ladypink's Blog

Did you know that almost one million Americans fall prey to identity theft every year? Not only can identity theft lead to a variety of financial complications, but it is also an expensive and time-consuming process to resolve. Nevertheless, as individuals try to improve security measures for electronic data, most forget to protect the source of information that is most easily accessible: their mail. In today's world, a mailbox with locking door is only the first preventive step one can take.

Identity theft is estimated to be a billion dollar 'industry' in the United States. Every year, Americans across the country are faced with the uncomfortable reality that someone other than themselves is using their personal information. Unfortunately, what most people don't realize is just how susceptible most of them are. In many cases, identity thieves have easy access to all of the information they need, right from a person's mailbox.

In many areas of the country, such problems have lead to the building of brick and masonry mailboxes. Unfortunately, many citizens are unaware of the rules governing such constructions. For example, it is often required that masonry mailboxes be at least 10 feet from the roadway or road right of way. A distance shorter than this can be considered a serious traffic hazard. Those who violate such laws can find themselves faced with fines and the cost of removing their masonry mailboxes.

The CurbVault
by?Ramon Ross
Articles form Healthy Living

CCTV Video Equipment (other wise known as Closed Circuit Television) has been used for the purpose of security surveillance for many years. CCTV Video Equipment differs from broadcast TV equipment as that every part is linked by cables or other direct means. Closed Circuit Television is used by security teams most often where there is a high need for extra security measures. Most all banks, airports and many apartment complexes incorporate CCTV Video Equipment into their security programs.

CCTV Video Equipment was originally developed to help strengthen security in banks however lately there has been some debate over privacy issues with the usage of Closed Circuit Television. As technology has advanced CCTV Video Equipment has become quite simple and inexpensive to use making it a popular choice for home security and for use in surveillance by many private investigators.

The United Kingdom worked in developing CCTV Video Equipment systems as a result of terrorist bombings in the 1970's and 1980's. Today in England there are Closed Circuit TV equipment in many bus stations, public areas and apartment buildings. CCTV Video Equipment used in the United Kingdom has shown to have reduced the amount of crime in parking lots and also crimes against taxi drivers.

The usage of CCTV Video Equipment in the United States in much less common then in the United Kingdom as it's use tends to bring strong opposition because of privacy issues.

While some say that the use of CCTV Video Equipment does help to deter crimes from happening, CCTV Video Equipment's most notable use is in the identification and prosecution of the criminals that are perpetrating the crimes.

Closed Circuit TV has aided in the capture and prosecution of notable terrorist bombers and child abductors. Utilizing CCTV Video Equipment to track the whereabouts of abducted children has become quite commonplace with law enforcement agencies today.

CCTV Video Equipment has also helped keep many law enforcement agencies in check. For instance Closed Circuit TV aided an dismissing some of the claims made by British police when Jean Charles de Menezes, who police officials claimed was responsible for bombing a London subway, was shot to death by police officers.

CCTV Video Equipment is also proving to be useful on the roadways of both the United Kingdom and the United States. Closed Circuit Television can be used to monitor areas of possible traffic congestion and detect when an accident happens. They can also be used to identify and apprehend those breaking traffic laws such as speeding.

While there has been some strong opposition against the overuse and misuse of CCTV Video Equipment systems, Closed Circuit TV has proven in many cases to be a very useful tool in assisting with keeping individuals safe and helping to apprehend those who commit crimes against others.

http://www.ssnt.com

CCTV Video Equipment

How much do you know about fires and home safety? Where is the safest air in your home during a fire? What is the proper home safety protocol for a fire? Take this short, six-question quiz to find out the answers to these questions and to test your knowledge of fire and home safety issues. After completing the questions scroll down to the bottom of the page to check your answers. Lets face it how many of us have really thought about fire protection? It may cross our minds as we watch the news or read the paper. Yet we probably haven't taken any steps to ensure fire safety in our own homes. Unfortunately most people think it won't happen to them. It would be nice if that were true, but as statistics show it is not. Every year nearly 4,000 Americans die in fires and more than 25,000 are injured.

Fire and Home Safety

1. True or False: You are in a smoke-filled room. The correct home safety rule is to keep your head as close to the floor as possible as you exit.

a) true
b) false

Answer: b) false--heat and smoke rise, therefore the air closest to the floor is the coolest. Plastics, nylons, and other manmade materials emit deadly gasses when burned, and these gasses are heavier than air. The proper home safety rule is to crawl to the nearest exit with your head approximately 18 inches from the floor; this is where the safest air is located.

2. True or false: Fire spreads methodically from one object to another and from one room to the next.

a) true
b) false

Answer: b) false--during a fire heat rises and temperatures can exceed 500 degrees. As this hot air fills the area closest to the ceiling it begins to descend and flow under doors and through cracks. Upon contact with a flammable object, this hot air can ignite a new fire in a different room than the original fire.

3. According to home safety guidelines, if a fire breaks out while you are on the second floor of your home you should...

a) open the window and jump to safety.
b) run to the door, open it, and exit the room as quickly as possible.
c) feel the door for heat as high up as possible; if it doesn't feel hot, slowly open it and crawl to safety. d) none of the above.

Answer: c) feel the door for heat, and slowly open it. If you open the door quickly and the air inside your room is cooler than that in the hallway, a back draft explosion could occur.

