Focusing on home safety a must

Most people think they're safe in their own home, but you can never be too careful. The specter of burglaries and intrusions is cause to be focused on home safety when you're on the road or even while you're asleep. Luckily, there are a number of easy steps you can take to prevent being the victim of such an incident.

The resident of a house in Clover, North Carolina, experienced a home invasion recently, but did not roll over when confronted with the three intruders. The Gaston Gazette reports that Rusty Dakota Millwood was armed with a handgun and managed to shoot one of the criminals, while the other two were arrested.

Police say the incident began when three individuals forced their way into Millwood's mobile home. One of the suspects was allegedly armed, which prompted a struggle, leaving one of the perpetrators dead, and the homeowner is not facing any charges. Investigators say that the four individuals were likely acquainted before the invasion and it was not a random incident.

Though Millwood was prepared for the break-in other individuals may not be so equipped, and while owning a handgun may not be the best possible route, there are other ways to prevent such an intrusion from even happening, according to Livesafely.org.

First and foremost, homeowners should be sure not to let anybody in they are unfamiliar with. It may seem like common sense, but just checking through the peep hole before opening the door can make a big difference. Furthermore, investing in a solid core door is important as well, as it will reduce the chances of having the door broken down to almost zero.

Another important step to take is to make sure your phone is equipped with a 911 speed dial. Being able to instantly alert police can go a long way in maintaining your (and your family's) personal safety. Similarly, the source suggests you may want to practice an escape plan so that if you ever need to make a quick getaway there is no confusion or delay. As a final step, be sure to install a reliable alarm system.

"Get a good home alarm monitoring system and have prominently displayed home alarm system decals on your doors and windows," the news provider reports. "This might be enough to deter those looking for a random mark."

Some homeowners may want to equip themselves with a personal defense tool in the event that someone manages to enter the home anyway. Pepper spray has proven to cause temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing, and can be an effective way to disable an intruder, attacker or assailant, but you should be well versed on how to use it correctly if the need ever arises.

One of the best things to remember when using pepper spray is to back up while discharging the device in an "X" or "Z" pattern to get the most out of it. Another key to using the device as best as possible is to keep your eyes open. While you may think that having your eyes open will cause you to suffer the effects, it will ensure that you are firing on the correct target.

Additionally, whether you're out and about or at home, you want to keep it in an easy-to-reach location so that it can be used quickly and effectively if you ever have to.  

Oregon woman attacked in afternoon home invasion

Police in Keizer, Oregon, are searching for a man in connection with a home invasion that left a woman injured. Investigators say the situation could have been much worse, but the victim was able to fight off her attacker, Fox affiliate KPTV reports.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. when the 27-year-old homeowners answered a knock at the door a man immediately forced his away inside. Police say the man tried to strangle the victim, but she was able to escape his grasp and he fled the scene. The attack is shocking given the usually quiet nature of the neighborhood.

“I mean this is a quiet neighborhood,” neighbor Karen Drew told the news source. “It’s really quiet around here and to have that happen it’s just really scary.”

Anybody looking to boost their home safety may want to take several proactive steps. Solid core doors and heavy duty locks are a good start, and buying pepper spray is a good idea as well. The device can cause temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing, preventing a homeowner from becoming a victim.

Personal safety film debuts in in Ohio

A short film highlighting the importance of personal safety recently debuted at Phoenix Theatre in Hillcrest, Ohio. The 20-minute movie, titled Heats Without Fear, featured testimony of real-life victims of violent crime urging audience members to be proactive in protecting themselves, Hillcrest Patch reports.

Among the people who shared their stories was a woman who was abducted in a parking lot, but managed to escape when she took over the van she was being transported in. Another individual spoke about how it was her quick thinking that led her to avoid being the victim of a similar crime, as she identified a suspicious individual in a store quickly but managed to avoid his pursuit in the parking lot.

"There is no easy answer," personal safety experts Pat Malone told the news source. "It's all about keeping the problem at long range. Trust your instincts."

