In the news!

Over the last few months I have done over 50 radio or TV news shows. It has been a blast! I have found that viewers and listeners alike are truly serious about their safety and security. I hope that opportunities to reach out to you will continue. I would like to "thank" all of the stations - and will do so personally over the next few weeks; however, here's a start of my personal thanks!!!

• Fox News (Tennessee)


• KOLD News (California)


• NBC - 5 (Oregon)


• CBS - 10 (Florida)


• ABC (South Carolina)


• WMCTV -5 (Tennessee)


• KOMO (Washington)


• WCMY (Virginia)


• Fox Sports Radio


• The Man Cow Show

I would also like to thank all the people that have contacted me about The Lock Jaw (http://www.lockjawsecurity.com/) and Door Jamb Armor (http://www.drarmor.com/). I knew you would like the product! :) Truly these are great products that - in reality - don't have any competition but these companies have not taken advantage of this, much less fears, and tried to capitalize by artificially inflating their prices. In fact, because of the demands for their products have actually lowered their prices! How's that for innovation and keeping priorities right?!

If any of you hear of products that you would like me to consider and put through

Home Security and "the Economy"

Many people ask me if crime really increases when the economy worsens. According to various statistics provided by the DOJ (Department of Justice) do not have strong indications that crime actually increases when the economy is poor. However, economics and statistics are not always subjects that provide us with any clarity. When I talk with crime prevention units and police departments across the country, most all of them indicate that they see an increase in crime in poor economic conditions. There is no difference between small towns and large cities. Personally, I believe the economic indicator related to increases in crime is not the stock market but rather 'unemployment.' People have strong survival skills whether it be in a life threatening situation or providing for themselves or their families. Sometimes 'good people' do 'bad things'.

In previous blogs I have shared with you ways to help protect yourself. There are both common sense things and practical, simple, effective devices and products that can help you "be safe". In the spirit of always wanting to provide you with news and solutions here's a quick recap of some of these devices:

1. Door Jamb Armor (http://www.djarmor.com/). This site provides great solutions and products that help prevent doors from being penetrated. I have personally installed and tested this product, and it stands up to the test. The company is owned by Alan Young. Read Alan's story on his website - security "experts" are not always your criminal justice degreed, ex-FBI guys. The best experts are the ones that have been victims and then step up with innovated solutions! It's affordable and easy to install. It took me about 1 1/2 hours to put it on my front door.




2. 2. The Lock Jaw (http://www.lockjawsecurity.com/). This site has a single product that has won awards and been featured by national media such as HGTV, Mr. Gadget and others. It has several features but most of the notoriety has been with its ability to prevent "lock bumping". The Lock Jaw (http://www.thelockjaw.com/) also prevents the actual key from working so it complies with 'privacy laws'. One of the things that I personally like is that it keeps my toddlers from unlocking the deadbolt and getting outside without our knowing. It costs $20 and takes about 3 minutes to install, or you can use double-stick tape (soooooo it's portable), which takes about 30 seconds to install. Brett Fulford serves as one of the managing partners and the company's CEO. His background also provides a ton of credibility to a great product!


3. WiLife. This is a bit on the high side when compared to 'Door Jamb Armor' and 'The Lock Jaw'. This product is very unique and high-tech but its very simple to install. The product is a camera system of which views can be watched from anywhere you have Internet access. There are so many applications to where this can be beneficial. (http://www.wilife.com/)

Take a look at these sites and feel free to share the websites or this blog with your friends and families. The economy will recover...this is America and we've always prevailed. However, in the mean time we need to be diligent and smart about our own safety and security.

Be Safe!

Safe Holidays

First, I want to wish each of you a safe and Happy Holiday season! And, in exercising my First Amendment right - I would like to say "Merry Christmas". I do not intend for this blog to be a political statement but rather my help in educating everyone about safety and more importantly "how" Safety 4 All can be secured. We live in a great country...USA...and we are all fortunate to have the blessings that this country affords us!

Safety during the holidays is extremely important. Statistically crime always rises during the holidays. The bad guy (i.e. thug) is always on the prow. Ruining our holiday is often times a M.O. for them. Here are some crimes that often occur during the holidays.

• Burglaries
• Home Invasions
• Carjacking
• Auto theft or breaking into cars
• Domestic Violence
• Assault

These six crimes represent six ways to have your holidays - and beyond - ruined. So the question is 'what you can do?'

