WomenOnGuard

Did you know there are over 1.4 million burglaries a year? With so many break-ins, your home could be next. Take the necessary steps to solidify your burglary prevention.

When you protect your home, it's more than protecting the property. You are protecting your family and peace of mind. 

Check out this guide and keep your family and property safe from people with bad intentions.

Door and Window Locks

When's the last time you checked the integrity of your door and window locks? Did you change the locks of the home when you moved in?

It's possible that the previous owners kept the spare set of keys. While we want to assume the best about people, there's a chance they sold or gave the keys away to someone. 

If you move into a new home or apartment, consider changing locks immediately. You can also test the strength and durability of your locks. 

First, lock your door from the outside. After it latches, pull on the handle with about 75% of your strength. You're looking to see if the door handle or lock is slipping or weak. 

Then, lock your door while you're inside and redo the same experiment. Look at the door frame and handle. If there's considerable movement or bulging on the frame, you may need new locks (or a new door).

A lot of burglars sneak their way into a home by opening an unsecured window. Do all windows in your home have locks? If they do, can the locks be easily tampered with from the outside?

Ask a security professional about possible alarms for securing windows.

Eliminate Hiding Spots

Burglars determined to enter your home may use the property against itself. They seek dark or hidden areas to conceal their body from those inside or outside.

If you have lots of bushes and shrubbery surrounding your home, a burglar will use it to hide and wait. Spend the time to relocate the bushes and trees away from your home.

In its place, install automatic bright lights. Motion-activated lights deter and discourage would-be burglars. Don't forget to point the lights away from the house so you're not woken up every time a cat or raccoon gets near your property.

You don't have to get rid of all bushes and trees near your home. Just trim and cut the bushes thin and low. Tree branches under six feet can be completely cut off.

Hostile architecture helps keep burglars at bay. Sloped window sills someone can't grip from the outside, jagged large rocks around windows, and pointed ledges are examples of engineering to prevent criminal activity and eliminate hiding spots.

Hide Valuables

Hiding valuables is a proactive approach to avoid becoming a victim. Before you leave the house, think about what items are visible from the windows.

Ask a friend to come over and see what they spot peering into your home. Can they see your television, laptops, or home defense weapons? 

Store valuable items out of sight, pull the curtains, and close doors. The less a stranger can see the better. 

How are you throwing away your trash? If someone can drive by your home and see boxes for TVs, expensive jewelry, and power tools by the trash, they are going to know you have items worth stealing.

Do your best to collapse boxes, shred paperwork, and leave little trace of your purchases in the trash. The simplest and safest method is to put the trash out right before the collector comes.

Sometimes, the perpetrator is someone you know. Someone who is familiar with your home poses the biggest threat. When you go on vacation, lock your valuables up in a strong safe or vault.

Cameras

Wouldn't it be great to catch criminals looking to break into your home? Set up exterior and interior cameras so you can give the police the evidence they need to close a case.

Install a doorbell camera for an extra layer of protection. Prevent the theft of boxes, screen door-to-door salespeople, and secure your property. Most doorbell cameras connect directly to a smartphone.

You can be visiting a friend in another state and get an alert that someone is at the front door. Some doorbell cameras have two-way speakers that let you communicate with someone at the front door.

Just a camera being present is enough to scare some people from trying to walk on your property.

Burglary Prevention and Weapons

It's always good to have knowledge and training in self-defense and weapons. While most burglars prefer to enter an empty home, you never know when you might come face-to-face with a criminal.

In moments of heightened tension, people act irrationally and emotionally. Criminals are no exception.

Your best option is always to run away and seek safety. But if you can't get somewhere safe, then it's time to use your defense skills. No one wants to be put in a place where they have to hurt someone else, but it's better to be prepared.

Protecting Your Home

Use this burglary prevention guide to take the necessary steps to avoid becoming a victim. You will keep your sanity, peace of mind, and possessions intact. 

Go to work, go on vacation, and go to sleep knowing you're safe.

If you're serious about security and you're ready to take the next step, contact us today for all your security and protection needs.

Someone becomes a victim of sexual assault every 73 seconds. Women and girls experience sexual violence at especially high rates. In fact, one out of every six American women become a victim. 

You can't remove every danger from the world. You can, however, protect yourself. 

Here are seven crucial safety tips for women walking alone at night. With these tips, you can learn how to stay safe at night by equipping yourself with the right tools. Stay safe and learn how to fight back with these effective safety tips.

1. Learn Self-Defense

You never know when you might need to protect yourself. If you're prone to walking home at night, you might want to learn self-defense. The moves you learn could help you escape from a perpetrator.

You can take a self-defense class at a local dojo, YMCA, or a women's gym. Learning even a few basic moves can help you defend yourself from an attacker. At the same time, you'll have peace of mind that you can protect yourself if need be.

It also helps to prepare yourself for a worst-case scenario. You never know when an attacker might strike. Instead of waiting for it to happen, you can take a proactive approach and learn how to defend yourself.  

When walking alone at night, what would you do if someone tried to grab you? Do you know how to escape?

Only you can determine how you'll react. Learning how to defend yourself can help you escape a potentially dangerous situation.

In addition to visiting a local gym, you can also find self-defense videos on YouTube and other online resources.

2. Stock Up

About 35% of women worldwide experience some form of violence. When walking home at night, one of the best ways to protect yourself is to have the right tools handy.