Individuals looking for an additional way to boost their personal safety may want to buy pepper spray. Experts suggest carrying the device in an easy-to-reach location, such as a keychain, so it can be grabbed quickly if need be.  

Canine attack cause for a refresher in dog safety

While many people may not think much about being the victim of a dog attack, statistics have shown that they are on the rise. According to a recent study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, there was been a steady rise in the amount of hospitalizations due to dog bites from 1993 to 2008, with about 866 people heading to the emergency room each day in 2008. With the jump in canine-related incidents, it would behoove people to be as prepared as possible in the event of such an attack.

A Cottonwood, California, woman recently fell victim to a dog attack, having to receive treatment from the hospital at least twice for her bite wounds. Sarah McClain was waiting for her daughter at the bus stop when she was approached by a pit bull, ABC affiliate KRCR reports.

She was waiting with her younger daughter, and it took her a while for her to realize what was happening. Although she suffered the brunt of the attack, including gashes to her arms and shin, she kept her child safe.

"I thought at first I was too close to the yard and that he could reach me with his chains so I pushed out into the street and pushed the baby stroller north as far as I could," she told the news source. "I started maneuvering myself south across the street when I realized he was actually attacking me."

In light of the recent attack, many local residents have decided to refresh their memories when it comes to how to stay safe in the event of a similar incident. Although the natural instinct may be to run away when approached by an unfamiliar dog, experts recommend doing the exact opposite. Standing as still as possible with your hands at your side is the best route to take. Similarly, if you happen to get knocked down by a dog, curl up and protect your neck and face.

"The dog will respond a lot to that and how intense the dog gets depends on how intense the person is reacting," local Humane Society captain LeeAnne Smith told the news source.

One of the most vulnerable groups for being attacked by aggressive animals are joggers. Running through a neighborhood or a park can put them in contact with a number of dogs, and they should take special care to maintain their personal safety. Experts say there are a few warning signs you can spot to take action as quickly as possible.


First and foremost, look at the level of their head. If they're holding their head high, chances are low that it will turn aggressive and bite you. However, if it's low it might be more apt to attack. Additionally, how it's walking can indicate aggressiveness as well, as a steady gait might be a sign of a trouble. As a final point, try to steer clear of any dogs that are chained up or on a rope, as they tend to be more aggressive than pets who get to roam freely.

Individuals looking for an especially effective way to stay safe may want to buy pepper spray to carry with them. The device can make it difficult for an animal to see and breathe, preventing them from inflicting any harm on you. Additionally, it can be used from up to 10 feet away so you don't have to get too close to the dog in question. However, be sure to practice with the pepper spray beforehand so that if it ever needs to be used, it is done so correctly.  

Heroic bus driver keeps students safe during dog attack

An aggressive dog recently ran on to a school bus full of children near Washington, D.C., and witnesses say that the quick thinking of the bus driver saved many more youngsters from injury. Although four kids were bitten, none were seriously injured thanks to the heroics of Barry Jones, NBC Washington reports.

The American bulldog followed several students on to the bus and was immediately attempting to bite anyone in its path. Jones went to the back of the bus with all the children, and punched and kicked the dog to keep it at bay until authorities arrived on the scene and eventually shot the dog.

“When they’re on my bus I kind of feel like I’m their father for that time that they’re on my bus and they’re in my hands and I have to keep them from getting hurt in any way that I can,” Jones told the news source.

Anyone looking for an effective animal repellent may want to buy pepper spray. Since it can be used as far away as 10 feet, the device is especially effective at staying safe in the event of a dog attack.

Woman attacked while delivering pizza

Police in Freeport, Illinois, are investigating a late night attack on a woman delivering a pizza. Although the victim did not have to be taken to the hospital, she suffered some bruising and swelling as a result of the assault, The Journal-Standard reports.

The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. when the 23-year-old victim was delivering a pizza to a residence. As she approached her destination, police say a man came up from behind her and demanded that she turn over money. When she refused he attempted to reach into her pockets and take it himself.

