand "Hot Walkers" - These are one pound walking weights with a unique pepper spray deployment system built into each one. Perfect for walkers and joggers with elastic hand straps for support, a storage compartment for keys and money, and the built-in 10% pepper spray for self-defense. Pepper spray canisters are easily and inexpensively replaced.

• Electronic Pocket/Keychain Electronic Whistle - You don't even need to blow into this whistle...just press a button. It emits an ear piercing 120db whistle for as long as you push the button. Also useful at sporting events, or a lifesaver in emergencies such as earthquakes, collapsed buildings, etc. and can even be used for dog handling even though crime prevention is it's primary purpose.

• Stunmaster Stun Gun - Not truly a gun, even the sound of a 775,000-volt discharge between two electrodes will scare most attackers and goons into a fast sprint in the other direction. If they persist, three to five seconds of contact will drop them to the ground like a rock. Most have a disable pin on the wrist strap to prevent the unit from being taken and used against you. Stun guns use high voltage and low amperage to temporarily disable an attacker by disrupting muscle contraction to allow for your escape while they squirm on the ground like a maggot.

• The "Runt" - My personal favorite stun gun that will drop your assailant like a roach who has ingested a wee bit too much Black Flag! Only 3.5" tall, the Runt is available in 350,000, 650,000 or 950,000-volts. Perfect for women of all ages and can be worn as a pager would be or comes with a nylon belt holster and will keep the goon quiet until booking time.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

GEAR UP yourself and everyone you care about with a toolbox chuck full of personal safety equipment that may just save a life. Look at what is available; make a plan, and then GEAR UP all of your family. Role-play and practice with the tools until you are comfortable with their use and that your plan is workable.


Remember that you need to always practice outside, especially when trying out pepper sprays and the like. No need to actually feel just how good the product works; just know that it does. Plans change according to the situation and multiple types of scenarios will need to be discussed.


The crooks, criminals, crack heads and rapists are coming out in droves, just like roaches, spiders and snakes. Be proactive and "GEAR UP" to fight back when you need to. By doing so you may be able to get some of these lowlifes out of commission for a time and make the neighborhood a little safer.


We can all stand firm and walk tall as fine, proud citizens and do so anywhere we want to go if we are secure in the knowledge that we are taking the initiative to protect ourselves against harm. All of us are aware that crooks are getting more bold and brazen daily and are infesting our communities like a mold growing just under the surface veneer. Personal protection is a reassuring tool at our disposal to combat this infestation.


None of the GEAR UP items I have written about in this article will break the bank to acquire. Decide what you need and use coffee or movie money to outfit your protection toolbox. You will be happy you did and it may have the added benefit of a better night's sleep and a general feeling of well-being through preparedness.


As always, be aware, be safe, but remember to think about these issues and take the vital steps necessary to give you peace of mind for your future.