Showing posts with label Self defense products. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self defense products. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

A Sampling of Self Defense Products for Home Protection

It is important that we feel safe within our own homes. Self defense products for home protection keep us secure while within our homes and keep our residences safe when we are not there. These include items like alarms, motion sensors, and dummy cameras. Installing one or more of these in our homes may be all it takes to make us feel an added level of security at all times.

One of the popular self defense products for home protection is the driveway patrol. This is a wireless motion detector installed near a doorway or driveway entrance. When something passes within the 20-foot range of the transmitter, the receiver emits a pleasant sound. In addition to serving as a security device against intruders, it is suitable for families with small children.

A door guard alarm is a portable unit that contains a shock sensor alarm. Its movable feature allows it to be used at home, work, or while traveling without any installation. The smallest vibration is detected and when the alarm is activated, a 98 decibel alert sounds for 20 to 30 seconds, then resets itself. Alarm sensitivity is adjusted with a screwdriver and the product features a flashlight.

When homeowners are away, the auto dialer security and safety alarm keeps watch. This self defense product is a passive infrared motion monitoring system. If movement in the area is detected, a 105 decibel security alarm emits and the auto dialer calls up to five preset telephone numbers selected by the user. Chime mode is suitable for a store, with a chime emitting when motion is detected.

Door braces, alarms that detect glass breakages, and a door stop alarm are other popular self defense products for home protection. In addition, individuals can find personal defense products like stun guns and self defense sprays, like pepper spray. These items can be kept by the bedside for easy access during an intruder situation.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Dummy Camera Self Defense Products

Businesses and families on a budget often forgo using self defense products because they assume these are unaffordable. In reality, some of the best self defense items like pepper spray and even tasers are very inexpensive. One of the latest products to hit the market is a dummy camera that sells for approximately $20 and is extremely effective.

Self defense weapons will not be needed if the home or business can deter intruders from entering. An imitation security camera is designed using the same parts present in its real counterpart. A flashing red light indicates that an individual is being observed and helps to deter criminals. The light is even motion-activated, adding to the realism. It turns on when a person comes within a nine-foot range.

Making things even more realistic is the rotational feature of the camera. The unit moves back and forth, simulating the movement of an authentic surveillance camera. This camera is mounted on a wall using an included bracket and can be used outdoors or indoors. Three AA batteries are required for operation of the light and movement, making operation costs much lower than a real security camera.

We all know the saying that the best defense is a good offense. Dummy cameras are self defense products that take an aggressive stand when it comes to security. They are inexpensive enough to fit the budget and provide a measure of security to a residence or commercial building. By placing several throughout the area, intruders will be deterred.

Self defense products like a dummy camera feature a low price tag and provide a great feeling of comfort to the user. Would-be burglars or other criminals will have no idea that the product is not actually recording their movements. They will see the flashing light and camera movement and stay far away from the home or business.

Monday, January 31, 2011

With Jogger Pepper Spray, Be Protected While Running Or Walking

Pepper sprays are just one of the many effective self defense products on the market. It comes in various forms, including a pen, key-chain, and lipstick model, each of which is compact and convenient to use. Individuals desiring protection when they walk or run should consider purchasing jogger pepper spray. They will literally have self defense in the palms of their hands.

The jogger pepper spray product is designed with the outdoor athlete in mind. It features a Velcro strap that can be wrapped around the hand. Runners and walkers do not need to wear clothing with pockets because they can hold on to this device while they are out for a jog or stroll. No longer will they need to limit their outdoor jaunts to daylight hours or the safest neighborhoods in town.

Of course, it is always wise to be cautious whenever one is outside the home. Runners and walkers should not invite danger but if they buy pepper spray, they know they will be prepared if it finds them. The jogger pepper spray emits an eight to twelve foot spray of liquid that burns the eyes. With 18 grams per unit, joggers can get ten one-second bursts of spray from each container.

Since the device is so compact, an attacker will not be aware of its presence until it is too late. By that time, the victim will have sprayed the attacker in the eyes, temporarily disabling his or her vision. This will give the victim time to escape to safety and contact the authorities regarding the situation.

Self defense products like jogger pepper spray enable people to go through their normal routines without fear. Runners and walkers can hold this unit in their hands during outdoor exercise. At all times, they will be prepared to fend off an attacker with the debilitating spray, fleeing to safety and notifying police.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Self Defense Products Are Life-Savers For Many People


Personal and home protection are very important no matter how safe the individual may feel. Self defense products can be a lifesaver for a person in any dangerous situation. Just because individuals have managed to stay safe until now does not mean that danger will not find them in the future.



