The Basics of Personal Security

Most of the time the United States is one of the safest, most secure countries on the planet. However, there are some situations when we feel less than secure, and there are other times when our security is genuinely compromised.

There are a variety of security products on the market today to help people feel safe and to protect themselves from physical harm. The vast number of products available can seem overwhelming. Before purchasing a personal safety alarm or personal protection device, there are several things to consider:
• Stun guns, TASERS, and pepper spray can be an excellent choice, but first find out if your state and city has any restrictions on these devices before making a purchase.
• It is important to research the various situations where the use of pepper spray or mace would be illegal. For example, in most states it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to carry pepper spray.
• Remember that avoidance is the most effective safety device available. Try to keep yourself out of potentially harmful situations by staying in well-lit areas, walking with a buddy after dark, and by following your gut instincts.
• Properly research how to use TASERs, stun guns, pepper spray and mace. You could also benefit from understanding the physical effects of these devices.
• Look into the noise laws in your city and state before you purchase a security alarm.
• Most important, look into all of your options and decide which security method you are most comfortable with.

Your own personal security is something that needs to be taken seriously at all times. There are many things that you should not ever do. DO NOT:

• Use your personal alarm as a toy. In an emergency you will need to sound of the alarm to be taken seriously.
• Ever use your stun gun as a toy or test it on others. It is important for you to know the effects, but this is not the correct way to learn. In most states using a stun gun on someone for any other reason then self defense is an arrestable offense.
• Purchase from a company using fear tactics to get you to make the purchase. If they are making hysterical claims about crime trends then they might try to scare you into unnecessary additional purchases.
• Purchase from any vendor that doesn't have a return policy.
• Deal with any vendor who has a bad rating with the Better Business Bureau.
• Purchase from an online company that does not provide valid contact information. If they are not comfortable giving you a way to contact them, then you should not be comfortable purchasing from them.
• Purchase a stun gun or TASER from an unauthorized vendor.

And last but not least – Do not rely fully on your personal security device. Remember that it is more important way to stay safe by avoiding potentially harmful situations and follow your instincts. If you find yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, get out of there as quickly as possible.


Jesse Toman is a security consultant, and a member of the editorial team at yoursecurityguide.com – an informative guide to personal security offering advice on personal protection
devices, child home safety, and medical alarm systems.