Owning a gun brings about a set of responsibilities, not the least of which is gun safety. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has a series of guidelines and gun safety rules that all gun owners should be aware of.

When handling a gun, the following gun safety guidelines should be adhered to:

1. Always keep your gun pointed in the safest direction.
2. Always keep your finger free of the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. Do not store a loaded gun—unload it until ready for use.

Certain gun safety rules should also be followed when using your weapon:

1. Know your target but also what is in the surrounding area.
2. Be certain the gun is safe to operate.
3. Only use the correct ammunition type for your gun.
4. Wear eye protection and ear protection whenever appropriate.
5. Avoid any alcohol or drugs, including over the counter medicine, when operating a gun.

If you have children in the house or visiting, these gun storage guidelines are equally important in gun safety:

1. Take the ammunition out of the gun.
2. Lock the gun and keep it out of reach of children.
3. Lock the ammunition and store it apart from the gun.
4. Keep the keys out of reach of children.

Firearms training is recommended for anyone new to gun ownership, or anyone who has recently purchased a new gun. While a basic gun safety class may not be necessary for a seasoned hunter, every gun is different and it is wise to take the time to learn the ins and outs of each new gun you purchase with the help of a professional trainer.

To find a firearms training course in your area, look no further than the nearest shooting range. Most shooting ranges offer a variety of classes, from gun safety 101, to pistol shooting, to rifle handling and more. Once you’ve mastered proper gun safety, you will be able to enjoy the added security gun ownership can provide.

Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Tips for Kids and Parents

Having a gun and a child in the same home makes gun safety an integral part of the parenting process. With firearms in close to 50 percent of all American homes, gun safety is actually a topic every parent should embrace.

Stop and Don’t Touch

Counter your child’s natural curiosity about guns by teaching him or her to stop and back away from any firearms.

Leave the Area

Since parental supervision is not always available, teach your child the right thing to do in your absence. If he or she comes into contact with a gun, make sure he or she understands the need to go to a safe place, like a bedroom or the home of an approved neighbor.

Tell an Adult

Tell your child not to be afraid to tell you or another responsible adult if he or she finds a gun.

Toys vs. Real

Be certain small children understand the many dangerous differences between toy guns and the real thing. Toy guns can actually come in handy when teaching older children about gun safety and gun handling.

Did you know that a burglary occurs every 16 seconds in the United States? This alarming statistic may make you feel very unsafe. While most burglaries occur while nobody is home, it is scary to realize that home invasion is on the rise. The poor economy may be to blame for the rise in burglaries and home invasions. There are many things you can do to help keep your home from being the target of a home invasion. These home security tips will help you make your home the secure haven it should be.

• Most burglars watch the home and neighborhood before committing a home invasion. They look for patterns of when you are home and away, which doors you use and what looks like the best point of entry.

• Many burglaries occur at night. Burglars like to work in the dark. To minimize the chances that your home will be chosen for a burglary or home invasion, keep the outside of your home well lit. Use landscape lights around the perimeter of the home and install motion sensor security lights near the doors.

• Burglars look for homes that follow consistent patterns. If they watch your home and notice that you come and go at the same times each day, you may find that the burglar uses this information to find a window of opportunity to commit a burglary. The best thing to do to prevent a home invasion? If you must come and go at regular times, it is best to use a timer for your lights. Use one in each room and randomly turn on and off lights in the home.

• Have a dog. Most burglars steer away from homes with dogs since these can be unpredictable. This isn’t foolproof – especially if your dog is a little one or is very friendly. It’s also not unheard of for pets to be harmed during a burglary.

• To prevent home invasion, keep your doors and windows secure. Burglars look for potential areas that they can get into and out of the home. Make sure that you check your basement or attic windows as well and keep all doors and windows locked and latched. Don’t store ladders outside next to your home – the burglar can easily use it to enter an upper window.

• Install a home security system. A good home security system is among the top home security tips and is probably the best deterrent you can use against a home invasion or burglary. Be sure to use the alarm system consistently. Post a sign or sticker to put burglars on notice that you have an alarm system.

• Keep your home looking occupied to prevent home invasion. This is especially true when you go on vacation. Nothing says, “We’re not home” like a pile of unopened newspapers laying on the porch or driveway. Instead, get a friend or neighbor to take in your mail and newspapers when you’re gone or stop delivery until you return.