Self defense products such as stun guns and tasers are useful against an attacker when the victim is in a parking lot. Not all parking lots have proper lighting and even those that do may allow an assailant to hide under the victim’s car. Individuals who find themselves in a confrontation with an attacker can use these products to temporarily incapacitate the person.



Home protection allows the individual to feel secure even within the confines of the residence. One product recommended for this purpose is a door brace that will keep intruders out. This item works on both sliding and hinged doors and extends to fit doors of almost any size. Many braces collapse so they can be packed in a suitcase and used during a hotel stay.



A wireless home security system is an inexpensive alternative to the commercially monitored version. When motion is detected or a door or window is opened, an alarm sounds and the system automatically dials as many as five pre-set telephone numbers. Call recipients can broadcast their own voices through the unit, listen in on what is going on, or disarm the system.



Pepper spray is one of the self defense products that can be used either at home or on the go. It comes in the form of a pen or in a holster that can be attached to a keychain. There is even a ring that emits the burning liquid into the eyes of an unknowing intruder. This and the other products mentioned above are just a small sampling of what is available.


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

How and Why to Purchase a C2 Taser


The right of self-defense is the right for a civilian, acting on his own behalf, to engage in violence for the sake of defending their own life, or the lives of others, including the use of deadly force. There are many different items a person can employ to protect themselves in the event of an attack. The C2 Taser for sale today is rapidly gaining popularity in the world of self defense.

Tasers, or electron control devices are widely thought of as a safer option when compare to a conventional firearm. A Taser works by using compressed nitrogen to shoot two electronic probes at a speed up to 180 feet per second and a distance up to 15 feet. The probes make contact with either body or clothing, and will stay attached to the device through insulated wire. A low-amperage high-voltage electrical current is then sent through the wire and probes and into the body. This will result in an instantaneous loss of neuromuscular control.

The C2 Taser for sale today was created with the belief that great things come in small packages. Lightweight and just 6 inches long, the Taser C2 are designed to meet any lifestyle, and all personal safety needs. Using the same technology as the proven law enforcement models, it offers amazing take down power and unparalleled protection. The instructional DVD that comes with the C2 Taser for sale today will make a person prepared and confident in their ability to protect themselves.

The Taser C2 is the only device that can consistently and immediately incapacitate an aggressive, dangerous person. Unlike the other self defense options that are available, the C2 Taser is effective when used on any area of the body. This is critical when in a high stress, dangerous situation that requires quick action.

The C2 Taser for sale today comes with a standard issue kit and was created to give peace of mind. This kit includes the Taser C2, lithium battery pack, a holster, and three cartridges. Laser integration is available on most models to allow for accurate aim, as when the cover is opened, a bright red laser illuminates the area. Often times, the red beam will be a crime-stopper by itself, usually making an attacker retreat in fear. The Taser shoots with air nitrogen, so the device will never require cleaning, and the lithium battery is good for 10 years, or 50 firings.

The C2 Taser for sale today is not considered a firearm by the U.S. Government and can be carried legally without a permit in 43 of the 50 states. Buy C2 Taser and receive a lifetime replacement guarantee. With the belief that a life is obviously worth more than the cost of a Taser C2, in the event that the device must be left behind during an attack and is not recovered, simply send a police report and receive a new one.

The C2 Taser for sale today will be a great benefit to anyone that is ever the unfortunate victim of an attack. Buy C2 Taser for a family member or friend as a gift to show them that their safety and well-being is a top priority. Worrying about personal safety is now a thing of the past.

Monday, October 4, 2010

The Best Self Defense Products for Students

Going off to college is the first time many children are away from their parents and their homes. This is the time they have officially left the comfort and the familiar surroundings of their homes. Students should carry pepper spray with them when they are traveling on or around campus to protect themselves from muggings and other forms of personal attacks. Pepper spray is one of the best self defense products for students because it is legal, non-lethal, concealable, and above all effective.

The most popular self defense products for students are pepper spray and rape whistles. They are often given out by colleges during orientation week, especially in areas of high crime like big cities. This is in an effort to drive home the point to the students that personal protection is important and sometimes necessary.

Stun guns are another effective form of personal protection, but they are not as suitable for students. There is rarely an instance on campus when a stun gun is needed for an attack that cannot be handled by pepper spray. These are instruments that cause more damage to an attacker and they are generally more dangerous self defense products for students.