• Keeping doors and windows locked. Put your lights on timers when you're not home. Keep your mouth shut regarding gifts that you have bought. Post burglary alarm signs...even if you don't have one. (Some 'bad guys' will see alarm systems as a challenge - but many will simply go on to another house.) If you're single, keep a pair of men's work boots and a large dog food bowl at the back door.
• Again, the same thing with the doors and windows. Beware of ways entry is made. One, never open the door without knowing 100% who's there. Install a peep hole, The Lock Jaw (http://www.lockjawsecurity.com/) and beef-up your door jam (http://www.armorconcepts.com/). These products will go along way to helping prevent home invasions.
• Never get out of your car if someone bumps. Try not to be alone but this is not always practical. If you are bumped, stay in your call and call the police from your cell phone. If you suspect that this is an attempted carjacking, lay on the horn and get some attention.
• Don't keep gifts in plain view. Keep gifts in your trunk or covered as much as possible. Obviously always be sure to lock your doors and check to make sure they're all closed. Don't keep cell phones, I Pods, radar detectors, or your GPS in view. These are small items that don't take but a second to grab and run. Within 5 seconds someone can break a window and grab one of these items - then split.
• Domestic violence. See my earlier post on domestic violence. Children of divorced parents can be pulled in two different directions. This can cause stress on the situation to the point of violence.
• Assaults can be curtailed by not being in compromising situations - travel in groups, don't be on the phone when going to your car, REMEMBER where your car is and get there and get in it...lock the doors right away. Let someone know when you're leaving and when you'll be home; and check in with them when you arrive to your final destination safely. If they haven't heard from you by x time - ask them to call and check on you.

Common sense, awareness and making the right choice to help keep yourself safe will help insure that you have the holiday season that you deserve.

Happy Holidays - Merry Christmas!

Be Safe...

Domestic Violence

Recently I was a guest on a radio show where we talked about domestic violence. What a horrific crime. Many times these can be some of the most violent of all crimes because they involved what's commonly referred to as "crimes of passion." We all remember the most notable of these crimes - not to mention anyone by name but it involved an ex-football player and his ex-wife. These crimes can happen many different ways. Sometimes the victim doesn't really feel threatened because they know the person very, very well. Domestic violence is highligh leverage by the two P's...Passion and Power. Many times - more times than not - its the male in the relationship that is committing the offense. They know that they are physically able to overpower their female (ex) counterpart. When the 2 P's meet; bad things happen. Domestic violence has many long-term negative effects - and these are more than just the physical injuries. Even more damaging is the mental and emotional injuries. If children are in the mix, the bar are raised even higher in terms of colladaral damages. People that commit domestic violence should be punished to the fullest extent of the law - just like any thug that commits a crime. Peace of mind is something that we all deserve; however, some are committed to assurring that we don't enjoy such peace. We have to make the right choice and be smart - a direct application of common sense, plus

Remember these basic safetu tips:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. If you feel that you're being stalked, tell the police AND your friends.
2. Try not to be alone in compromising situations or environments. Cary pepper spray and empty the can on the thug!
3. Change the locks to your house and your car. Use a good quality deadbolt lock. And, install a peep hole. If you see the thug or you can't see anyone don't open the door, PERIOD!
4. Change your telephone number to "unlisted" - also change your cell phone number. If the thug begins to harrass you by calling you, you can fuel his anger and passion by blowing him off or hanging up on him. You don't want to make the situation worse.
5. Beware that the thug may learn to bump your lock. Install a new product called The Lock Jaw (www.lockjawsecurity.com) or a door wedge / stop of some kind.
6. The thug may also try to kick your door down. Install another product called Door Jam Armor. This turns your door jam into a commercial grade-type jam and makes it impossible to kick-in. (www.djarmor.com)
7. LOCK your doors and windows...and keep them locked at ALL times. This is a simple tip but you would be surprised how many people think that 'it won't ever happen to them'.
8. Have a safe room. See other blogs of mine about how to construct and arm your safe room. You won't break the bank doing this. In fact, you probably already have most of the things you'll need.

These tips (and products) can help prevent home invasions that result in many times in domestic violence sitations. Make the right choice and...