Here's what to carry at night for safety purposes:

• A whistle (or another noisemaker)
• Pepper spray
• A Swiss Army knife

If someone strange is approaching you in the middle of the night, you can have your whistle ready to give it a nice, loud blow. A potential attacker will run off instead of attracting unwanted attention.

You might feel more comfortable with a bottle of pepper spray. 

If you plan on carrying a bottle of pepper spray with you, make sure to learn how to use it before an emergency. Otherwise, you might actually hurt yourself when using it for the very first time. 

Would you feel more comfortable having a stun gun in hand? A stun gun can temporarily disable your attacker with a non-lethal shock. You can choose from different colors, shapes, and sizes to find the stun gun that best suits your needs.

3. Dress for Success

Your pumps might look great for a night out, but they won't help when you're walking alone at night. If you want to learn how to stay safe at night, carry a pair of flats in your bag. Having a pair of comfortable shoes can make all the difference when you need to walk home at night.

If it's snowing or the sidewalks are iced over, you won't want to slip. Instead, comfortable shoes can help you run if necessary.

You might want to dress, comfortably, too. It's more difficult to fight to defend yourself if you're wearing a tight skirt or high heels. Meanwhile, long necklaces and scarves are easier for someone to grab.

If you're walking alone at night, consider keeping a change of clothes in your bag before you go. 

4. Remain Observant

Staying safe as a woman is easier when you're aware of your surroundings. The next time you walk home alone, keep your eyes and ears open.

Keep track of who and what is around you during your walk home. Avoid wearing a pair of headphones. Listening to loud music might make you easier prey.

If you don't feel safe, call someone. Let them know you're walking home and where you are.

If someone approaches you, don't lower your gaze. Instead, maintain eye contact. Looking a potential enemy straight in the face might scare off your attacker.

In fact, you could make them worry that you'll identify them if you call the police.

5. Adjust Your Route

Walking alone at night by using the same route can make you an easy target. Instead, try to plan a few different routes home. You might want to mark various safe zones you can run to and call for help. 

Make sure to avoid any area where someone can hide in waiting. These areas can include dark alleys, parked cars, and unlit corners.

It helps to remain suspicious of the people in dark areas around you. Keep your guard up when learning how to stay safe at night.

Your suspicion could save your life. 

Otherwise, remain in visible areas as you head home.

Are you worried about walking from your car to your home or apartment? Make sure your path is clear and well-lit.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Do you ever get the feeling that someone is watching you? When walking home, trust your instincts. Turn around if you think someone is lurking behind you.

Let that person know you're aware of their presence.

Don't rush to your car or home. Instead, head into an area that's public and crowded. For example, you can head into a nearby restaurant or store.

If that person is still following you, inform a store employee or manager.

7. Keep Your Hands Free

The next time you're walking home, try to keep your hands empty. Struggling with heavy bags can make it more difficult for you to defend yourself. Heavy bags can also slow down your response time.

If you have to carry anything, make sure it's your stun gun, keys, or pepper spray.

Stay Safe: 7 Tips for Women Walking Alone at Night

Staying safe as a woman is a lot easier when you're prepared. Make sure to use these tips when walking alone at night. Learning how to stay safe can make all the difference during your commute. 

Want to learn how to use your new stun gun, taser, or pepper spray? Explore our self-defense product videos today!

Self-defense is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. Although violent crime has decreased in the last two decades overall, there's been an uptick in the last few years.

In the United States for the year 2018, violent crimes were at a rate of 368.9 per 100,000 people.

Women must be careful when they're out, especially at night and alone. However, there are tools you can use to help protect yourself against violent crimes like a lipstick stun gun.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of buying a lipstick stun gun.

Do They Work?

Yes!

Lipstick stun guns can knock a person to the ground for anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. They're able to produce a minimum of three million volts. That's plenty of voltage to take out even bigger-sized attackers.

When a person gets close to you or has grabbed you, you need to move your lipstick stun gun against them and press the trigger.

This will send shockwaves through the attacker's body and shock their nervous system which should knock them to the ground. The shock also attacks the brain and doesn't allow it to receive new signals which make it freeze.

Quick Tips to Remember

If you've never used a lipstick stun gun before, you'll need to remember some tips.

• Hold against the attacker for 3-5 seconds
• Aim for the underarm, belly, groin, neck, or shoulder
• Find an area of skin without fabric if you can
• Talk to an experienced friend or safety professional
• Avoid situations where you may have to use it at all costs

Make sure to charge the battery as well.

Benefits of Lipstick Stun Guns

Lipstick stun guns look like you might expect — a tube of lipstick. They're concealable and easy to carry in your bag or pocket.

Here are some other benefits of lipstick stun guns.

1. Stealth Safety

Lipstick stun guns can provide you with safety while being concealed in an everyday object. Simply carry it in your purse or pocket as you would an ordinary tube of lipstick. 

You can also carry it at your side while walking to your car late at night or if you're out in the neighborhood taking a stroll.

2. No Aim Needed

One of the advantages you get when buying a lipstick stun gun is that you don't need a good aim.

You just need to be able to get close enough to your attacker and press it against their body before you pull the trigger. You only need to make sure you can apply a bit of pressure to the skin. 

3. It Won't Do Permanent Damage

The lipstick stun gun will only incapacitate the attacker for a short time.