Students often travel alone throughout campus when they are changing classes or walking to the library to study. Often, they are walking around late at night to and from study sessions or back to their dorm room from social gatherings. Whenever a young person travels by themselves in the dark, they should consider carrying self defense products for students.

When children leave the safety bubble of their parents homes they are often unaware of the threat of crime that exists in everyday life. In order to protect themselves, they should carry self defense products for students. Hopefully they will never have to be used, but these portable and concealable tools are effective for achieving optimal personal protection.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Best Self Defense Products and Home Invasion Protection Devices


As the crime rate rises in many parts of the United States, people are looking for ways to protect themselves, their families, and their personal belongings. Self defense products and home invasion protection devices are effective ways to ward off attacks and protect against burglary and theft. These products include pepper spray, security sensors, and door braces.

Pepper spray is one of the best self defense products against personal attacks. It is easy to conceal and usually comes in a small can. It is a non-lethal yet effective way to stop a perpetrator in their tracks. Very fine grains of formula made from chilis cause a physical reaction that is debilitating to the attacker. This variation of self defense products makes them automatically close their eyes and makes it difficult for them to breathe.

Home invasion protection devices are used to defend people and their valuables against an intruder. People are hungrier than ever for affordable home security solutions. There are a few inexpensive answers to the home invasion problem. Wireless security systems with sensors are the most effective way to protect every window or door in the home.

Security systems only go off once a person has entered the home. To keep a burglar out altogether, consider using a door braces. These home invasion protection devices adjust to fit all types of doors. They are portable so people can use them to protect their valuables when traveling.

The only way to stay fully protected against personal attacks and burglaries is through the purchase and implantation of self defense products and home invasion protection devices. They are effective ways to keep harm away from people, their families, and their personal things. Now, more than ever, these products and devices should be added to the daily lives of any American who is concerned with their safety and well-being.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

To Increase Safety, Purchase And Learn To Use A C2 Taser For Sale

Safety should always be at the forefront of everyone’s mind and various self defense products are sold online and in stores. One of these is the C2 taser for sale on the Web sites of companies like Self Defense ATL and at home, boat, and gun shows throughout the metropolitan U.S. This product is available for private purchase and prices start at just $300.

After making the decision to buy C2 taser, an individual should understand how the product works. Though purchasing a C2 taser for sale is a wise move, improper use will not provide adequate self defense. Learning how to operate the product requires first reading the owner’s manual and instructions included with the product. A training DVD is also packaged with the item, so buyers should review that as many times as necessary to gain a comfort level with operation.

The C2 taser for sale is powered by a Lithium battery that should last for approximately 50 firings. Users begin assembly by removing the magazine cartridge, then loading the battery cartridge. After the battery cartridge is loaded, the magazine cartridge can then be reinserted. A green light appears on the device once the battery cartridge is charged. Users should then close the safety switch, point the device in a safe direction, remove the air cartridge cover, and load the air cartridge. A clicking sound indicates that the air cartridge is properly locked in place.

Using the C2 taser for sale requires holding it vertically as if it were a handgun, opening the safety switch cover, and pressing the firing button. When using one of the models with a laser sight, the laser should be aimed where the top probe is desired to land. The face, groin, neck, and head area should be avoided whenever possible. It is recommended that users remain seven to ten feet, and no more than 15 feet, from an attacker when firing this device.

After purchasing a C2 taser for sale, users should do some practice firing to get comfortable with its operation. An additional security measure provided by this device if the cartridges run out is the drive stun back up. This allows the individual to disable the attacker by directly applying the stun gun into his or her skin.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

What Type of Self Defense Should You Learn?

If there's one thing people in the self defense and martial arts communities like to do, it's argue! Go into five schools and you might get five different reasons why the school you're in is the best choice, and all the other ones are lousy. But if you're not there to learn to be Bruce Lee or win the UFC, what should you look for in a self defense program, including the ones offered in out instructional fighting videos? Think of five criteria:

The Techniques are Easy to Remember

Effective self defense requires split second actions under stress. Under the influence of adrenalin you'll experience tunnel vision, nausea, numbness and gross motor deficits. You won't be in any shape to remember a 20-step move to protect yourself from a specific attack. Good programs teach simple techniques that can be used in many different situations instead, and drill them until they become second nature.