According to the news source, after he tried to each in her pockets, the victim screamed and yelled for help, causing the attacker to strike her in the face and flee the scene.

Whether one is a late night pizza deliverer or just looking for an effective way to boost their personal safety, pepper spray may be the most effective choice. This discreet tool will temporarily disable an attacker by making it difficult for them to see and breathe, and allow an individual to get to safety.

Australian man shares harrowing dog attack account

A man from Bayview, Australia, was recently attacked by a dog while walking his own and was eager to share his plight to raise awareness of dog attacks. Peter Chillman suffered deep puncture wounds to his thigh in the morning incident, ABC News reports, and hopes his story prevents similar attacks from happening.

Chillman was out walking his small dog around 7 a.m. when the attack occurred. By his account, the canine was initially interested in his pet but quickly turned its attention toward him. Thanks to some quick thinking from a bystander, he was able to subdue the aggressive animal.

"I managed to get the dog by the throat and it didn't let go but I just hung on the dog's back because there were school kids around and a guy came out of one of the units with a rope and managed to put it around its neck and tie it to a tree but it was pretty agitated," Chillman told the news source.

Anyone looking to protect themselves from being attacked by an aggressive canine may want to consider buying pepper spray. When discharged into the face of an animal, it will make it difficult for them to see and breathe. 

Canadian woman able to fight off attacker

A 21-year-old woman was attacked in Citadel Hill, Canada, recently, narrowly escaping serious injury. According to The Chronicle Herald, the victim was able to fight off the assailant, and the incident shines a spotlight on the importance of personal safety.

Police say the victim was walking home from a party around 2 a.m. when the suspect approached her. At first he walked alongside her, but when they reached the local high school, he attempted to get her to walk up a nearby hill, and when she refused he knocked her down and dragged her.

According to the news source, while she was being pulled by her hair, the victim managed to fight back and eventually break free and get to safety. Investigators are searching for a white male in his 40s with short gray hair they believe to be responsible.

Individuals looking for an effective way to boot their personal safety may want to buy pepper spray. When discharged into the face of an assailant, the device causes temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing, allowing a potential victim to avoid injury. 

Texas community leader attacked in home invasion

A well-known community leader was attacked during an intrusion into his South Houston, Texas, home recently, raising concerns about the prospect of crime in the city. Police have stepped up their patrols in the area in the hopes of reducing the risk of another citizen suffering a similar fate, ABC affiliate KTRK reports.

The 79-year-old victim is a Korean War veteran who has been extremely active in the both South Houston and military communities. Investigators believe that Charles Turner entered the victim's home and beat him before rummaging through his residence, stealing several weapons in the process. The incident has caused many nearby residents to be weary about their personal safety.

"The whole neighborhood is just in shock, and I won't open my door to anybody now," neighbor Marie Lacy told the news source.

In addition to taking several steps such as installing heavy duty locks and solid core doors, individuals may also want to buy pepper spray to boost their home safety. The useful device can make it difficult for an intruder to see and breathe, and is an excellent last line of defense.

English woman attacked on her doorstep

A woman from Surrey, England, was attacked at her doorstep by a burglar and sustained several injuries including a knife wound. Police say the 69-year-old victim had just returned to her residence around 6 p.m. when the incident occurred, BBC News reports.

The incident began when the victim opened the door and was immediately pushed backward into her home. In the process, the assailant also slashed her across the arm and inflicted a puncture wound to her stomach. The robber then took her handbag and fled the scene.

According to the news source, police were able to find the bag, but determined that the assailant had stolen about $50 from it. This case highlights the importance of home safety and taking appropriate steps to protecting oneself - even in ones own house.

Those looking to boost their personal safety may want to buy pepper spray. When discharged into the face of an attacker, this compact device will cause temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing. While the potential assailant is incapacitated, it will allow victim to avoid harm and get to safety.

