It doesn't Have To Be That Difficult... or Expensive !
You may have no desire to become a karate back-belt, or carry a gun under the car seat. (And no, we aren't advocating any position on gun ownership).
But you have to be concerned about your own personal security if you want to put together a strong home security and safety plan.
Everyone has their own line, beyond which they do not feel comfortable crossing in the quest for personal safety. And everyone should define that level of comfort for themselves. It is, after all, up to you to decide to be prepared, and how to do it.
Being prepared is just another aspect of managing risk. The protective systems you invest in - installing a burglar alarm, setting up a surveillance camera, are as important as the protective actions you take in everyday life - wearing a seatbelt, or getting a medical checkup.
So before you decide what personal security equipment to investigate, first consider the nature of your risk which will vary depending on where you live, your occupation, frequency of travel, and personal habits. This is the same as the risk analysis you did before selecting a home security system.
In
what elements of your routine are you most vulnerable ? Vulnerable to whom ? And
to what ? What about other family members ?
There are several options that can provide reliable and inexpensive protection, and there are some creative and effective products for general safety as well as emergency response. These include:
1) Personal alarms and defense
devices for everyday use
> Pepper and mace sprays
> Personal key fob alarms
>
Animal repellant
> Tasers and stun guns
2)
Medical alarms and emergency response systems for the elderly, handicapped, and
children:
> Medical alert bracelets and necklaces
> Panic alarms
> Baby
monitors
3) Home safety:
>
Pool alarms
> Fire and smoke alarms
>
Gas and other leak detectors
Also important is the knowledge of how to use the personal security equipment that you choose. Make sure that you and everyone in your family knows how to use each item, and that all equipment is working properly before you pack it away.
Some equipment may require frequent maintenance practice in order to be safe and effective when needed. And most importantly, be aware of what devices need to be kept out of the hands of children.
When you build
your own personal security system, and develop your skills for using the equipment,
you accomplish two things: 1) You become more capable of dealing with emergency
situations, and 2) You sleep better at night !