|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Be Prepared - The Pros And Cons of Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons
Copyright (c) 2006-2023 Brodie Abbot
In today's world, there are many means by which people can protect themselves. When thinking about self-defense, many people only consider martial arts or firearms. In truth, these are only two options from an array of self-defense mechanisms available. Through increased use in recent years, the advantages and disadvantages of stun guns, tasers, and pepper spray have become clear. All three items offer non-lethal means of protection, but one of them may be more appropriate than the others in a given situation. It is important to investigate the pros and cons of each product before deciding which may be the most viable option for you.
Stun Guns
Many people confuse stun guns with tasers, but the weapons are quite different. A stun gun is a small, handheld item that must make physical contact with the attacker in order to work. The gun utilizes two small probes that, once in contact with an attacker's skin, release a high voltage, low amperage charge. This charge will temporarily disable an attacker for several minutes, allowing you to escape to safety.
Pros- Stun guns do not rely on pain to stop the attacker, but instead simply stun the attacker, so that their voluntary muscle control ceases temporarily. Both pepper spray and a taser will inflict severe pain upon the attacker; the stun gun does not. Stun guns are inexpensive and small-they can be held in the palm of your hand. The shock will not transmit to you if you are in contact with the attacker, so it is very difficult to accidentally use it on yourself during an attack.
Cons- The biggest downside to a stun gun is that you must be close enough to your attacker to touch him. This will mean, consequently, that he will be close enough to reach out and grab you as well.
Tasers
Again, tasers should not be confused with stun guns; a taser can be effective from up to fifteen feet away. A taser shoots two probes that penetrate the skin of an attacker, anchoring themselves at a depth of about three-eighths of an inch. Once the probes have attached, you can pull the trigger. Electrical charges will be sent from the taser through the body of the attacker, rendering him immobile. It is not essential, however, that the probes penetrate the assailant's skin; a taser current can jump up to 2 inches and still render its target immobile.
Tasers use a timing feature that delivers an initial shock for about 7 seconds; this is followed by shock waves every one-and-a-half seconds afterward. These periodic jolts keep the attacker from regaining his wits and removing the taser probes from his skin.
Pros- With a taser, you can disable an attacker from up to 15 feet away. This means that you do not have to be close enough to touch the attacker, as required with a stun gun. Tasers are commonly used by the police force, and much research has been completed on their efficiency. They are an effective means of self-defense, especially when used against someone who threatens use of a knife or blunt weapon, as you are able to maintain a safe distance from them.
Cons- Some people do not like the idea of using tasers because they deliberately cause pain to the attacker. For many people, the idea of shocking a person to incapacitation is hardly appealing. While quite rare, there has been the occasional report of death from taser shock, increasing the potential liability when using this weapon. These cases of death, however, generally occurred when the attacker had a history of health problems (such as heart trouble). People who use the taser can become additionally harmed, if the assailant regains their senses and removes the probes in order to continue their attack.
Pepper Spray
The technical name for pepper spray is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), and it delivers burning sensation to the attacker when sprayed into his face.
Pros- Pepper spray is effective from 6-8 feet away, giving plenty of distance between victim and attacker. Pepper spray is a non-lethal product that will render the attacker virtually harmless for anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Once an attacker washes his face off with water, the burning sensation will, for the most part, cease. Pepper spray is available in many different containers-small canisters can be attached to key rings. Pepper spray is inexpensive and widely available.
Cons- Unfortunately, problems can arise when using pepper spray, especially when the wind direction does not cooperate. If you are attacked outdoors on a windy day, the spray may blow back into your own face when you aim for your attacker. Also, if your attacker sees the stream of spray coming, he may be able to avoid it. Pepper spray comes with a locking mechanism on the trigger to prevent accidental discharges; as a downside, this mechanism can sometimes be difficult to disengage.
Now that you know the pros and cons of these non-lethal self-defense tools, it is up to you to decide which one would be the best choice for you to use. Much of this depends on what you are comfortable with handling. Be sure to test each product to make sure that you know how to properly operate it once you buy it. The worst thing you could do is to pull out your self-defense tool in a jam, and then not be able to operate it. The assailant might become incensed enough to use your self-defense tools against you, once they have taken advantage of your inability to operate the equipment. This is where that Boy Scouts of America motto really comes into play, "Be prepared."