Security guard uses pepper spray to turn back burglars

Two burglars attempted to rob what they thought was an empty house in Lehigh Acres, Florida, but were met with a rude welcome. The previous homeowners had hired Chris Atchley, an armed guard, to watch over the place while it was for sale, a decision which turned out to be a smart one, ABC affiliate WZVN reports.

The move to hire Atchley was made after burglars kept stealing from other homes up for sale by a local realtor. They apparently had enough, and having Atchley there, equipped with everything from pepper spray to a handgun, quickly turned back the would-be robbers.

"I turned the flashlight on their eyes so they couldn't see me. I yelled 'security' and at that exact same time - I pepper sprayed them," Atchley told the new source. "There was no talking. I just flat out sprayed."

While not all homeowners can be lucky enough to have their own personal security guard, pepper spray is a great way to boost home safety. When discharged into the face of an attacker, it can cause temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing.

Connecticut college student attacked in dorm

A college student from Southern Connecticut State University was attacked inside her dorm recently, prompting school officials to issue a campus wide alert. Police are investigating the early-morning incident which has led some student to take extra precaution, ABC affiliate WTNH reports.

The assault occurred around 4:30 a.m., and police have indicated they arrested two people in connection with the crime. However, not many details were divulged several days after the attack. Still, some students believe that if they take the right steps, personal safety will not be an issue for them.

"I mean, I've walked back from classes. I've walked all over. Down to the gas stations ... nothing ever happened. I mean they have the blue things [emergency alerts] everywhere, so it's pretty safe," student Lindsey Phillips told the news source.

Anybody looking for an additional layer of personal or home safety may want to buy pepper spray. When used correctly, the device can cause temporary blindness in an assailant and allow a victim to escape harm. 

USPS reveals worst dog bite cities for 2010

Mail carriers looking to avoid dangerous encounters from dogs may want to take heed of the latest announcement from the United States Postal Service (USPS). The organization revealed its list of top dog attack cities, and Houston, Texas, was on top with a whopping 62 letter carriers attacked throughout 2010.

The announcement comes before Dog Bite Awareness Week, which is slated for May 15 through 21. According to the USPS, injuries from dog bites cost the organization more than $1.2 million last year, and dog attacks accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims last year.

Behind Houston, was was San Diego and Columbus, Ohio, both of which had 45 bites each. Los Angeles was in third with 44, and Louisville, Kentucky and San Antonio, Texas rounded out the top five.

Of course, postal workers aren't the only ones threatened by aggressive canines. Runners, walkers or anybody else looking to protect themselves from dog bites may want to buy pepper spray. When discharged in the face of an animal, the device can make it difficult for them to see and breathe. 

Oregon jogger shaken by morning assault

A woman from Sherwood, Oregon, was attacked by a hooded man recently while she was out for a jog. NBC affiliate KGW reports that the mid-morning assault left the victim unharmed but shaken up and shines a spotlight on the need for personal safety while running.

The incident took place around 10 a.m. while the victim was running on the street. The suspect came up from behind her and grabbed her, before fleeing in the opposite direction. Afterward she ran to the nearest house and called 911, and according to the victim she may change her running habits due to the encounter.

"I'm definitely going to learn from this experience," she told the news source.

Runners looking to boot their personal safety while out for a jog should start by removing any distractions, like headphones, especially if they're running alone. Joggers may also want to buy pepper spray to give them a safety boost while outside. Experts suggest keeping it in an easy-to-reach location so that it can be grabbed quickly and discharged if the need arises.

Ohio woman attacked in fast food drive through

A Norwood, Ohio, woman was assaulted recently while she waited in line at a McDonald's drive through. The victim was punched several times in the face, but police were able to arrest the perpetrator soon after the incident, The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Police say that the man, 38-year-old Timothy Glanton, jumped into the victims car and grabbed her cell phone. During the assault he demanded that she drive away, but his plans were thwarted when she made a commotion and another customer drove up to the drive through.

According to the news source, a witness saw Glanton run off from the scene and pursued him until she lost contact. She called authorities shortly thereafter and they were able to find him lying in some bushes nearby.