• Most burglars become familiar with the area or neighborhood they are going to invade. Start a neighborhood watch program to keep all neighbors aware of any suspicious vehicles or people who don’t live on your street. Call the police when you see anything out of the ordinary.

Whether you are looking to purchase a home or already own one, neighborhood crime statistics offer a bevy of information crucial to maintaining a safe living environment for you and your family. Understanding the crime rate and other specific crime statistics can help you make informed decisions when purchasing a home or outfitting it with the necessary anti-theft devices.

While most people are generally aware of the overall crime rate for their neighborhood and surrounding areas, there is still plenty of knowledge to gain from seeking out your town’s crime statistics. Most people, naturally, concern themselves with issues like violent crime. And while there may be little to no violent crime in your area, you could be surprised to discover the truth about the property crime rate in your neighborhood. So, here are some examples of the information you will obtain from researching crime statistics and the ways in which you can protect your home and family.

Burglary Crime Rate: A surprising 21 percent of all home robberies are committed by people the victim already knows. And while you may live in an area where forcible entry or assaults during burglaries are rare, the crime statistics for petty theft during a burglary could still be alarming.

Luckily, there are many things you can do to decrease the likelihood of a home invasion. Having a monitored alarm system installed in your home can lower your chances of burglary by as much as 60 percent. Consider combining this with other basic home security measures like quality locks, solid exterior doors, and motion sensitive lighting.

Auto Theft Crime Rate: The crime statistics for car theft or break-ins may warrant you to take some special safety measures. One simple step to take includes parking your car in a locked garage or at least parking it in a well-lit area. Locking the doors and being certain not to leave any personal items, including registration papers, in the car are everyday things you can do to make your car an unattractive target to thieves. Purchasing a dealer installed anti-theft device or a car-tracking system are more extreme steps you may need to consider based on neighborhood crime statistics.

Vandalism Crime Rate: Another way to incur property loss is through vandalism. It is quite possible that you will find vandalism topping the crime statistics in your area. Since vandalism is usually a crime of opportunity, as opposed to being premeditated, you need to make your home unappealing to any neighborhood vandals.

Motion detector light fixtures at all exterior doors can be enough to scare away potential vandals, as well as burglars. Exterior security cameras is another option—they will likely keep vandals from ever setting foot on your property; if not, you at least have a chance to catch them in action for prosecution purposes.

The old saying, “better safe than sorry” comes into play when discussing crime statistics. Don’t be naive to the troubles in your neighborhood. Call your local police department or go online and download recent crime activity information, along with up-to date crime rates. Be an informed homeowner and keep your home and family safe.

Pepper spray has long been used for self-defense and crowd control situations, and Mace is the company that many people consult for their self-defense needs. Mace pepper spray comes in a variety of strengths, blends, and canister designs, but all include the very effective ingredient known as oleoresin capsicum (OC).

Oleoresin capsicum is a derivative of a chili lover’s kitchen staple: hot cayenne peppers. OC is actually an inflammatory, and when it reaches the aggressor’s eyes, nose, or throat, the effects occur instantly. A few short blasts of Mace pepper spray and the capillaries in a person’s eyes will dilate, causing temporary blindness. Also, the tissues in the throat and lungs will become inflamed, bringing about respiratory distress and severe, but not life-threatening, shortness of breath. The effects of Mace pepper spray are short-lived, from 20-90 minutes, but that still gives a victim ample time to escape most dangerous situations.

Knowing where to buy pepper spray is as easy as turning on your computer or possibly going to a local grocery store. Though legal in all 50 states, your state may have regulations about formula strength, of which you need to aware. Mace pepper spray can be purchased directly from the Mace company website, as well as through a variety of personal safety stores and online hunting supply stores.  Even the Web giant Amazon carries Mace pepper spray for purchase. If you are wondering where to buy pepper spray locally, you can contact your neighborhood hardware store, sporting goods store, and even Walmart.

