Women’s Safety: How to Stay Safe While Traveling Alone

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun for women safety when traveling aloneNowadays it’s not uncommon for women to want to travel alone, but how can they do something they enjoy while still being safe?

Over recent months the subject of travelling alone has come under the spotlight, particularly in New Delhi, after the fatal gang-rape of an Indian student and the sexual assault of a South Korean woman. While US travel advisories have issued warnings to women to not travel alone others have gone so far as to recommend that women forgo travelling alone at all. Knowing the crime rate in different countries can often help when it comes to planning so you know what areas to avoid. Continue reading →

Will a Stun Gun Offer Protection?

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun for protectionIn the 21st century, how does one go about protecting themselves from harm? Granted there are firearms that one can purchase; however, these come with their own, often fatal, ramifications.

As such there are more people turning their attention to the wide variety of stun guns, TASERS, pepper spray and alarms when it comes to maintaining their safety without worrying about the implications.

Last year, there were over 1.2 million violent crimes committed nationwide according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but while this may have seen a 3.8 percent decrease on 2010 figures, the number is still a high one that needs to be tackled. Continue reading →

What to do if You Find a Burglar in Your Home

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

taser against burglarFor countless home owners their home is their safe haven, a place for them to escape from their otherwise chaotic lives. For this reason no one wants their home to be targeted by burglars, but it does happen. Here we look at what to do if you are confronted by a thief in your home.

It’s late at night and you are in bed when you hear glass breaking downstairs. With your heart thundering in your throat you realize that someone is breaking into your home. What do you do? Continue reading →

What Stun Gun Rights Does a Resident Have in Florida?

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun laws in floridaWhen it comes to a person’s safety and their rights each state has different requirements and laws in place. This is why it’s a good idea to know exactly what where your legalities stand when owning a stun gun in the state of Florida for your protection.

In Florida it is legal to own and carry a stun gun; however, before purchasing one it is important for residents to bear in mind that there are also restrictions in place.

In order for a resident of Florida to purchase a stun gun legally they must first apply for a license the same way they would if they were applying for a handgun license. Those applying for a license must prove that they are legal residents of the state, at least 21 years of age and can prove their competency with the device. Once applications have been submitted they can take up to 90 days provided all documentation has been correctly received by the state.

Under Statute 790.01 of the Carrying Concealed Weapons law “a person who carries a concealed weapon or electric weapon or device on or about his or her person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.”

However, under Statute 790.04 “it is not a violation of this section for a person to carry for purposes of lawful self-defense, in a concealed manner:

(a) A self-defense chemical spray, and;

(b) A nonlethal stun gun or dart-firing stun gun or other nonlethal electric weapon or device that is designed solely for defensive purposes.”

Another factor to bear in mind is the Concealed Carry Reciprocity. This is a comprehensive list of the states with up-to-date information regarding changes to firearm laws in states and attempts to negotiate agreements as the laws in those states allow.

For example, as recently as April 25th, 2013, Washington no longer honors a Florida concealed weapon licence and since February 4th, 2013, Pennsylvania stopped honoring a Florida concealed weapon license if the holder of the licence was not a resident of the state of Florida.

When traveling through different states it is important for licence holders to know that they are subject to the laws of that state and if the state they are traveling through no longer honors a weapons license they are committing a misdemenor. Consequently, depending on the state you travel through you may find you have to do more research and planning to see what you are legally permitted to carry. For many of the states this also applies to self defense devices such as stun guns and pepper spray.

What Are the Stun Gun Laws in Mississippi?

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun laws in mississippiCan you carry a stun gun in Mississippi legally without a permit? Are you allowed to carry the device when flying? We answer these questions here.

When it comes to a person’s protection it is a good idea to know what you are entitled to, what you are not and what devices you can use to provide a greater sense of security. Stun guns have become a widely used self defense device for members of the public and police departments. However, while not all states permit the use of stun guns for public use Mississippi does.

In Mississippi, it is legal to own and carry a stun gunwithout acquiring a permit. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that individuals who have a history of mental illness or felony charges may find themselves denied owning a stun gun. If, however, you do not have a mental illness or felony charges, then the individual must be over the age of 18.

Another matter to think about regards flying. If you are flying to or from Mississippi, it is illegal to carry a stun gun without the proper certification. Nor is it legal to carry a stun gun into schools, law enforcement centers or federal establishments.

Those found carrying stun guns who are not permitted to, such as minors, intoxicated individuals and convicted felons, face a fine between $100 and $500 or between 30 days to six months in prison. In extreme cases, jail time may range from one year to five years.

What Are the Stun Gun Laws in Indiana?

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun laws in IndianaIt’s important to know if you can or cannot carry a stun gun for protection in different states. Here we look at the legality of stun guns in Indiana.

In the state of Indiana as they are not considered firearms it is legal to purchase and own a stun gun for protection. Under Section 5, IC 35-47-8-5 it states that “a person eighteen years of age or over may purchase or possess a stun gun.”

However, it’s important to realize that stun guns are different from TASERS, which come under different rules. In order to obtain a TASER legally, the individual will first need to acquire a handgun licence.

In Indiana, a citizen must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a stun gun. Anyone who sells the device to individuals under the age of 18 is committing a Class B misdemeanor. While the use of them are legal in Indiana the law states that it’s a Class D felony to employ stun guns on enforcement officers when they are performing their duties and that it is a Class A felony for anyone to use a stun gun when committing a crime.

The use of these devices are only illegal in some states, so it is important to know what these states are and what you are entitled to do. When it comes to your protection it is vital that you know your legal rights.

What Are the Stun Gun Laws in Georgia?