Once they wake up, they'll regain their motor skills shortly after. They may feel woozy for a bit but these symptoms go away fairly quickly.

You may be wondering if it has enough power to keep the attacker subdued while you to escape the situation. If you administer the stun gun properly, you'll have plenty of time to flee the scene and get to safety. 

4. You Don't Need a License

When buying a stun gun, you don't need to obtain any sort of license or certificate to carry it. You can simply order them online or find one at a local spy shop, or perhaps an Army surplus shop. 

Forget having to fill out a bunch of paperwork, jump through hoops, and undergo a waiting period to get your lipstick stun gun; you can get access to it and feel protected right away.

5. The Entire Family Can Feel Safe

One thing you can do to ensure a safer household is having many lipstick stun guns around the house. However, they should not be left out or confused with regular lipstick cases. Avoid leaving them around places where children can access.

You can strategically place them around the house so that if an intruder enters, you have quick access to the stun gun.

Just remember to do this responsibly and keep your family's safety at the top of the list while doing so.

6. A Flashlight

When you're in the process of buying a stun gun, keep in mind that some of them come equipped with a flashlight.

Not only can you use this to help you see your attacker in the dark (which is when most attacks happen) you can use it to help find your keys at night.

Or, perhaps you dropped something on the ground in the dark, the flashlight is there to save the day. 

7. Rechargeable

Lipstick stun guns are rechargeable. You don't have to worry about not having a spare battery when you carry a lipstick stun gun.

Plus, when you're out at a party or somewhere you can simply plug it in before you leave to ensure it won't fail you if needed. The rechargeable battery is built-in and isn't bulky or heavy. 

8. A Variety of Color Options

If you're a woman of style, you'll probably want to accessorize your lipstick stun gun to a certain extent. Sure, it's not meant as a fashion item but you might as well give a little flair and have some fun with it. 

If you're really into color coordinating, you can purchase several of them in different colors if you wish. 

You can also use your stun gun in any type of weather. Pepper spray, for instance, isn't always reliable in windy or stormy weather conditions. Your lipstick stun gun will do the trick in those cases. 

9. Affordable Protection

When you're buying a lipstick stun gun, you don't have to worry about spending too much. They're often more affordable than other types of protection. You can get these for under $30 on the higher end and under $20 on the lower end.

You've Got a Lipstick Stun Gun, Now What?

So, you've decided to get a lipstick stun gun and might need a little guidance. The first thing you should do is read up a little more about them and how to use them. Check the manufacturer's instructions and the website where you bought it for more tips.

Contact us if you have questions about our products or need more information.

Stun Gun sends a series of electrical shocks to the body of a victim.  

Unlike a taser gun, it doesn’t fire electric probes at distance. A person wielding the gun needs to make physical contact with the target. Under that condition, the stun gun can quickly immobilize anyone who’s on the receiving end.

This property made stun guns the weapon of choice for law enforcement officers around the globe. Women also carry them around for personal protection and self-defense.

But, many people don’t know exactly how these devices work. There are some shocking facts behind the stun gun effects on the human body and mind.  

So, let’s examine the science behind how this weapon delivers its stunning electric punch.

Stun Guns 1:1

Stun gun falls into the category of electrical control devices (ECDs).

It’s a handheld, battery-powered weapon that has a simple mechanism at its core. When triggered, it presses two electrodes against the body and shoots an electric pulse. This pulse powers through our skin, soft tissues, and clothes, abducting our brain and body.

The first victim to fall to this intrusion is the nervous system.

Our nerve cells harness small quantities of electricity on a regular basis. They depend on this power source to transmit information to and from your brain.

However, our body is capable of generating electric signals of only 100 millivolts. This reminds us that in small dosages, electricity is completely harmless. The stun gun is effective because it possesses a much higher voltage, which ensures the pulse does its nasty work.

At the same time, these guns have very low amperage— just 3 milliamps. This feature prevents them from doing any lasting damage to the body. This is to say the electrical surge carries a lot of pressure but little in a way of sheer intensity.

Stun Gun Effects: The Mind Going Haywire

Nevertheless, the flood of high voltage turns out to be too much for our brain to handle.

Besieged from all sides, it loses its ability to process new information. Even if it manages to receive some signals, it has a hard time storing them in memory. But, how does the pulse overwhelm the nervous system exactly?

Well, the pulse coalesces with the information traveling via signal pathways. Think of it as trying to hear a beautiful song you regularly dance to while surrounded by a deafening noise. Since you can’t hear the tones, you find it very difficult to tell your body to move to them.

In other words, the whole communication network is severely disrupted and has to deal with confusing signals. Our neurotransmitters, the chemicals in charge of communication, can’t go about their regular duty.

Quite fascinating, isn’t it?

The Giving Up of Muscles

When the nervous system is in overload mode, the effects spread throughout the body.

On impact, the victim feels a sting of pain and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Underneath, neurotransmitters can only do one thing— tell muscles to contract. Most often, the end result is complete or partial paralysis.

In other cases, victims feel confused and thrown off balance.

There is also one other part of the picture we don’t see. The external current can mimic our body’s own electric signals. Due to the high-voltage of the current, our muscles are told to do a tremendous amount of work.

Yet, the signal doesn’t translate as usual and fails to initiate any particular movement. Instead, this odd turmoil depletes energy reserves. The victim too weak to properly move and is effectively stunned for a while.

The good news for the victim is that the effects are temporary.