Individuals looking to protect themselves from becoming the victim of a similar assault may want to buy pepper spray. The personal safety device makes it difficult for a potential attacker to see and breathe and allows a victim to get to safety.  

Police release sketch of suspect in robbery case

Investigators in Boulder, Colorado, have released a sketch of a man they believe is responsible for a late night attack in the college town. The 22-year-old victim was knocked unconscious in the assault but escaped serious injury, FOX affiliate KDVR reports.

According to police, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. while the victim was leaving a local bar. She was walking home alone when the suspect came up from behind her and demanded money, which she handed over. Despite getting the cash, the attack didn't end there.

"The victim claims that she gave the suspect money from her purse, and that he then hit her in the face with a rock," police spokeswoman Kim Kobel told the news source. "The blow knocked her unconscious and she woke up near the creek, where she hid. She called friends who then contacted police."

Individuals looking to protect themselves in the event of a similar incident may want to buy pepper spray. When used correctly, the device causes temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing, allowing a potential victim to get to safety. 

Homeowner prevents burglary with pepper spray

A homeowner in Omaha, Nebraska, thwarted a potential robbery attempt thanks to some quick thinking and putting a premium on home safety. The suspected burglar was met with a face full of pepper spray upon entering the residence, CBS affiliate KMTV reports.

Police say that the alleged burglar broke the house's window and attempted to climb in. Shortly after making his way into the residence, he was met with a blast of the irritant and had to receive medical treatment.

According to the news source, the 28-year-old suspect is considered to be a floater since he does not have a permanent address. He was arrested although it was not disclosed if he was charged with burglary or attempted burglary.

As this incident shows, pepper spray can be a useful tool for not only safety outside of the house, but inside as well. Experts recommend practicing with the device ahead of time to ensure that if it ever has to be used it is done so correctly.  

Masked man attacks jogger in Canada

Police in Nanaimo, British Columbia, are searching for a suspect after a bizarre attack on a jogger. Authorities say a naked man wearing a gorilla mask grabbed and then followed a runner until she was able to find a phone, CBC News reports.

The incident occurred in the afternoon while the victim was going for a run around a local lake. The suspect allegedly approached her from behind and grabbed her, but she was able to fight him off and call police. Although police say attacks such as this are rare, they still stress the importance of personal safety when going for a run.

"Run with a friend and be completely aware of your surroundings. It is quite a public trail. Take action that is appropriate and let us know. Call the police as soon as it happens," officer Sarah Mattes told the news source.

In addition to taking steps to boost one's safety, runners may also want to buy pepper spray. This small device can cause temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing in a potential assailant, allowing a victim to get to safety. 

Two home invasions in one night spur investigation

A pair of home invasions has police in Port Huron, Michigan, believing the incidents may be connected. The [robberies] occurred within a half hour of each other and highlight the importance of following home safety protocol, The Times Herald reports.

The first intrusion happened around 9:55 p.m., when a man reported getting home and finding his front door open. When he investigated the matter further he found two suspects attempting to steal a video game system. According to the news source, they tried to flee and although the homeowner tackled one they both made their escape.

The second incident took place around 10:25 p.m., when a woman reported seeing three men attempting to break into a house she was babysitting at through the roof.

Along with taking concrete steps to reduce the chances of being the victim of a home invasion, from installing solid core doors to heavy duty locks, individuals may also want to buy pepper spray. When discharged in the face of an intruder, pepper spray can cause temporary blindness and difficulty seeing. 

New Mexico boy speaks about dog attack

An 11-year-old boy from Albuquerque, New Mexico, who survived a vicious pit bull attack recently spoke about the ordeal, painting an intense struggle that left him seriously injured. The incident has led to a call from the boy's father for the dog to be put down lest anyone else suffer a similar fate, ABC affiliate KOAT reports.