Although Mace pepper spray has a safety feature to deter accidental exposure, it is still wise to learn about proper usage before making a purchase. Here are some tips to learning how to effectively use mace pepper spray:

• When using the spray, thrust out your non-shooting hand and shout “Stop” to startle the attacker and draw his attention away from your other hand.
• Raise canister of Mace pepper spray to eye level and hold it several inches in front of your face, shooting directly at the eyes of your assailant.
• Do not close your eyes when shooting. If you are overly concerned about getting some in your face, you may want to consider a gel or foam variety instead of the standard spray.
• A one- or two-second burst of spray should be enough to stop a perpetrator. Back away, keeping your eyes on the attacker, then determine if you need to unleash another dose of the Mace pepper spray or if it is time for you to run to safety.

The idea of self-defense training often conjures up the notion of martial arts, such as karate or taekwondo. And while the martial arts do have a self-defense element to them, you will learn more usable self-defense tips in a class devoted only to the topic of self-defense. A few sessions with a qualified instructor and a person can walk away knowing how to avoid dangerous confrontations and handle life-threatening situations. Most self-defense training classes will begin with a series of tips to help reduce your likelihood of ever becoming a victim. Examples of some self-defense tips are as follows:

Self Defense Tip #1: Use common sense and trust your gut-instinct. If you are walking on a street, only to turn the corner into darker, more foreboding surroundings, then listen to your better judgment and simply turn around. Stay out of poorly-lit areas, and don’t use stairwells at night or secluded ATM machines. It sounds obvious, but who hasn’t been in a similar situation and thought, “Well, just this once”? It only takes once.

Self Defense Tip #2: Walk with your head up and eyes looking straight ahead. It’s a proven fact that attackers look for easy targets, namely people with their heads down or otherwise distracted. As part of your self-defense training, you should learn to walk tall and confidently while taking in your surroundings. With this technique, you will project a strong image to any would-be attackers.

Self Defense Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to shout. If you are in a situation that is making you feel increasingly uncomfortable, simply speak loudly and with authority. If that doesn’t make the assailant back-off, you can start shouting and screaming things like, “go away,” “call 911,” and even “fire.” By making a scene and putting up a fight, your attacker will likely leave you alone to look for an easier mark.

Of course, self-defense training goes well beyond these non-physical self-defense tips to include a more hands-on, or in this case, hands-off approach. Here are some basic self-defense moves you are likely to learn when undergoing self-defense training:

• Eye-Gouge: Using your fingers, quickly thrust them straight into the eyes of your attacker. This will cause a great deal of discomfort and blurred vision, giving you precious seconds to run, which is the ultimate goal of any self-defense move.
• Throat Punch: A speedy punch or elbow to the throat is a classic self-defense training move. It creates a sensation similar to choking and can be very disabling.
• Heel to the Foot: If you find yourself wrapped up by your attacker and unable to deliver a good punch, stomping the top of an assailant’s foot with your heel will likely cause him to at least soften his grasp, giving you the chance to maneuver around and run.
• Clapping the Ears: By cupping your hand and smacking it against the attacker’s ear, you can cause intense pain, possibly even breaking an eardrum. The attack will likely come to an abrupt halt at that point.
• Knee in the Groin: You might know about this oldie-but-goodie. A knee, fist, or any blunt object forcefully thrusted into the groin area can quickly bring a male attacker to his knees. Again, with self-defense training, your goal is to halt the assault long enough for you to run away, and this will certainly do the trick.

Theft protection can easily be split into three main categories: personal property, credit card theft and identity theft. Yet these different types of theft often overlap, with personal property theft leading to identity theft or some other unfortunate combination. By learning about the latest in theft protection measures, you can arm yourself against any and all types of burglary.

Home security is a likely place to start. You can begin with the basics like installing high-quality dead bolts and sturdy exterior doors. Arguably, the most effective method of home theft protection is purchasing a monitored home security system. Statistics show that homes without professionally installed home alarm systems are 2 to 3 times more likely to be burglarized. Combining basic home security measures with a monitored alarm provides a level of theft protection you can feel comfortable about.

People often forget about their cars when discussing security. Having an anti-theft protection alarm or tracking device installed in your car will make the vehicle less appealing to most burglars. But having your car stolen isn’t the only issue here; many people leave personal belongings, such as paperwork, wallets or purses, and even garage door openers, inside their cars. If your car is not in a secured garage, be certain to empty it of anything of value, along with any items that could make home invasion, credit card theft or identity theft easier for the perpetrator.