4. True or False: Children playing with fires is the leading cause of fire deaths in preschoolers.

a) true b) false

Answer: a) true--home safety starts with teaching children fire safety rules. Two thirds of those killed in fires started by children playing are under the age of six.

5. While asleep, a fire starts in your home. Upon waking you should...

a) bolt upright and exit your room and home as quickly as possible.
b) run to the window and jump to safety.
c) frantically run out of the house yelling at your family to wake up.
d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety.

Answer: d) roll out of bed and crawl to safety. Bolting upright could easily plunge your head directly into the extreme heat and deadly thick smoke. One breath could prove fatal.

6. If your clothes catch fire, the appropriate home safety procedure is to...

a) run to your neighbor's yard and jump in their pool.
b) frantically jump up and down.
c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire.
d) run in circles, scream, and yell until help arrives.

Answer: c) throw yourself on the ground and roll around to extinguish the fire. STOP! DROP! and ROLL! is the home safety rule of thumb when your clothes are on fire. Running amok fans the flames, causing the fire to spread.

Where you can find out more about Fire and Home Safety and articles on Home Security Systems

In today's world crime is everywhere. The people that prepare themselves in advance are the people that will survive or prevent injury to themselves or their loved ones. With that in mind, here are valuable tips to help you avoid violent crimes:

Avoid Sexual Assault

1. Always use your initials instead of your first name on mailboxes and phone listings. This will keep possible stalkers and attackers from knowing your gender.

2. One of the smartest things you can do is to avoid remaining alone in an apartment laundry room or parking garage. This advice applies not only to big cities but also to small towns and villages. You just never know who might be watching you.

3. Don't make the mistake of telling someone on the phone or at your door that you are alone. One of the easiest ways to create the impression that someone is with you, is to make it seem as if you are talking to someone else in your home or apartment.

4. This might seem like common sense to you, but this is a mistake that many rape victims have fallen prey to. Never risk accepting a ride home from someone you have not met. This is an open invitation for disaster. Police files are full of incidents in which women didn't remember this simple rule. Don't risk it! Don't ride--say goodbye is good advice!

5. If you are the victim of sexual assault and decide to physically resist, remember that your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to safety and get help.

6. In the event that you do become a victim of a sexual assault, you need to make sure that you call the police immediately. Many women won't do this because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. With so many rape consulting centers and women's advocacy groups today, you should always seek immediate help! Also, do not bathe or change your clothes. You don't want to destroy any evidence of the assault.

How To Avoid Robbery

1. One of the best ways for you to avoid robbery is for you not to carry valuable items or large amounts of money. But, if you do carry large amounts of cash, never be alone. Get a friend or co-worker to be with you at all times. Being alone is not worth the risk!

2. You should always plan ahead. For example, when traveling at night, make sure that you have your keys ready to enter your house or car. The last thing you want to be doing is fumbling for your keys in a dark or isolated place. Don't make yourself a target.

3. If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to cooperate. You want the incident to be over as quickly as possible. And believe me, the robber doesn't want to spend a lot of time near you either. I know that it's difficult, but try to remain calm. If possible, try to focus on such things as: how tall is the robber, what is he wearing, any distinguishing marks, etc. This will be helpful when giving your information to the police.

4. Always remember, that if you resist and you don't have some type of self-defense training, there is a greater chance that you will be injured. Play it safe. All you want to do is get it over with as quickly as possible and be able to return home to your family and friends.

Bank Machines (ATM's)

1. Many people make the mistake of approaching an ATM without taking notice of what is happening around them. You need to be very watchful of any suspicious people around you. If you notice someone or something that just doesn't 'feel right'--find another ATM. More importantly, never use an ATM late at night in an area not properly lighted.

2. If you have to use an ATM at night, we suggest that you take a friend or family member along with you. Never go alone because then you are just asking for trouble!

3. One of the sure signs that you don't want to use a particular ATM is if you find someone waiting and watching outside the area of the ATM. This is one of the ways that we mean for you to always be alert and prepared. Most people are just focusing on the money that they want to get out of the machine and so they aren't paying attention to details. This is just what the robbers want you to do. Don't play into their hands. Always be alert---it could save your money and your life!

Street Safety - Use Common Sense

1. Well-lighted busy areas are the best place for you to be. You should definitely avoid walking alone or being in known trouble spots.

2. If you are a woman carrying a purse, hold it close to your body rather than by the handles. One of the most common mistakes women make is that they wrap their purse straps around their wrist. The reason this is a bad idea is because you can get hurt in a struggle. Just hold your purse close to your body.

3. Unfortunately, many women carry what seems like 'everything they have' in their purse or wallet! Experts agree that the best thing to do is only carry what you need.

4. Always avoid shortcuts through alleys, fields or vacant lots. An unfortunate incident happened in my area recently. A young girl on her way home took a shortcut through the back of a closed carwash business. She was abducted, raped and killed. Even though the abduction was caught on a security camera, it was of no help to the dead girl after the fact. Use your head---and stay safe.

5. If you think that you are being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. get to a well lighted area with lot of people. Very important------Do Not Go Home!! The last thing that you want the attacker to know is where you live.

We hope that these simple tips help you and your family stays safe and secure. As the old saying goes---'It's better to be safe than sorry.'

P.S.

From our family to your family---we hope that you stay safe and well!

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Virginia Waters helps everyday people with their personal self defense needs. She works with Powerful Response, a supplier of self defense and security products. View more anti-crime articles by visiting http://www.PowerfulResponse.com.