It seems that personal safety is becoming an issue that people are taking more interest in. We see news reports of assaults and home invasions, is it any wonder that people want to protect themselves.

It used to be that more invasions of personal safety occurred in questionable areas – dark or poorly lit roadways and parks, locations with questionable activity, etc. But today we see more instances of assaults happening on college campuses, parking lots, popular jogging trails, and other highly visited areas.

We should all remember to be aware and use caution when we go out, but sometimes even in seemingly safe areas a dangerous situation can occur. So here is a list of some personal security products you can carry to help keep you safe.

Pepper Spray. This is a common item that many people, especially women carry with them. The purpose of pepper spray is to give you a chance to escape from your assailant. When sprayed into the face of the assailant it temporarily blinds them and causes intense pain. This gives you a chance to run for help. Pepper spray is also effective against vicious dogs you may encounter on a walk or run.

Batons. A baton can be carried for personal security or to ward off dogs and other animals. Batons are routinely carried by law enforcement personnel but are becoming more common for personal use. You can find collapsible batons that are small enough to fit in a purse or pocket.

Taser or Stun gun. Although this seems a bit extreme, tasers and stun guns are becoming more popular for personal security. The purpose of a stun gun is to temporarily disable an assailant so the victim can escape. They work by delivering an electrical charge that can create temporary paralysis, intense pain and muscle spasms. The most effective body areas to deliver a charge from a stun gun are the upper shoulder, upper hip, and below the rib cage. Tasers and stun guns are controversial because of the dangerous nature and deaths that have occurred, however the deaths have been connected to use by law enforcement personnel.

Personal Alarms. A personal alarm is a small device that emits a loud alarm when the button is pressed. This can be a great yet simple way to deter an assailant. Someone who is committing a crime will not want anything to draw attention to them like the loud alarm.

Cell phone. While not what you would really consider a personal security deterrent, a cell phone can bring you peace of mind. Not only can you contact emergency services if there is a problem – you can contact someone you know if you have car trouble, etc.

It is sad that the world we live in can be so frightening, but it is comforting to know that we can protect ourselves. These products can go a long way to providing personal security and peace of mind.