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Shopping Articles || Related Categories: Society Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Brodie Abbot
How Police Officers Use Non-Lethal Weapons In Their Jobs
Written by: Brodie Abbot |
Distributed: 2006-11-02 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 6062
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 1.55
Although this article speaks of non-lethal, self-defense tools
that police officers use, it must be noted that private
individuals can use all of these same tools to protect themselves
from harm as well. The fact that police agencies provide these
tools to their officers is a testament to the effectiveness of
these tools in very specific situations. By examining your own
activities and lifestyle, using this article as a guide, you can
determine which of thses self-defense tools could best protect
you and your family in the event that you are faced with a
threat of harm.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Brodie Abbot Articles
Most Recent "Shopping" Articles
From Becoming the Perfect Stranger to the Perfect Partner
Written by: Kandice Skaggs |
Distributed: 2013-10-15 |
Word Count: 843 |
Page Views: 5437
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.43
Although we are aware of people who have fostered good
relationships out of online dating, it doesn't happen all
the time. As a matter of fact, most of them fail because of
a slew of reasons. Here are some reminders on how to walk
that ground so you can become just the right partner that
another has been dying to meet.
Choosing Rainwear
Written by: Rathi Niyogi |
Distributed: 2010-11-04 |
Word Count: 741 |
Page Views: 5579
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
Rainwear does more than simply keep out rain or snow, it
protects from wind, cold, and chemical splashes. Your choice
of rainwear depends on the expected weather, the expected
temperatures, your planned activities, and your budget.
Rainwear materials and designs greatly affect the
performance you can expect. There are three major types of
rainwear:
Celebrity Perfume Gift Sets Are Always Welcome
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-08-05 |
Word Count: 736 |
Page Views: 4910
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 2.00
Perfume is one of the best gifts for your loved ones on
almost every occasion, whether it is Valentine's Day,
Birthday, Wedding Anniversary, or even Christmas Day.
Best Cologne Gift Sets Are A Great Idea For Men
Written by: Robert Moore |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 770 |
Page Views: 4887
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.00
Hair, clothing and looks are important, but the right
cologne transforms a man. Giving him the confidence to know
he smells good when approaching beautiful women in a club or
giving a presentation for work. When it comes to fragrances
for men companies now understand that men want to smell good
while attending parties, formal events, the office, on a
date or simply while relaxing at home.
Must-See 2010 Summer Music Festivals
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-28 |
Word Count: 885 |
Page Views: 5299
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.60
One of the best things about summer, at least for music
fans, is the plethora of music festivals held all across the
country and all though out the season. These festivals bring
together dozens of great bands usually for more than one day
and usually on more than one stage.
How Does A Blu-ray Disc Work?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-04-27 |
Word Count: 444 |
Page Views: 6522
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 0.89
Blu-ray Players are all the rage in home entertainment, but
how exactly does a Blu-ray disc work and why is it so much
better than a regular DVD disc or system? Read this
informative article to discover how a Blu-ray disc works.
Understanding Personal Injury Law and Knowing When You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Written by: Keith Stachowiak |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 497 |
Page Views: 4288
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
When in an accident caused by someone else's carelessness
or deliberate actions, one of the first thoughts that goes
through most people's minds after the panic and relief
subsides, is whether they should seek out a personal injury
lawyer. Before you make this decision, you should know what
personal injury law is, whether you even need a personal
injury lawyer, and when you should choose one.
Tattoos Have Transformed From Mom To Artwork Of The 21st Century
Written by: Bree Levine |
Distributed: 2010-02-25 |
Word Count: 554 |
Page Views: 6194
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.50
You could call it a 21st century art form: people use their
bodies as living displays of what they care about in the
form of pictorial art. Over time, tattoo artists have become
more and more sophisticated, able to create complex and
well-executed designs.
The Best Traditions And Advice For The Tattooing Experience
Written by: Eileen Howerton |
Distributed: 2010-02-24 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 4607
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
The ritual of tattooing and adorning the body with ink and
color has been a tradition for centuries. Tattooing is
definitely not a fad, or a practice reserved to any
particular element of society. It is a tradition that has
been found in all parts of the world, in different sects of
society.