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun laws in georgiaStun Guns Are Legal In Georgia

Laws pertaining to stun guns vary from state to state, which is why it’s important to know what the laws are regarding the state you are concerned with. In this article we learn what those laws are in Georgia.

In Georgia, laws pertaining to the use of stun guns and TASERS are found within Title 16 Section 16-11-106 of the Georgia Code. The Code defines stun guns and TASERS as “any device that is powered by electrical charging units such as batteries and emits an electrical charge in excess of 20,000 volts or is otherwise capable of incapacitating a person by an electrical charge.”

Under the Code, it is a felony to own a stun gun or TASER when committing certain crimes such as illegally entering a property or stealing from a building or vehicle. It is also a felony to possess a stun gun while committing a crime against another person or while dealing in illegal drugs.

Anyone who is found violating Section 16-11-106 of the Georgia Code can be sentenced to five years in prison. Those who are convicted a second time of this statute can be sentenced to ten years in prison.

What Are the Self Defense Laws in Ohio?

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun self defense in ohioKnowing what the self defense laws in Ohio is something all Ohioans need to know and what rights they have at protecting themselves from harm.

When it comes to self defense laws nearly all states permit some use of deadly force in order for a person to protect themselves inside their home, which is based on the ‘Castle Doctrine.’ However, while some areas require a person to retreat from an attacker outside of their home, there are more and more states expanding their laws in order to increase a person’s safety and legal rights if they happen to be outside of their homes too.

Previously in Ohio, if a homeowner was subjected to an intruder inside their home they were required to retreat before using deadly force against the suspect. Not only that, but the burden of proof lay upon the defendant to prove in court that the use of deadly force in such a situation was required because he/she had acted out of fear of physical injury or death.

Now, though, the law has changed.

On September 9, 2008, Senate Bill 184 passed while Senate Bill 17 became effective on September 30, 2011. The new laws regarding self defense mean that homeowners now have more rights to protect themselves if a person entered the residence illegally.

According to the Ohio Bar Association under the new laws the Ohio’s ‘Castle Laws’ presume that the homeowner has acted in defense of another or self defense when applying deadly force to someone who has intruded into their home. However, if the homeowner was charged it would be down to the prosecution to prove that the intruder did not enter the resident’s house or vehicle with the intention to cause any sort of harm.

One thing to bear in mind is that regardless of the state, laws relating to self defense are continually changing, which is why it’s always a good idea to maintain a record of what new Bills have been passed. This way you know exactly what your rights are and who the burden of proof falls upon when it comes to the issue of self defense.

What Are the Laws Regarding Stun Guns in Oregon

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

stun gun laws in oregonHere we look at what the laws are regarding the legality of stun guns in Oregon.

In Oregon it is legal for a person to own and use a stun gun; however, there are restrictions in place to ensure that the use of the device is not mistreated. Here we look at the laws in place.

When it comes to traditional firearms some states will include stun guns under that law, which means you require a permit to use the device for your protection. In Oregon you do not require a permit to carry a stun gun.

Although the use of stun guns is legal in the state it is worth bearing in mind that under Chapter 163.213 it is:

  1. A crime in the first degree if a person unlawfully uses an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace and knowingly discharges or causes it to be discharged against another person, knowing the other person to be a peace officer, corrections officer, parole and probation office, fire fighter or emergency technician or paramedic while the other person is acting in the course of official duty; and

  2. Unlawful use of an electrical stun gun, tear gas or mace in the first degree is a Class C felony.

You can, however, use a stun gun for your protection or the protection of others if you believe them to be in danger.

Tips on How to Jog in Safety at Night

Posted on by Jose Alpuerto

jog with a stun gun for safetyJogging is probably one of the easiest sports to take up for exercise, but it can also be one that sees many opportunistic criminals targeting those on their own. Taking safety measures will ensure that you stay safe during your workout.

It goes without saying that jogging during daylight hours is much safer compared to jogging at night; however, with our increasingly busy schedules and family commitments there are many runners who find they only have time to jog during the evening or early morning. If you find yourself falling into this category it is important that you don’t take your safety for granted.

A recent assault on a female jogger shows how opportunistic running can be, but by taking measures to avoid such an assault means you can run in safety. Here are some tips to staying safe while jogging:

Know Your Route – Before heading out make sure you know exactly where you’ll be running. This way you can determine if there will be any obstacles in your path, if you’ll be cut off from the main road or if there is poor lighting in certain areas. Knowing where you are going will mean you can remedy the route to avoid bad spots.

Stay in Well-Lit Areas – By doing so you can avoid any unnecessary surprises as you stumble upon individuals you wouldn’t want to meet. It also means that you’ll be able to see where you are going and avoid unwanted injuries that are more likely to happen in dark areas.

Avoid Listening with Headphones – In most cases joggers will tend to listen to their music while jogging, after all, it’s a good way to stay motivated when a fast, up-beat song comes on to keep the legging going. It is, however, dangerous. Not only are you unlikely to hear car horns, trucks or bicycles, but you are unlikely to hear if someone is running up behind you.

Carry Pepper Spray – In order to ensure your safety it is always a good idea to carry pepper spray on your person when out jogging, regardless of where you are going. Make sure that you have this device close to hand so that you can utilize it when needed. Nowadays, most runners will carry a self defense device because they know it’s non-lethal, but extremely effective in stopping an assault.

Get a Jogging Partner – The easiest way you can avoid becoming an easy target is to get a jogging partner. People jogging together are less likely to be targeted than someone who is jogging alone. Not only will you be staying safe, but you’ll enjoy your running workouts now that you have someone with you.