Normal brain function is restored after one hour, while the body recovers much faster. Low amperage can only seriously harm people who’ve been exposed to the shock for a prolonged period of time.

A Word of Caution

The bad news is there is a multitude of glaring exceptions.

Stun guns can even be lethal in some cases or cause brain injury and cognitive impairment. Those with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, are at a higher risk.

This brings us to the next point.

The effectiveness of a stun gun depends on a variety of factors. The size of the person being zapped, the duration of the attack, and the model of a gun, to name a few.

For instance, if you apply the gun for half a second, you’re not going to immobile the target. It will just be startling at worst. A pulse of two seconds, on the other hand, is enough to prompt muscle spasms.

When exposed to the jolt for more than a few seconds, the victim becomes unbalanced and disoriented. At that point, the nervous system relinquishes control of the body.

On the Safe Side

Some experts claim mental factors also play a role.

A particularly determined attacker may not be dissuaded by a stun gun so easily. He could keep on coming at you despite his body and brain begging him to lie down.

And as we’ve indicated, you should keep in mind the size. Don’t expect a hulking ruffian to collapse after just a few seconds.

That said if you want to get a stun gun for self-defense, be our guest. Just bear in mind the regulation varies from state to state. Most courts, including the Supreme Court, have denounced complete bans on possession.

They deem stun guns to be under the protection of the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms. Of course, there are some permit requirements and restrictions you need to be familiar with.

Do your homework to avoid legal hassle.

Stun in Effect

Stun gun effects are well-documented by modern science.

The device produces high-voltage, low-power charges that induce involuntary muscle contractions and assault the nervous system. They exploit the fact that our body parts use low electricity signals to communicate with each other.

Our advice is to use these devices with caution and restraint. After all, they can seriously mess up one’s brain and lead to unforeseen complications. With that in mind, it’s your right to defend yourself from any hoodlums and predators roaming around.

Browse the rest of our stun gun section to find more tips and tricks.

In the United States, about 1 in 5 women own a gun. The reason given by 92% of women for gun ownership is protection.

Women are less likely to belong to a social group where most people own guns. Only 1 in 4 women say all or most of their friends also own guns. Women are also less likely to go practice shooting or hunting.

Whether making a first gun purchase or refreshing yourself on gun usage and laws, a concealed carry class is important. Combining gun ownership with other basic personal protection measures results provides the best level of personal safety.

Personal Safety Measures

There are habits everyone should follow to protect their personal safety. The most obvious is to always be prepared. Put your cell phone away and be fully alert to what is going on around you.

When walking out of a building you are a prime target. Do not walk close to bushes or other areas an attacker could hide such as dumpsters or large trucks. As you approach your vehicle let your eyes skim the area below your car to make sure no one is hiding underneath where they can grab your legs from below.

If you are being followed, do not go to your car where the few seconds it takes to get inside and lock your door can give the attacker sufficient time to stop your safe entry. Instead walk across the street and into a populated area where you can call for help.

Simple safety devices such as the Brutus Self Defense Keychain can provide a second line of defense. You carry the keychain with your fingers through the eyes of Brutus and his ears form pointed jabbers that can help in fighting off an attacker.

A personal alarm comes in a variety of styles, including keychain/flashlight/alarm combination and even one that looks like a lipstick. Attackers want silence, and if they grab you over the mouth hoping to keep you quiet you can activate the alarm, potentially scaring them away.

Advantages of a Concealed Carry Class

Whether or not your state requires a permit to carry a concealed weapon, there are numerous benefits to taking a concealed carry class and obtaining your permit. It is the gun owner’s responsibility to know their state carry laws. You are obligated to know what the state requirements are, where you can carry, and what to do if you discharge your weapon during an attack.

Most states require an owner to show competency with a handgun before a permit is issued. The best way to show competency is to take a training class. The concealed carry class will increase the gun owner’s knowledge of gun ownership and use.

What to Look for in Class Curriculum

You will find classes offered online and in the classroom. What works best for you will depend on your state’s requirements and/or your familiarity with guns. Review what the course offers to make sure you walk away with the knowledge you need to carry your gun legally and safely.

Most gun owners want to take a class that is fast so they can carry their gun right away. This is not a safe route to take. Rushing the process increases your risk of making a mistake in gun operation or ownership laws.

If you take a quick course that does not teach you how to load your gun and clean it after use you put yourself at risk. If you have never fired a gun, what good will it do you in an attack?

Do you know all your state laws about carrying a gun? A class will teach you the laws of your state, and when you can and cannot use deadly force.

You might assume that going out to a gun range and firing your weapon will automatically be part of your class, but that is not always true. The National Firearms Training Academy does not provide a live-fire component in its concealed carry course.

Attend a class that offers the opportunity to test your gear and gun with actual shooting practice. A gun is no good if you can’t hit your target in an emergency situation. It is even worse if you miss the target and hit an innocent bystander.

A live-fire component provides target practice and gives you the opportunity to draw your gun out of your holster or remove it from the gun trigger block. The class you select should teach the basic principles of how to care for, clean, and store your weapon. They should provide tips on how to carry your gun safely in a holster, pocket, or concealed carry purse. 

Advantage of License in Unrestricted State

Even if you live in an area that does not restrict concealed carry, a concealed carry license can be beneficial. If someone sees your gun and calls police or you are pulled over for a traffic stop, having a license makes the law enforcement encounter easier. Being able to provide the officer with a carry license shows that you have undergone the required background checks and are presumed to be a law-abiding citizen.