Shopping Online to Save Time and Money
Written by: Janet Davis |
Distributed: 2009-12-31 |
Word Count: 880 |
Page Views: 4585
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.50
There is a certain convenience in shopping from the comfort
of one's own home, a convenience that has been met in the
past through mail-order catalogs, shopping television
channels, and home-delivered grocery services. With the
advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, this trend
has reached its culmination and most elegant expression yet.
Most Viewed "Shopping" Articles
Pearl Necklace Clasps
Written by: Norma Jones |
Distributed: 2006-08-04 |
Word Count: 1546 |
Page Views: 28868
| Votes: 58 |
Rating: 2.69
The clasp on a strand of pearls is both the frosting and sugar
sprinkles on a cake. In addition to keeping the necklace
fastened, the clasp should also complement you and your pearls.
As your necklace and bracelet are regularly restrung, you can
also update the clasps to meet your changing needs.
Real and Imitation Pearls
Written by: Norma Jones |
Distributed: 2006-06-22 |
Word Count: 773 |
Page Views: 14630
| Votes: 37 |
Rating: 2.76
We are often asked how to tell if pearls are real or imitation.
To start, we'll need to look at pearl growth and different types
of imitation pearls. Then, we'll look at different pearl tests.
Alberta Angling Tournaments: Spectacular Scenery, Big Purses
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-10-30 |
Word Count: 963 |
Page Views: 11443
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.36
Alberta's fishing tournaments pit angler against angler in a
quest for the biggest shimmering walleye and a slice of the
$60,600 (Cdn) in prize money.
Emma Watson Is A Real Sweet Pea
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-02-06 |
Word Count: 424 |
Page Views: 10763
| Votes: 31 |
Rating: 2.16
Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson, who plays super-smart Hermione
Granger, turned sweet sixteen on April 15, 2006. From all
accounts, she's as sweet as any sixteen-year-old can be. So
sweet, in fact, that her birth flower is the sweet pea!
Celebrities And Their Favorite Flower Finds
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-19 |
Word Count: 756 |
Page Views: 10557
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.00
While we all have our own choices of favorite flowers, the top
picks for the latest flower trends and bouquets take more than a
trip to the local florist.
How To Choose The Right Mold Testing Firm
Written by: Daryl Watters |
Distributed: 2007-07-05 |
Word Count: 566 |
Page Views: 10461
| Votes: 22 |
Rating: 2.59
You may be ill because of mold in your home or place of
employment, your property value may fall because of mold that
bleach and paint just cannot control. If you have a compromised
immune system mold may even grow in you lungs or other parts of
your body in the form of a systemic fungal infection. However, no
requirements exist for mold inspectors nor mold remediators in
most states. When choosing a mold testing firm be sure that the
professional is familiar with the following.
Bosses Day: 25 Wallet-Friendly Gift Ideas
Written by: Darlene Arechederra |
Distributed: 2006-08-23 |
Word Count: 799 |
Page Views: 10142
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.88
Bosses Day is right around the corner again -- but no need to
panic! You still have plenty of time to find a great gift. The
good news is that finding the perfect gift for your boss doesn't
need to drain your wallet. Read on for some practical and
low-cost gift ideas, including gifts for bosses with special
circumstances.
How To Tell If Your Clothes Are Dirty
Written by: Theresa Bane |
Distributed: 2008-05-28 |
Word Count: 1984 |
Page Views: 9379
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 3.35
If you are the type of person who wears clothes, like, t-shirts
for example, than this is an article for you. You may not be
aware of it, but your favorite t-shirt that has a clever or funny
saying emblazoned across it's width can actually reach a level
of funk that requires it to be laundered.
Why Sterling Silver Jewelry?
Written by: Robert Vayner |
Distributed: 2007-09-24 |
Word Count: 641 |
Page Views: 8286
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
Silver jewelry speaks to your soul. Silver jewelry shines.
Silver is cool, inviting and has been molded into jewelry pieces
for centuries. Sterling silver accentuates your clothing,
especially when worn with black or other dark colors. And best of
all, it's affordable!
Interior Window Shutters Can Be Affordable
Written by: Brian Wright |
Distributed: 2008-07-21 |
Word Count: 757 |
Page Views: 8237
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.81
Avoid spending high dollar for custom-made interior window
shutters. You can obtain affordable interior shutter panels,
finish, and install them yourself. Find tips on measuring,
selecting, and ordering quality stock-size interior shutters.