Be Safe!

Campus / Dorm Security

A few months ago, college campus's began buzzing again. Freshman orientations (oh, how I remember them), RUSH, football games and fresh starts to finally get that GPA back-up to expectations all begin. It's an exciting time. However, its also an exciting time for the bad guy! Co-eds are particularly suspect. Often times ex's pose the greatest danger. Love triangles or the ability to move on is sometimes difficult to accept for broken hearted ex-boyfriends (or girlfriends for that matter). Although rare, its also possible that folks that have authentic keys to dorm rooms are not well intentioned. Even so, what if someone stole the keys of the RA??? Anything is possible and we have to prepare for probabilities. We all know what happened last year on the campus of Virginia Tech and other universities - and without question, 'copy cats' are always looking for some attention albeit positive or negative.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. If you have a late class make sure you walk in well lighted areas. Have some pepper spray on your key chain and your key chain in your hand. Don't be on your cell or I Pod - be focused on where you are and where you're going...PERIOD!
2. Call campus police if you sense some insecurities. Especially if you have an ex that's been stalking. Take immediate action in this situation.
3. Always lock you door while in your dorm room. Don't open it unless you "positively" know who is on the other side AND you totally trust this person.
4. Consider putting The Lock Jaw (www.lockjawsecurity.com) on your doors deadbolt lock. Maintenance will still be able to get in when you're not there - but you have both the right to privacy and safety when you're in your room.
5. Don't broadcast anything of significant value (e.g. jewelry) you may have. Obviously most everyone has a PC / laptop but 'cash and jewelry) are easy to grab and scat.

College life is a great life...it doesn't pay worth a crap but its a great time. Enjoy it and most of all...

Be Safe!

Seven Senior Safety Solutions

This blog article is especially for seniors for many reasons. One, seniors constitute a large portion of our total population. Two, my parents and in-laws are seniors. Three, seniors have been an inspiration to me my entire life. One of my best friends, literally, while growing up in Tennessee was a gentleman by the name of Mr. Naron. We did many things together...fish, play checkers, and best of all, spent hours and hours just sitting on his back patio talking. Mr. Naron was wise. He used to talk about only having a Locust Grove education (a small one room school) but he was a successful business man, well read and always had classical music on inside his house in the background. He was simply a great man!

Seniors are often the targets of crime for many reasons. You know these reasons but I think its worth mentioning that seniors are typically financially secure and are more easily overpowered. So, in honor to Mr. Naron and seniors everywhere, I want to share 'Seven Safety Solutions' that will help assure your peace of mind...after all you deserve it as much as anyone!

1. DO NOT hide keys. You've heard me say this before...and you'll hear me say it again and again. Anything "hidden" is meant to be "found."
2. Remember to lock doors and windows even when you're home.
3. Don't answer the door to someone you don't know, PERIOD!
4. Do not call the post office to "hold" your mail if you are going out of town. It's none of their business. Have a trusted neighbor collect your mail. Also, let your neighbor know how to get in touch with you while you are gone.
5. Let the police know that you'll be out of town. Most all PD's will be happy to drive by your house more frequently while you're gone.
6. Put door chains and flip guard locks in the garbage. They're worthless. Replace with products that actual prevent the door from opening such as The Lock Jaw (www.lockjawsecurity.com) or a door brace / stop. The Lock Jaw is very easy to install and seniors - even if they have moderate arthritis - can easily install the product. It costs $20.
7. Construct a safe room! Pick a central room that you can get to quickly in the event of an invasion. Replace this door with a solid door as most interior doors are hollow. This will cost about $100 plus $30 for a deadbolt. Put a cell phone in this room...even an old phone that no longer has service will still react to "911". Put a fire extinguisher in there. If the bad guy gets into your safe room, give him a blast and kick 'em where it counts...HARD! :)

Be safe!

Inexpensive and Effective Home Security Solutions

If you prevent the bad guy from coming into your home via the door, your chances of becoming a victim of a home invasion greatly decreases. A review of FBI statistics clearly reveal that entry via the door is a primary - and preferred - way to gain illegal entry into a home.

Here are two great products that I've recently put through their paces...