Another advantage is that a license will make it easier for you to purchase additional firearms. The state’s background check that is required every time a weapon is purchased may be waived if you have already obtained a concealed carry license.

Take Steps to Protect Yourself

Ownership of a handgun is a personal choice and taking a concealed carry class is only one aspect of personal protection. You must take additional steps to provide all-around protection for yourself.

If you are just getting started with personal protection, a personal security package provides a wide range of protection at an economical price. These packages are also great gifts for friends or graduating seniors heading off to college. Check our website now for all your personal safety needs.

Pepper spray is one of the most effective and powerful non-lethal forms of self-defense. But is pepper spray legal in NY? What are the regulations surrounding pepper spray and is it safe to use?

Questions like these are extremely important and they're worth answering before you go out and purchase a canister of pepper spray yourself. So continue reading and we'll walk you through what pepper spray, how to use it, and what are its legal restrictions.

What Is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a self-defense tool that can be used to ward off attackers. It's extremely powerful and can debilitate a person for as long as one hour. But how does it work?

The active ingredient in pepper spray capsaicin, which comes from peppers. Capsaicin is extracted from finely ground peppers which have been mixed with ethanol. It's then mixed with water and propylene glycol. 

The solution is then packaged into a spray can and thus gives us pepper spray. 

How Pepper Spray Works

When pepper spray comes into contact with mucus membranes in the mouth, nose, or eyes, it creates a significant amount of pain. The more capsaicin a person is exposed to, the more paint they will feel. 

Once a person is sprayed, distress signals are immediately sent to the brain. The body forces the eyes to shut as it produces large amounts of mucus and tears. This is to protect against more injury and flush out the capsaicin. 

While this is happening, the capsaicin is causing inflammation in the eyes and on the skin. It also causes spasms in the larynx and nerve endings in the throat. This makes it very difficult to talk. 

People have compared the pain to have shards of glass shoot into your eyes. 

What to Do if You Get Pepper Sprayed

The most important rule when you get pepper sprayed is to not touch your face. This will only spread the capsaicin around. You're going to need a sterile solution that contains magnesium hydroxide.

Magnesium hydroxide is able to break down the capsaicin and make it easier to rinse away. Just make sure that there's no menthol in the solution, as this can lead to more pain. 

Is Pepper Spray Legal in NY?

Believe it or not, pepper spray is legal in all 50 states. But it is still regulated. For someone to buy pepper spray in New York, they have to be at least 18 years old.

The purchaser also cannot have a record of assault or felony convictions in any state. You can also only purchase pepper spray from a permitted pharmacist or a licensed firearms dealer. Before completing your purchase, you have to fill out a document that states you don't have any convictions and you're of legal age. 

You're also only allowed to purchase two canisters of pepper spray at a time. 

Instructions

Any canisters of pepper spray that are sold in New York need to come included with directions for correct use. The instructions also need to contain information about storage and safety. Plus, it must have information regarding to first-aid. 

Each canister needs to come with a toll-free phone number that leads you to local self-defense safety and training courses for using pepper spray. And lastly, the canister must state that it's a criminal offense to use pepper in any instance other than self-defense. 

Limits

You're only legally allowed to carry pepper spray on you in New York if it's a pocket-size canister. A canister needs to have a clear label on it that states that the spray can only be used for self-defense. You also need to purchase pepper spray in New York if you intend to carry it in the state. 

If you live in New York, it's illegal to have pepper spray mailed to you from anywhere outside of New York. 

With that said, there are some exceptions to shipping pepper spray. Dog pepper spray, bear pepper spray, and personal alarms are allowed to be shipped into New York from out of state. 

People in wildlife areas, as well as urban ones in New York, have the threat of being attacked by wild animals. By using an animal pepper spray, you can humanely and temporarily stun a wild animal and safely escape the situation.

How to Use Pepper Spray 

If you're faced with an attacker, you want to establish a stable standing position. Present your pepper spray with authority and try to stand around 10 feet away from the attacker. 

Aim for the person's eyes and spray ear to ear, going across the eyes. If you miss the reverse, reverse the movement and do it again. While you spray, you want to move to the side so that you can get out of the line of the attacker. 

Once you see the pepper spray taking effect, you can either drop the spray or take it with you as run away to safety. 

The Importance of Knowing the Legalities of Pepper Spray

Hopefully, after reading the above, you feel that you understand the answer to the question "is pepper spray legal in NY?" By educating yourself more about pepper spray, such as its legality and how it works, you'll be able to use it more safely and effectively. Owning a canister of pepper spray is a great way to feel more confident and protected when walking around the great state of New York.

Are you looking to better protect yourself and your family? Contact us today and see how we can help you!

Many people like to use the terms stun gun and taser interchangeably. However, these are two distinct types of self-defense products and it's worth knowing their differences. 

One of the biggest differences between these two items is range. With a stun gun, you have to be right next to your target. This is opposed to a taser, which can allow more distance. 

Interested in learning more? Continue reading our stun gun vs taser guide and learn everything you need to know!

What Is a Stun Gun

A stun gun is a self-defense device that utilizes high voltage in order to impair a target. When you touch a person with the device's electrical prongs, you will immediately immobilize that person. Due to the stun gun's very low amperage, you won't be inflicting any permanent or serious injury to them. 