Highest Ranked "Shopping" Articles
How To Tell If Your Clothes Are Dirty
Written by: Theresa Bane |
Distributed: 2008-05-28 |
Word Count: 1984 |
Page Views: 9379
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 3.35
If you are the type of person who wears clothes, like, t-shirts
for example, than this is an article for you. You may not be
aware of it, but your favorite t-shirt that has a clever or funny
saying emblazoned across it's width can actually reach a level
of funk that requires it to be laundered.
Private Label Bottled Water And School Fund Raising
Written by: Marcus Stout |
Distributed: 2007-04-24 |
Word Count: 1130 |
Page Views: 6683
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.18
Like most organizations, schools in the United States are subject
to constant budget stress. Important athletic and scholastic
programs are subject to budget cuts as demographics change and
taxpayers become increasingly budget aware. As a result, schools
include fund raising resources in their planning for programs.
Tiny Treasures
Written by: Jodi Goldberg |
Distributed: 2008-05-22 |
Word Count: 719 |
Page Views: 2986
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.17
Jewelry is a delightfully appealing way to mark a moment in time
with your child.
Buying Pearl Jewelry: The Man's Guide To Buying Pearl Jewelry For The Woman Of Your Dreams
Written by: Amanda Raab |
Distributed: 2007-06-18 |
Word Count: 753 |
Page Views: 2278
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.10
Buying pearl jewelry for your wife or girlfriend is one of the
most thoughtful, meaningful and romantic gestures you can ever
make, Few items can express your lasting love and devotion like a
special ring, necklace, bracelet or pair of ear rings made from
pearls. The magic, mystique and enduring appeal of pearl jewelry
make it a natural gift for special occasions and milestones in
your loved one's life.
Taguabella Beautiful Fair Trade Jewellery
Written by: Linda Garrould |
Distributed: 2009-03-03 |
Word Count: 267 |
Page Views: 3832
| Votes: 44 |
Rating: 3.05
This article introduces the Beautiful new Fair Trade Jewellery
range from Taguabella.
Lindsay Lohan's Color Sense
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-03-27 |
Word Count: 400 |
Page Views: 4629
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.00
Young movie starlet Lindsay Lohan has recently begun to be
noticed for her fashion sense, including her oft-changing hair
color. The use of color is certainly important in the fashion
industry, but there's another industry where it's perhaps even
more important-the floral industry.
Tea: Ordering Green Tea Online
Written by: Jon M. Stout |
Distributed: 2007-06-05 |
Word Count: 890 |
Page Views: 5720
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.00
If you've started to become a green tea enthusiast, no doubt
you've realized that there are an overwhelming number of green
teas from which to choose. Just the number of green teas
varieties in China are too many to list. You may have an interest
in trying them all – but that will take you quite a while!
Get Peace Of Mind With These 10 Questions For Your Jeweler
Written by: Marc Choyt |
Distributed: 2007-09-06 |
Word Count: 1039 |
Page Views: 3769
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.00
Many consumers want to purchase ethically sourced jewelry yet
they do not know enough about this emerging product category to
even begin to talk to their jewelry. This article provides
knowledge and the right questions to empower the consumer
interested in purchasing social responsible jewelry.
Why Sterling Silver Jewelry?
Written by: Robert Vayner |
Distributed: 2007-09-24 |
Word Count: 641 |
Page Views: 8286
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
Silver jewelry speaks to your soul. Silver jewelry shines.
Silver is cool, inviting and has been molded into jewelry pieces
for centuries. Sterling silver accentuates your clothing,
especially when worn with black or other dark colors. And best of
all, it's affordable!
How I Sold My Car Using Live Chat
Written by: Alexia Corzine |
Distributed: 2008-12-18 |
Word Count: 585 |
Page Views: 2320
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.00
If you are looking to sell a car but don't want to deal with the
strangers calling, stuck in a lease or payments and need to sell?
I found a quick and easy way to sell my car and still get the
best price for it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 938
Total Views: 20354
Article Rating: 2.26 of 5
Votes Cast: 47
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2006-11-14 12:24:00
Internal ID: #3908
|
|
|
Home