Archive for January, 2009

If you’re a college student, you already know about the safety hazards and dangers that surround your campus. Instead of feeling powerless, take control of your safety. Learn to use Self Defense Tactics and products responsibly. These preventative measures, when coupled with common sense and attentiveness to rules and surroundings, can make all the difference in your college experience.

Deputy Chief Chuck Miner with the University of Minnesota Campus Police said he thinks self-defense items are generally a good thing — as long as the people carrying them know how to use them. He said in a recent interview with a self-defense products retailer that university police “certainly encourage people to protect themselves.” He does think there are pros and cons; however, to using self-defense products in a campus encounter.

“Pepper spray can blow in the wind and affect the user,” Miner said. “(Campus police) recommend other things like free escort services.”

The key to utilizing self defense products properly is to learn about them through taking classes at your local community center or by contacting your campus security office. Both resources can equip you with the knowledge and experience you need to deflect an incident should one occur. Either way, you’ll feel safer and more secure about your overall college experience.

In a recent federal study, results showed that the Taser could be one of the safest less-than-lethal tools officers have to protect themselves in a dangerous situation.

The main goal of the study was see if tasers posed a medical threat when used in the field. Wake Forest University in North Carolina led the study that was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice. Reviewing over 1,000 suspects, emergency medicine doctors at five universities collaborated over the course of three years to find that 99.75% of the suspects who were tasered had mild or no injuries at all, and none of the participants had died. The researchers say the Taser may be one of the safest less-than-lethal tools an officer has, as reported in the KOLD News 13 story.

Taser expert and Tactical Response Commander at Arizona’s Pima County Sheriff’s Department Don Kester was a featured participant in the study, as he represented the law enforcement community.

“Based on this study, they can see that the Taser uses seem to be very safe and very effective and it’s not causing severe injuries,” said Kester in an interview with KOLD News 13. “And really the goal was to limit law enforcement’s role in this because we wanted a medical perspective of the actual injuries on the suspects as they’re occurring.”

But Kester says law enforcement supports doing even more studies.

“I mean, if it’s hurting individuals unnecessarily, or it’s killing people, then it might not be the best tool. But so far, the data hasn’t shown us that.”

If you’re involved in the law enforcement community, it’s time to consider integrating Tasers into your department. Let DefendWell.com help by providing you with a large selection of tasers that are affordable, no matter what your budget.

According to Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted 2006, in that year, 48 law enforcement officers were feloniously killed as a result of 47 separate incidents. 22 of the 48 officers feloniously killed were employed by city police departments. Of these victims, 8 were members of law enforcement agencies in cities of 250,000 or more in population.

Each and every day, countless men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to protect the welfare of citizens across the nation. Because their jobs are so dangerous, it’s more important than ever to ensure that they are protected. DefendWell.com is proud to offer several self-defense items that are essential for officer safety. From Stun Guns to Tasers, DefendWell.com has the self-defense equipment that your officers need to stay protected.

Encourage officer safety in your community today. Write to your precinct to find out what you can do to help law enforcement professionals where you live. Encourage officers to check out DefendWell.com for essentials they need to stay safe on the job.

Even with the holidays over and many travelers taking a rest, many people are choosing to go to warmer climates to escape the nasty winter weather. If you have travel plans, DefendWell.com wants you to be prepared and protected in the event of an emergency. Here are our top five travel safety essentials that are must-haves for your vacation. Be safe out there!

1. Electronic Pocket/Keychain Whistle

   When traveling in an unfamiliar area, it’s essential to have some sort of self-defense item or alarm on your person. The Electronic Pocket Whistle is just the thing for stashing in your pocket, purse, or carryon bag while traveling. Light and compact, this whistle can alert others to danger in the event of an emergency.

2. Nap Alarm for Drivers

   If you’re traveling by car, make sure that you’re aware of the dangers of driving while drowsy. Did you know that approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes annually involve drowsiness or fatigue while driving? If you feel tired, make sure to stop and take a few minutes to rest. To prevent accidents, install a Nap Alarm from DefendWell.com in your car to alert you when it’s time to stop.

3. First Aid Kit

   As a must have for all travelers, first aid kits are great for storing in cars or in suitcases. Be sure to stock yours with an antiseptic, bandages, a basic pain reliever, a cold compress, an antihistamine, and an anti-diarrheal/antacid medication.

4. Diversion Safes

   When staying in a hotel, you can never be sure that your valuables are completely safe. However, when you store your valuables in a Diversion Safe, you can feel better about carrying your personal items with you in the airport, on a bus, or in the hotel.

5. Sunscreen

   We know this one is simple, but it’s surprising how many people forget about the dangers of the sun while traveling. Stash a simple SPF into your purse or suitcase to prevent burns or skin irritation.