A stun gun works by attacking the target's nervous system. It unloads its energy straight to the muscles at a high pulse frequency. This kind of reaction will make a person's muscles work very quickly but not properly. 

In a matter of seconds, the target's blood sugar will be depleted as it is turned into lactic acid. The loss of energy from this will mean that the target will have a very tough time functioning or moving at all. Also during this process, the neurological impulses that are in charge of muscle movement will be interrupted. 

What this all really means is that when your target makes contact with the stun gun's prongs, they will become disoriented and even lose their balance. This should give you a few solid minutes to get safely away from the situation. 

It's important to point out that a stun gun is a direct contact weapon. You need to be holding your stun gun and press it directly against the skin of your target in order for it to be effective. 

How Long Until It Takes Effect?

Experts generally recommend that simply pressing the prongs against your target for half of a second will be enough to startle them. If your attacker appears disoriented, then you should use that opportunity to leave immediately. 

If you hold the stun gun against your attacker for one to two seconds, they will enter a dazed mental state and their muscles will spasm. Hold it against them for more than three seconds and they should lose their balance and become completely disoriented. However, three seconds can feel like a long time during a physical struggle. 

You should only hold the stun gun against your attacker until you feel that you're safe to run away. 

Also, it's worth noting that you will not feel the effects of the stun gun when you use it against your attacker. The effect is localized only to the part where contact is made. So even if your attacker is holding you or you're both standing in water, you won't get stunned. 

What Is a TASER?

Many people don't realize this but TASER is actually a brand. Similar to how you might refer to an adhesive bandage as a Band-Aid. 

As we said earlier, the main difference between a stun gun and a TASER device is the distance you need between you and the attacker. With a stun gun, you need to be right next to your attacker. With a TASER, you can be up to fifteen feet away. 

Why does a TASER allow you to have more distance? A TASER resembles more of an actual gun than a stun gun. It's even barrel-shaped and comes with a trigger. 

When you pull on a TASER's trigger, it will shoot out electric probes. These probes are attached to your device with wires. 

These probes are also extremely powerful. They're designed to be able to break through clothing after making contact. When a TASER's probes make contact with a target, the device then deliver a powerful electric shock to the target. 

The electric shock affects the muscles of your target. This will stop from moving correctly. It's also a very painful feeling, as you might be able to imagine. 

This is going to stop your attacker and bring them crashing to the ground. They're so effective that many police officers use them too. 

Other Differences

Another big difference between stun guns and TASERs are how easy they are to use. Many people find TASERs easier to use because it's comfortable to hold them and they can stay a safe distance from their attacker. 

However, you only get once chance with a TASER. With a stun gun, you can keep trying if you miss the first time. 

There's also the case of legality. TASERs and stun guns aren't legal for all citizens of every state.  

You also have to consider the price. A TASER will almost always be more expensive than a stun gun. But when it comes to your own safety, price is just one of many factors worth considering. 

When It Comes to Stun Gun Vs Taser, Which One Should You Get?

When it comes to the stun gun vs taser debate, there's a lot of different factors to consider. If you don't feel like someone who's going to be able to aim well when you're under pressure, then a stun gun might be the better option. 

But if you don't like the idea of having to get up close and personal with your attacker in order to subdue them, then you may want to go with the taser. 

Are you currently looking for a self-defense weapon to keep you safe? Contact us today and see how we can help you!

The statistics surrounding violence against women are alarming. According to the World Bank, 35% of women have been the victim of physical or sexual assault, and this only accounts for attacks that have been reported.

Our goal, however, is not to inspire fear. Instead, we want to talk about one of the many ways that women can protect themselves against attackers.

There are many tools women can use for protection. An important thing to note is that when you don't know how to use these tools properly, you can cause harm to yourself.

Let's discuss how to use pepper spray. Read on to find out more about this effective method of self-defense.

What is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a combination of inert ingredients and Oleoresin Capsicum (or OC). OC comes from hot cayenne peppers with at least two million Scoville heat units. 

OC works as an inflammatory agent and produces results immediately. The spray must come into contact with a person's mucous membranes in the nose, throat, eyes, or lungs. It can cause temporary blindness and difficulty breathing. 

The effects of pepper spray are not permanent or lethal. There have been reported deaths that were linked to the use of pepper spray. However, the pepper spray in question was both stronger than commercially available products and contained abnormal ingredients, such as alcohol and hydrocarbons. 

How to Use Pepper Spray the Right Way

If you're not careful with pepper spray, you can end up spraying yourself or innocent bystanders. Read on to learn more about the right way to use it.

Get to Know Your Pepper Spray

Pepper spray comes in canisters that often vary from brand to brand. It's important that you make sure you know how to use your pepper spray (and that it isn't defective) before you're in an emergency situation.

First, get used to how the spray feels in your hands. Make sure you know how to remove the safety and practice with it until you never find that you are pointing it at yourself. 

To test your pepper spray, head to a deserted outdoor area on a low-wind day. If there is any wind, make sure you're spraying with the wind and not against it. Point the mouth away from you and hold down the trigger for five seconds.

Take note of how far the stream reaches. This will give you an indication of how close you'll need to be to an attacker in order to spray their face.

Finally, find a place on your person to store the pepper spray that is accessible. Outer jacket pockets or a holster on the hip is best. Placing it in your purse or wearing it as a keychain may inhibit your ability to get to it quickly. 

