By Ellen Russell
In years past, self defense was for martial arts enthusiasts and city dwellers. Not so anymore. Self defense is for everyone in any small town or large city. Thanks to innovations in design and technology, anyone can defend themselves from an attack on their person, be it by human or animal. Personal self defense products are easy to use, affordable and, most importantly, effective.Predators rely on victims being weak and submissive. They count on you being unprepared and easily overcome. Criminals do not want a lot of attention drawn to them; even the simplest of self defense products can turn a would be tragedy into a successfully foiled mugging, abduction, or worse.
Hard as they try, the police cannot be everywhere at all times. Privacy is another friend of assailants. Simple self defense products like mace and pepper sprays are as easy to use as a can of hairspray: aim and shoot. Temporarily blinded and in pain, your attacker will writhe as you make your get away and call for help. Precious moments are all it takes for you to divert an attack against yourself or your loved ones.
Sometimes all you need is a little backup. Kubotons are small, inconspicuous and inexpensive, and are a simple first line self defense product that can make a big difference. Keep one in a pocket, a purse, or on a key chain; just 5 or 6 inches long, the metal rod can be used to give you added support through the hand and wrist, or used to poke and inflict pain at a point that will count. Bust a finger and he'll think twice.
Maybe you feel safe walking through dimly lit streets and parking lots because your keychain has a panic button. Stop and think - when was the last time you paid any attention to a honking car or car alarm? We hear them all the time. They're like white noise, now. Personal alarms emit ear piercing sounds anyone will react to. Alert those around you, get help fast and send criminals on the run by simply pulling a pin. This is a self defense product that will make people stand up and take notice.
For a more disabling feature, tasers and stun guns are your self defending weapon of choice. Electrical shocks temporarily paralyze the recipient, giving you time to get away, get help, and hopefully get the guy caught.
You never know what kind of situation you might find yourself in, and an all purpose weapon like a knife is versatile and effective. Available in a large range of sizes and features, this old standby maintains its hold as an efficient means of an all around useful self defense weapon.
The dangers of the city, with tightly packed populations, late night life and dark alleys are obvious, but small town and suburban dwellers need to take their lives in their own hands, too. Abductions, rapes and murders are becoming tragedies small towns are dealing with on an increasingly frequent basis. The privacy and solitude of suburban and rural life create ideal conditions for attackers and home invaders. Stopping one could be as simple as a door stop alarm. Strategically placed self defense products, in your home, on your keychain, in your car or on your person might be the difference between tomorrow's tragedy becoming tonight's triumph.
Fewer people mean more wildlife and pets on the loose, not all of them friendly. If you enjoy hikes and strolls, you should be carrying enough of a defense to turn away angry or predatory animals. Self defense products are specifically designed for animal use. Sprays for dogs, bears and more defend you from attack by an animal that just might not let go otherwise.
It is up to each of us to defend ourselves and our families from harm. From lipstick sized sprays to cell phone stun guns, knives, alarms and more, there is a self defense product anyone can use and feel safe carrying. A wide variety of products and prices makes owning a line of self defense affordable to all that need them, and by that, we mean everyone.
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