The Techniques Don't Require Athletic Ability

No self defense technique should require you to kick somebody in the head . . . unless the guy is already on his knees. You won't have a chance to warm up when you're attacked. That's why every technique should work properly in your body's natural range of motion. They should also work even if you don't do them 100% perfectly, so if they tell you to kick a weapon out of a guy's hand, turn around and leave!

The School Addresses Weapons and Self Defense Products

Combat sports are great . . . but they're not total self defense. On the street, someone might attack with a gun, knife or club, or you might be prepared with self defense products such as pepper spray or a C2 Taser gun. The school should be able to teach you to defend against weapons and use self-defense products along with other physical techniques.

The School Addresses Standing Up and Grappling on the Ground

The UFC and mixed martial arts (MMA) may not be what the average person is looking for when it comes to self-defense but it does pass along a powerful lesson: You need to know how to deal with grabs, holds and chokes, both standing up and on the ground. A self-defense program should address the basics of how to fall, deal with being taken down, and escaping grabs.

You Learn to Deal With Stress, Force and Resistance

A self-defense program is only effective when you can apply what you learn in a stressful situation against someone trying to keep you from defending yourself! You don't necessarily need to get into MMA fights, but you should have an opportunity to hit full force and practice on a resisting partner. Some good schools have an instructor “suit up” in body armor and provide resistance while you respond with full power attacks. In some schools, you may even have ways to try self defense products under stress, with simulated versions or against someone armored against them.

These guidelines should lead you to a self defense program that will work for you. From there you might want to get into combat sports or fancy martial arts, but you'll start with effective self defense.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Self Defense Products and Your Surroundings

Some self defense experts call it “yellow alert:” the state of being constantly aware of your surroundings and ready to use them for self defense. This might be a bit worrying for the average person though, so I like to think of it as “full experience.” What does that mean, and why do you need it to protect yourself after you buy pepper spray or purchase another self defense product?

Think of all the times you’ve walked around deep in thought, your mind on bills, relationships – everything but actually walking, where you are and what’s around you beyond the space you need for your next step. When you walk around “looking inward” you’re sharing something in common with many victims of muggings and other street attacks. They didn’t look around either.

Street criminals look for these signs of inattention. While you might visualize street violence as a face to face confrontation that’s the last thing an attacker wants. Leaving aside the kind of stupid fisticuffs you might get into at a bar over a point of pride (helping you with those isn’t really our focus as a company) your attacker isn’t doing what he’s doing for the sake of a fight. He doesn’t want to fight. He wants to win by using ambush tactics whenever possible.

Getting paranoid about this won’t help you. Instead of looking around, you’ll picture possible dangers, and this is just another way of “looking inward” instead of being aware of your surroundings. Instead, you need to actively take in your surroundings. Use the following guidelines:

Four Senses: Don’t just look. Listen, and try to identify what you hear. Notice the ground beneath your feed through touch to avoid unpleasant slips. Even a smell can be a hint that there might be trouble – booze, stale sweat and other scents belong to people you want to avoid. (We can’t think of how taste will help – sorry!)

People: You see people all the time, but do you really notice them? Why are they in a particular spot? What are they talking about? Are they watching you? What do they look like? Don’t stare, but don’t look at your feet (a sign of submission) either. You have a better chance of noticing potential troublemakers and identifying them for police.

Light and Shadow: Stick to brightly lit spaces and notice dark spaces, particularly if people can get into them easily.

Places to Go: Don’t narrow your idea of where people can move to streets. Look at trails, short retaining walls and alleys. You should be aware of them in case you need to use them to escape and as a way to detect ambush spots.

Even though you’ll apply these steps with a self defense orientation, don’t fixate on it. Develop an eye for detail ad a genuine appreciation for your surroundings and you’ll know when to walk, when to run and when to use a stun gun or other self defense tool to effectively protect yourself.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Fitness for Self Defense

Whether you buy pepper spray or just rely on your own body to survive a dangerous situation, a healthy, fit physique will help you survive and escape. It’s easy to get discouraged by the challenges of a fitness program, but you can prevail with self-discipline and a realistic look at your personality, lifestyle and goals.

If you’ve been burned by unsuccessful attempts to get fit in the past your first question might be, “If I buy stun guns or other self-defense products, doesn’t that take the place of the muscles I’d need to punch, kick and wrestle with an attacker?” No! A self defense product enhances your physical and mental attributes and can be an “equalizer” when you’re faces with a strong, aggressive attacker, but it doesn’t take the place of your personal attributes. The situation may call for direct body to body contact before you can apply something like a C2 Taser effectively.