If, despite such theft protection measures, a burglar still manages to enter your home, you can keep critical valuables, emergency credit cards,  and personal documentation secure with a high-quality, fire-proof safe.  If you only have a few key items to safeguard, a standard safety deposit box at your local bank provides a convenient way to keep your personal information out of the wrong hands. And shredding any unnecessary documents, including old credit cards, is another important step with regards to identity theft protection.

While these preceding steps are likely to provide solid theft protection concerning your personal property, credit cards and identity theft require even more diligence. You’ve likely heard the phrase ‘a pound of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and that is certainly the case here. Credit card theft and identity theft will be far easier to rectify if you have taken proactive measures first.

Contact your credit card companies to determine what kind of credit card protection they have available to you. You can also find out if these companies offer an identity theft protection service as well. Credit report agencies offer this service, and while you are signing up for identity theft protection, you can also grab a free copy of your credit report and look for any discrepancies. Having a reputable agency on your side that is continuously watching for suspect activity will make it easier to catch any problems before they snowball into full blown identity theft.

Unfortunately, there are many angles from which a thief can strike. Yet, we live in a time where there are also many devices, procedures, and services capable of providing you with protection. When used in combination, these available options will help you create a theft protection plan that gives you the security you deserve.

Keep Burglars at Bay and Away

There is a home robbery in this country every 15 seconds. Thankfully, there are several simple steps you can take both inside and outside your home to provide you with some sound burglary protection. The following 10 steps will make a robber think twice before attempting anything on your property.

1. Illuminate your exterior doorways at night. By keeping your entryways bright, it makes it difficult for anyone to sneak in undetected. Lights with motion detectors are a plus with regards to burglar protection. The light stays off until the would-be robber’s movement triggers it to come on, likely startling the robber and drawing more attention to your door.

2. Install reliable locks and, well, lock your doors. Sounds too simple, but over 30 percent of home invasions show no sign of forced entry. Exterior doors, along with any door leading into the garage, should have a high quality, dead-bolt lock. Doors that are close to windows will require a special double-bolt cylinder lock for extreme burglary protection. This lock requires a key to unlock the door from both the outside and the inside, so no one can break the glass and reach inside to unlock your door.

3. Landscape for safety as well as beauty. A well-placed prickly bush under your windows makes your home far less inviting. At the same time, watch for oversized trees and shrubs that create hiding places or climbing opportunities.

4. Purchase a home alarm system. According to a study conducted by Temple University, a monitored home security system can provide up to 66 percent greater burglar protection over a home without such a system.

5. Putting your lights and electronics on a random timer also offers additional burglary protection. And this tip isn’t just good for vacations; if you work outside of the home, it is likely that the burglar has watched you come and go regularly. Have your lights, radio and television turn on and off at a variety of times to give outsiders the impression that someone is still in the house.

6. Solid wood or steel doors provide burglar protection by creating a nearly impenetrable barrier to your home. Many older exterior doors are thin or even hollow, making forced entry as simple as a few key strikes.

7. Keep the blinds and curtains closed. Open blinds allows people to window shop your home for valuables. By keeping the contents of your home a mystery, you are more likely to be passed over should a burglar enter the neighborhood—the best burglar protection of all.

8. Skip the key-hidden-inside-a-fake-rock-trick. Trust me, if I know about this trick, so does everyone else. The same thing goes for hiding keys under a doormat or over the doorframe. You are better off giving a spare key to a nearby family member and dealing with the laughter when they come to let you in to your own home.

9. Take your name off the mailbox and don’t hang up any plaques outside displaying your name. By using your last name, a robber can find your phone number and then call to make sure no one is at home.

10.  Stash that trash! You’ve gone to the trouble of taking the name off your mailbox, so don’t leave junk mail flowing out of your recycle bin either. And, take the time to cut up that computer box or anything else that might clue people in to what new goodies you have at home. Again, one of the best burglar protection methods is making the contents of your home unknown.

The bottom line: Don’t make it easy for someone to take what is yours. A little bit of effort, mixed with a lot of common sense, can be all it takes to give your home the burglary protection it needs.