The attack occurred inside a neighbors house when the boy, Cosmos Skelton, inside the pet owners house. Police say there is not much they can do because of where the incident took place, but the gruesome injuries he suffered make his father think otherwise. However, despite his injures, Cosmos still considers himself lucky.

"They said if it had gone farther on this [wound], it could have been bleeding and I could have possibly died," he told the news source.

Pepper spray has proven to be an effective dog repellent. Since it can be used at a distance of up to 10 feet away, the device is ideal for everyone from joggers to mail carriers who are concerned about running into an aggressive canine.
 

New York man sentenced for brutal assault

A man from Long Island was sentenced to 18 years recently for an attack on an Auburn, New York, woman that left her seriously injured. Christopher Tessitore was convicted of attacking the woman, whom he had never met before, in an incident earlier this year, YNN Central New York reports.

Police say the assault was caused by an argument between the two. According to the news source, the victim began yelling at Tessitore for his former drug use, at which point he turned on her and repeatedly stabbed her. The victim was nearly decapitated from the wounds and suffered long-lasting damage to her face and neck. Tessitore was apparently not remorseful, but that likely did not factor into his sentence.

"It frankly mattered a little bit, but no apology could ever account for the acts for which he performed," assistant district attorney Rome Canzano told the news provider.

To prevent becoming the victim of a similar violent attack, individuals may want to carry pepper spray to stay safe. When used correctly, this device can cause temporary blindness and difficulty breathing in an assailant, allowing a potential victim to avoid injury.

Ohio home invasion launches search for suspects

A home invasion in Chillicothe, Ohio, has police searching for the two men they believe to be responsible. The incident has the neighborhood on edge and left a woman and her young son injured in the attack, the Chillicothe Gazette reports.

The break-in occurred around 9:50 p.m. when the pair of men forcefully entered the victim’s house. According to police, they entered through the back door and one of the men hit her in the face. The news source reports that when her five-year-old son approached one of the men shoved him to the ground, injuring his knee and face in the process. They took some electronics including a Nintendo Wii and a laptop before leaving.

There are a number of ways to boost home safety to avoid becoming the victim of a similar incident. For starters, installing solid locks in both the front and back and prevent such an intrusion, and solid core doors can go a long way as well.

Protecting oneself in the event of a break-in is important as well. Pepper spray is an effective way to turn back an attacker, but experts recommend practicing with the device to ensure it is used properly.
 

Woman recalls dog attack

A woman from Dorset, England, is still mentally and physically recovering after a pit bull attacked her and her pet. Susan Laidlow, 53, was walking her seven-month-old dog when she passed by another woman who had two canines of her own in tow, the Dorset Echo reports.

The walk began just like any other, but once she approached the other woman with a pit bull it quickly began the attack. Thanks to the quick-thinking action of three bystanders, the canine was pulled off the woman and the attack was stopped, but not before Laidlow suffered substantial scratches and bruising.

"It was running towards us really fast, showing its teeth, it was a really powerful dog," she told the news source."Within an instant it grabbed Sky and jumped on top of her. It went on for what seemed like hours."

Those looking to protect themselves and also boost pet safety may want to buy pepper spray. When discharged into the face of an attacking dog, it can make it difficult for them to see and breathe. 

Illinois police investigating fifth robbery in a month

Police in Oak Park, Illinois, are looking for a man they believe to be responsible for a series of attacks on women in the Chicago suburb. The most recent incident is the fifth in just over a month and has residents on edge as investigators search for answers, WGN News reports.

The suspect targets women who are walking alone at night, and according to police, all of the incidents have been similar. The man allegedly approaches the victims from behind, chokes them and steals their purse and other belongings. The most recent robbery occurred around 8 p.m. and followed a similar timeline.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in 2009 the rate of robbery was about 2.1 per 1000 adults over age of 12. Though the rate has been on the decline over the last several years, taking personal safety measures is still a good idea.

One of the most effective ways to boost one's safety is to buy pepper spray. When aimed in the face of an attacker, the device can cause temporary blindness and shallow breathing, which may allow a potential victim to get to safety.