Nevertheless, it’s easy to develop unrealistic expectations when it comes to physical fitness. Some of these come from martial arts myths, and others have to do with seeing ripped, powerful mixed martial arts fighters in the media. The worst thing you can do is try a fitness program for a month and give up because you don’t look like a UFC fighter, or you can’t do some fancy jumping kick. Your goal isn’t to be like some guy in the movies, or a professional fighter. It’s to simply improve your physical attributes so that you get a bit more fit every day, and to get used to physical discomfort and develop the mentality to prevail. Any improvement is good, and the healthy discomfort of a proper fitness program helps you develop mental toughness that applies in self-defense situations.

Let’s finish off with five tips for fitness and self-defense:

See a Doctor Before Starting an Exercise Program: Check with your physician before starting a new fitness regimen. Your specific medical condition influences how you should exercise.

Use Something You’ll Stick With as Your Fitness Backbone: Zero in on a physical activity you enjoy doing and can do regularly. For example, I love hiking and it’s a rare week where I don’t get out for a long walk. Even if other fitness programs don’t work out for you, your “backbone” is always there.

Don’t Believe That Strength Doesn’t Matter: One of the worst martial arts myths is that strength doesn’t matter if you know good self defense techniques. Whether you learn from a self defense instructor or buy a stun gun, self defense preparations make the most efficient, effective use of your strength – they don’t make strength irrelevant.

Concentrate on the Three Big Fitness Attributes: That’s physical strength, cardiovascular health and joint health. You need all three for best quality of life. Self defense encounters are usually brief and intense, so explosive, short term physical strength is probably the most important attribute, followed by enough cardio to breathe properly in an emergency and run away. Healthy, flexible joints prevent injury and keep you mobile.

Listen to Your Body: If you feel sharp pain or any “funny” feeling, ease off what you’re doing and talk to your doctor to avoid injury.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Get to Know a C2 Taser

The C2 Taser represents a step forward in personal protection technology. Tasers are well known law enforcement tools and some civilians have purchased police models for personal defense, but the C2 is the first model that is specifically designed as a civilian self defense product.

The C2 is useful because it adjusts well-known Taser capabilities for civilian use and adds additional features to make it an ideal piece of personal protection gear. Let’s break these down:

Probe Mode: Like other Tasers, a C2 will shoot a probe that, when it strikes its target, delivers an incapacitating charge. C2 Tasers maintain the shock for a longer period that police models because their intent is to allow the user to flee while the attacker is incapacitated. Once used in this mode, the C2 releases paper strips containing the Taser’s serial number so that police can easily trace the weapon and understand the chain of events.

Drive Stun: C2 Tasers also feature a Drive Stun mode for close range use. In Drive Stun, the Taser doesn’t incapacitate but it does dissuade attackers by inflicting pain and shock on par with many other stun gun models. Keep in mind that the Taser is larger than many of these, so if you’d like an easier to carry solution it’s a better idea to buy stun guns that are smaller – but remember that you need the Taser for ranged personal defense.

Ergonomic Form Factor: Police Tasers are modeled on firearms because police have extensive training in their use, making it easy to transfer the same accuracy and reflexive response to a less lethal alternative. The civilian model doesn’t require this kind of experience, and is modeled on the basic form of a number of household objects – remote controls, hand vacuums and other objects people handle every day – to make it easy to use. The ergonomic handle also allows for use by people with a variety of hand sizes. Furthermore, as the C2 Taser is designed to be dropped so allow escape, the handle design supports this without requiring further disengagement from a handle or guard.

Free Replacement: If you ever lose a C2 Taser in the course of using it to protect yourself, Taser International will replace the weapon for free as long as you submit a copy of the applicable police report. This policy supports the strategy behind the C2 Taser’s use: Activate it, abandon it, escape and report!

These features are designed to ensure that you’ll have no hesitation about using your C2 Taser in situations for which it’s intended. Used as intended, it can not only be very effective, but work hand in hand with law enforcement efforts. Visit us to find out more or purchase your own.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Five Tips for Self Defense on the Road

As Thanksgiving, Christmas and other seasonal holidays approach, many of you will be on the road to visit your family. Unfortunately, carjacking has become a real crime problem and there are always some dangers in less familiar places – even places you think you know, but don’t live in any more. Here are five suggestions that can help keep you and your family safe on a journey.