Proper Posture and Defensive Moves

Practice heightened awareness when you are in vulnerable positions. This includes times when you are out by yourself or in dark, secluded areas. When you are hyper-aware of your surroundings, you are less likely to be caught off guard by an attacker.

If you are approached, get out your pepper spray and remove the safety. At the same time, take a step or two away from your attacker and bend at the knees. Lift both hands in front of your face and avoid extending your arms all the way out in front of you. 

You will want to use your thumb to hold down the trigger of your pepper spray. This gives you a firm grip on the canister and allows you to keep your other hand free in the event that you must punch or shove the attacker. 

Once you have sprayed the attacker, move away from the area. This will give you more distance from any residual spray in the air. It will also confuse your attacker, who is now temporarily blinded but may lunge toward the location where they last saw you standing. 

How to Spray Pepper Spray  

Most pepper sprays release a stream and tend to have the highest range. They are most effective when sprayed across the eyes and nose in a horizontal motion.

Some pepper sprays release a mist. These should be sprayed vertically, from the forehead area to the chin and back again.

Finally, there are some pepper sprays that release foam and have the lowest range. These you will need to spray in a circular motion as the foam directly hits the attacker's face.

When to Use Pepper Spray

The use of pepper spray is regulated by law. Unlawful use of pepper spray can lead to court cases and fines.

The lawful use of pepper spray is in self-defense. For example, if an attacker is threatening harm, wielding a weapon, or is larger or stronger than you, you can use pepper spray to protect yourself. 

The use of pepper spray is considered unlawful when it involves excessive force or is sprayed recklessly in a crowded area, causing harm to innocent bystanders. It is also unlawful to use pepper spray offensively rather than defensively. 

In other words, you may use pepper spray against someone who is clearly trying to cause you harm. While you want to practice hyper-awareness, you do not want to overreact when you are startled by someone who is merely passing by.

Where to Purchase Pepper Spray

Now that you know how to use pepper spray, it's important that you purchase yours from a reputable seller. 

At Women on Guard, we specialize in self-defense tools that are designed to fit legal regulations and increase the security of women across the nation. For more information about our products, contact us today. 

The world is a dangerous place to be a woman. One in three women will experience sexual violence in her life, and one in five will be raped. With those kinds of numbers working against us, we have to be able to defend ourselves.

Having a knife is a great way to help you stay safe without dealing with the lethality and legal issues of a gun. Read on to discover the best disguised knives and other knife styles to help keep you safe.

Brush Knife

If you want to be able to defend yourself without carrying around something as obvious as a giant knife, a brush knife could be a great option for you. Not only is it functional, but it gives you the element of surprise in the event of an attack. And it keeps you from slicing your hand open every time you reach into your purse.

In the case of a brush knife, the blade extends up into the back of the brush. You can use it just like a regular brush and then pull the knife out of the top of the brush in case you have to defend yourself. We offer brushes and combs in a few different colors to suit your style so it blends in.

Pen Knife

A pen knife works on the same basic concept as a brush knife. You have a knife concealed inside an object that you can actually use for regular tasks. You can sign your name with a pen knife and then defend yourself in the parking lot of you have to.

One of the big advantages of using a disguised knife is that you can take it almost anywhere with you. Even in areas where you wouldn’t normally be allowed to have a knife, security guards likely won’t spot that you still have a means of self-defense. The exception, of course, is anywhere with an x-ray; your knife will still show up on those scans.

Folding Knife 

If you want a knife that’s less sneaky, a folding knife can be a great option. These knives work well for usual tasks like cutting open packages or trimming plants. And because they fold into themselves, they’re perfectly safe to keep in a pocket or a purse.

If you’re the outdoorsy sort, you may want to look into getting a military folding knife that comes equipped with a belt clip and paracord. You can get spring-assisted knives that will snap open to make it easier for you to access the blade when you need it. You can also get tactical rescue folding knives designed to help you cut through seatbelts and break windows in case of an emergency.

Hunting Knife

If you’re wanting something a little more intimidating still, a hunting knife is a good option. These knives don’t fold, so you’ll have to get a sheath for it no matter whether you want to put it in your pocket or purse or on your belt. But they’re also much sturdier and dangerous in case of a fight.

If you’re in a fight with a folding knife, there’s a chance it could fold on you, rendering it useless at best and hurting you at worst. A hunting knife won’t budge and is designed to rip through skin, sinew, and muscle. They’re also a good tool to have along with you in case you find yourself in a survival sort of situation.

Butterfly Knife

You may have seen butterfly knives show up in popular media, and it’s easy to see why. The profile of these knives in entrancing, a knife that flips out of a sheath that doubles as a handle. The right person can flip these knives open one-handed without hurting themselves, but we don’t recommend starting with that move. 

Butterfly knives can also be very practical for self-defense. Because their handle folds down to create a sheath, you don’t have to worry about pulling them out of a sheath. But they also don’t fold up, making them a little safer for you to use in a fight.

Rescue Knife

If you’re wanting a knife that can get you out of a variety of bad situations, a rescue knife might be a good choice. These knives are a variation of a folding knife that has a few extra survival-focused tweaks. They’re popular among EMTs, firefighters, police, and other first responders.