1. Door Jamb Armor - it turns your residential (wooden) door jam into a commercial grade-type jam. Easy installation...about an hour. For about $100 you won't have to be concerned with someone simply kicking your door in. If the cops need in...they'll use a battering ram. You can learn more about them by visiting their website... www.armorconcepts.com
2. Lock Jaw Security - it makes your deadbolt do what it was intended to do. Prevents lock bumping and unauthorized use of the actual key, bump key, etc. It also keeps toddlers from accidentally leaving your house. It can be installed with double-sided tape (so its portable). It only takes a couple of minutes to install permanently. Costs about $20. The website is... www.thelockjaw.com or www.lockjawsecurity.com

With these two products installed, you'll greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Give them a try; especially given the current economic state and the approaching holidays.

Be safe!

Latch key kids

This is a term used to describe children that are required to be at home alone until their parents return home from work. In today's economy many families require that both parents work outside the home in order to make ends meet. This is a common day fact of life. Too, many parents have professional careers and want to advance their careers with a productive family life. Regardless of the rationale, all of us are always concerned about keeping our families safe and secure while at home.

Once we leave our homes we constantly have to adjust to our environment and the safety concerns that are all around us; however, once we're home we should have the confidence that we're safe. This includes our children being safe once they're home - and before we get home.

When I was a single, I was a victim of a break-in. I know how threatened I felt - and quite honestly I'm glad I (or no one) was not home when the break-in occurred. On the other hand 'home invasions' occur when the occupants are home - and they occur at an alarming rate of one every sixty seconds!!! Latch kid kids, too, are obviously occupying the home and therefore are at certain risks.

There are many things that can be done to keep your children safe when they are at home. Thankfully!!! In fact, there are some inexpensive products - as well as common sense things - that we can all do to help assure our safety. I have reviewed many of these products, and while many of them are good at preventing certain safety concerns, many also hinder safety. For example, a double-cylinder deadbolt was developed in order to keep your door secure should someone break through any glass on or around the door and reach in and unlock your door. However, many times these deadbolts create a death trap! Think about it...the house catches on fire and you, obviously, need to escape quickly. Having to locate the key and insert it into the deadbolt can be nearly impossible.

One product that I really believe answers the mail is a product called The Lock Jaw (http://www.lockjawsecurity.com/). It keeps the deadbolt from unlocking even if someone is using the actual key but is not authorized to. For example, the maintenance guy, the landlord...anyone that may have the actual key - even a bump key, which is used to bump the lock; including the deadbolt. The device is clever and simple, and can be installed with double-stick tape, which is how I installed it to test it out! What a great product! (And, in case the house catches on fire, you're out in a matter of 2 seconds by a simple loosening of the locking pin.) Given that it can be installed with double-stick tape, you can take it with you when you travel and use it on your hotel room. So...your children can have the safety they deserve and the security that you want to provide them. The product is only $20!!! You can't take a family of four to McD's for $20. Don't let the price fool you. It's a high quality device (and was featured on HGTV!) but obviously the company is not trying to capitalize on fears and demand given the internet exposing of how-to make and conduct "lock bumping". I'm still doing some investigating and testing with The Lock Jaw and will report additional pros and cons as I complete it, but for now there doesn't seem to be many downfalls...all things considered.

Safety 4 All...

Be Safe,
The Safety Guy

Safety concerns and solutions

So many blogs do a good job educating people about safety concerns and hazards but rarely provided tangible solutions that don't involve breaking the bank. This blog will be different. Not only will you learn first-hand about "problems" but also "solutions" - of which will cost you little if any money!!!!

Everyone has heard of lock bumping but how many of you know that many of the things you do also aid the bad guy in getting into your home? Have you ever forgotten to lock your door or hid a key in case you locked yourself out? Here's a clue...don't hide a key. The bad guy will borrow it, make another one and return whenever they want. In order to remember to lock your door you only need a subliminal message to be sent to you. Many times this is accomplished by performing some task associated with the door locks. For example, if you installed the deadbolt yourself, you are not likely to forget locking your deadbolt. Now, most houses already have deadbolts, right? Well take a piece of masking tape, write on it "lock door" and place the piece of tape directly above the deadbolt. This type cognitive task associated with the doors lock can trigger your sublimanal state of mind, which occupies about 90% of your brain trust.

We'll talk about lock bumping and other solutions against home invasions soon.

You Can Be Safe...ucanbesafe

Stay tuned for news!