Don’t Stop in Isolated Places: Few places in the continental US are so distant from a mall, grocery store or other well-lit, populated location that you can’t go to these instead of stopping at the side of the road. Whenever possible, push on instead of stopping at a place you might not trust. This includes isolated urban areas such as nearly-deserted parking lots. Carjacking attempts often take place when you’re entering or leaving a vehicle some distance from help. In many cases, back country roads are not nearly as isolated as you think. Watch for signs warning you not to stop due to a prison being in close proximity.

Don’t Pick Up Hitchhikers: This is one of those common sense rules that many people still break. Some hitchhikers really are penniless free spirits, but many have their thumbs out because they have significant problems that keep them from owning a car, such as a criminal record that prevents them from getting a loan or drug problems that siphon their money. In some cases, hitchhiking is a tactic used in a carjacking, robbery or other assault.

Drive Awake and Alert: Be realistic about your ability to drive for long distances while fully awake. Don’t rely on coffee or energy drinks to get you through it; you need to be well rested. This doesn’t just help you drive safely, but keeps your judgment from being impaired in the face of a potential assault. Criminals look for fatigue and other impairments when the choose victims. If you buy pepper spray or a C2 Taser you’ll have more success actually using it when you’re alert and energetic.

Keep a Working Emergency Kit: Don’t just rely on your cell phone. Include blankets, warm clothes, blinkers, a flashlight, a first aid kit, food and water, along with a sign that says CALL POLICE to mount on your rear window if your car dies. The sign removes excuses for troublemakers to stop. In a violent confrontation, many of these items will be useful for you after the assault to administer first aid and other assistance. We have a useful 4 in 1 emergency tool that makes a great addition to your kit.

Plan Your Route Ahead of Time: In this age of cheap GPS devices it’s easy to just set out in a general direction and rely on your system to provide directions, but the reality is that not all GPS maps are accurate or complete, and they don’t always find you the safest route. If you’re trapped in a maze of one way streets the system may not let you get lost, but you’ll look lost ambling around and trying to reconcile landmarks with your map. This apparent disorientation makes you more vulnerable both because your attention is occupied and because attackers look for this kind of disorientation.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Self Defense Products and Tips for College Students

For many freshmen, college is their first taste of independence, where they’re living on their own, some distance from home and with significant new responsibilities. It can be more than intimidating – it can be dangerous. Let’s talk about the self-defense issues around college life and some of the self defense products and tips students can use to make their lives safer. Remember to check the laws in your area and your college’s policies.

Drinking and Fighting: Alcohol is far and away the most common source of violence on campus, leading to fights in and around bars between students, and students and locals. In many cases this resembles good old fashioned schoolyard bullying and the best thing to do is to resist being provoked. Travel in a group so that you’re less likely to be attacked on the way home and don’t let your friends provoke fights. You don’t have anything to prove, and it just takes a slip on concrete or a weapon to turn posturing into something life-threatening.

If you’d like extra protection, consider buying pepper spray. It’s easy to carry and can be used against a number of attackers at once, giving you a chance to escape. Just remember that no self defense product can compensate for poor judgment. If you escalate with insults and threats in kind, using any self defense product may look like assault.

Sexual Assault: Unfortunately, sexual assault is a persistent threat on college campuses despite improvements in policy, awareness and activism. Traveling in groups is always smart, but be aware that most perpetrators are known to their victims – they’re partners and acquaintances. Keep a close watch over your drinks – never leave them unattended – because you must account for the danger of date rape drugs – and limit your alcohol consumption. Women have a lower physiological tolerance for alcohol, so they may become unexpectedly and rapidly intoxicated when drinking in a mixed group. Finally, make sure there is always someone to “check in” with, who expects to see you by a certain time unless you specifically call in. (This is actually a great tip for general safety, not just the threat of rape.)

Do yourself a favor and take a self-defense course where they cover the specific issues around sexual assault, including use of force on people known to you. For self-defense purposes, a stun gun can be useful, particularly if you keep it on your person – not just in your purse, which might be some distance away if you find yourself in your dorm or apartment.

Theft: Students often underestimate the danger of on-campus theft. Colleges are heavily trafficked, poorly secured and contain the residences of largely upper and middle-class students, making them ideal for professional thieves. It’s also a sad fact that addiction, alcoholism and mental health issues often strike during college years, leading to students stealing to either support a drug habit or due to impaired impulse control. Personal danger comes into play when you interrupt a burglary in progress or have been targeted for mugging.