Rescue knives flip open with a flick of the finger and have a serrated edge at the base of a curved blade. They can be used to cut away a seatbelt, and the knife has a glass breaking tip on the end of the handle. And, of course, it can be used in a pinch to fight off an attacker.

Throwing Knife

Throwing knives take a lot more skill and dedication to self-defense than the other weapons we’ve mentioned here. You’ll need to spend a lot of time training with these weapons if you want to have a prayer of fighting off an attacker, and they’re no good in close quarters. But use properly, they can help you make sure an attacker never gets close enough to get a hand on you.

Throwing knives are specially weighted to help you hit the target you’re aiming at. They have double-edged blades and no hilt to speak of. If you plan to carry them with you, you’ll need a special sheath since these are simple straight blades.

Get the Best Disguised Knives

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle or lethality of a gun but you still want a way to defend yourself, a knife is a great option. You can take them to a variety of places where guns aren’t allowed, and you can take disguised knives with you almost anywhere. Find the right knife for you and stay safer today.

If you’d like to discover more self-defense tools, check out the rest of our site at Women on Guard. We have everything from stun guns to pepper spray to help you stay safe. Check out what’s new in knives and start defending yourself better today.

As a woman, it's essential to keep yourself on the defense at all times. It's unfortunate, but women are seen as easy targets for many attackers. These attackers believe that a woman won't be able to defend herself or fight back as a man would.

However, that belief is put to rest today. One of the best ways to win in a battle is to use the element of surprise. So, instead of interpreting your gender as a weakness factor, think of it as a hidden weapon of surprise.

Your gender would suggest to attackers that you're easy prey. They don't expect you to fight back or know how to defend yourself, so when you do, it's an element of surprise. Attackers won't expect you to have self defense weapons for women on you. 

It's time to keep yourself safe and keep attackers at bay. Here are 7 self-defense weapons all women should consider purchasing!

1. Pen Knife 

A pen knife is one of the most convenient and best self-defense tools for a woman to own. The pen works well as a functioning pen. You can take it to work with you and use it in your office as you would any other normal pen. 

It's a perfect disguise and when suddenly attacked, you can use it as a weapon. A simple pulling of the pen apart exposes the knife, which is used to defend yourself. Because of the fact that the knife is inside a real pen, it's easy to carry on you. 

You can keep this knife in your purse, clipped on your jacket, and more. The ink for the pen is easily replaceable after running out. You would replace it just like you would any other pen, making it even more convenient. 

2. Lipstick Stun Gun 

A lipstick stun gun won't come with an actual lipstick piece to put on your lips, but it looks exactly like one. No one will even notice that it's a fake lipstick container. The lipstick stun gun can easily be placed inside your purse, pocket, or any other type of bag. 

This stun gun also comes equipped with a flashlight, which comes in handy when you're traveling during the evening hours. The stun gun comes with two different buttons on it, one for the flashlight and one for the stun gun. The stun gun also comes with a power charging cord for recharging the device when needed. 

3. Spike Stun Gun 

If you don't need a lipstick stun gun as a disguise, then consider purchasing a spike stun gun instead. The spike stun gun is just as compact and easy to carry as the lipstick stun gun is. This is the perfect self-defense weapon when put into a close range of your attacker. 

The spike stun gun comes with two spikes at the end of it that you can use to jab your attacker with. Hit your attacker in the eyes or throat with these spikes and trigger the gun. It's small enough to hold in one hand and is triggered when the palm of your hand grabs the handle. 

4. Flashlight Stun Gun

Everyone should keep a flashlight on them at all times. You never know when you might need one in your car or in your purse. The flashlight comes with a handle strap that fits around your wrist, keeping it from falling out of your hands. 

It works just like a normal flashlight would, but when activated, it releases a powerful stun gun. The flashlight also works as a baton, so don't hesitate to take it with you while going for a walk, hike, or other activities. 

5. Pepper Spray 

Pepper is another great self-defense tool to have on you at all times. However, why settle or any average pepper spray? Instead, consider purchasing a pepper spray that comes with an alarm and strobe light as well. 

Having all of these tools built into pepper spray is the best way to increase your chances of getting away from your attacker. It's also super simple to use. When placed in a situation to use your pepper spray, the other features will activate when you activate the pepper spray itself. 

This means your attacker will be greeted with pepper spray, a loud-sounding alarm, and a strobe light. 

6. Stun Gun, Flashlight, Power Bank Combo

Another wonderful combo tool to keep by your side is the stun gun, flashlight, and power bank combo. Power banks are becoming quite popular. This is due to the fact that just about everyone has a mobile phone and other mobile devices that they keep with them at all times. 

A power bank comes in handy when needing a quick charge. Not only will the power bank charge up your cellphone and other mobile devices, but it'll act as a flashlight and stun gun as well. This gives you three useful tools all in one compact device!

7. Keychain Alarms

Keychain alarms are convenient because they come with keyrings, making it easy to attach to your car keys, office keys, and others. The alarm comes with a built-in flashlight as well. 

Aside from keeping attackers away, this tool also acts as a great tool for any emergency. The alarm that sounds is a 130-decibel alarm, which can come in handy for several different situations. 

Purchase Your Own Self Defense Weapons for Women Today!

If you don't own at least one of these self-defense weapons, then it's time to purchase your own self defense weapons for women! As a woman, it's essential that you're always on the lookout for dangerous situations. Carrying these items on you is the best way to keep yourself safe!

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