How Does Pepper Spray Work? Is it Really Safe?

Pepper sprays are usually filled with capsaicin, which is a type of inflammatory that causes the target to immediately close his or her eyes, as well as experience difficulty in breathing, a runny nose and an involuntary cough. Usually these effects last around half an hour to 45 minutes; however, some minor effects last for a few hours. A scholarly journal states that a single exposure to the chemicals in pepper spray is harmless, but long-term exposure may lead to eye sensitivity.

There have been some cases of extreme reaction to pepper sprays. For instance, some targets have reported temporary blindness, burning sensation on the skin that lasts for up to an hour and upper body spasms that make it difficult for the victim to breath or speak for up to 15 minutes. People with asthma or other breathing disorders should be very wary of inhaling pepper spray.

What should I do if I accidentally inhale the pepper spray chemicals myself?
Every once in a while, a pepper spray carrier may accidentally be sprayed with the capsaicin—or the would-be attacker may somehow wrestle the pepper spray away. In these instances, once you are safe, try one of the following means of relieving the spray’s effects:
• Blink vigorously to encourage tears, which help to flush out the irritant
• Wash off the chemicals using soap, dish washing detergent or shampoo
• Get necessary skin cooling using ice, cold water or a fan
• Avoid rubbing the spray into the skin on other parts of the body that are unexposed
• Avoid using creams, which can trap the capsaicin to the skin
• Use a 1:1 mixture of water and Maalox in an eyedropper to neutralize the pepper spray

Promark Safety is ready to help you choose a pepper spray dispenser, personal alarm or any other personal security product that is necessary to keep you or a loved one safe. We can discuss the hazards of any of our products and will be happy to direct you to a product that is right for you. Visit us today at www.promarksafety.com.

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Should Your College Co-Ed Carry Pepper Spray?

Anxious parents sending their college-age children to school are often concerned about safety, particularly if their kids will be headed to an urban campus. Lectures about never walking alone and keeping a cell phone handy are great; but what about those times when your child unexpectedly finds themselves in a potentially dangerous situation? For some parents, a simple personal security device such as a pepper spray can provide peace of mind during the time their children are away at school.

How safe are pepper sprays?
Not all pepper sprays are exactly benign, as there is great variety in the chemical properties and propellant functions. Some sprays are relatively safe, while others are environmentally hazardous and actually too toxic to spray directly into the face. It is important to find out if the chemicals contained in the pepper spray include Methylene Chloride or HCFC, as both of these chemicals are considered hazardous by many manufacturers. Since you can never guarantee that the spray will not be eventually used against your child, it is better to play it safe with the chemicals. No fatalities have ever been associated with the use of pepper spray, however. The most common complaint is that the pepper spray causes some temporary eye irritation.

Are pepper sprays effective?
In a word, yes. The goal of any personal security product is to make the would-be attacker disoriented for long enough for you to run; and pepper sprays do just that. A quality pepper sprayer will force the intruder to tend to his or her burning eyes, leaving you the opening you need to quickly find a safer, more public area.

So, before you send your loved ones on their way into the wide, wide world of college, provide them with a personal security product that is effective, but safe. Pepper sprays are a great choice for college co-eds, and you can find a good selection of these and other security products from Promark Safety. We provide our clients with house and personal alarms, pool alarms, motion detectors and other security products that make modern life just a bit safer. Visit us today at www.promarksafety.com.

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Personal Safety Items for Every Age

From a young school-aged child to an older adult, we all want to feel a bit safer as we go about our activities in this world. Did you know that there are personal security products appropriate for people of all ages? Regardless of your size or dexterity, there are some very feasible options for you to consider for yourself or a loved one:

• Young children: Of course, parents do not want to give their children devices that may end up being more dangerous than they are useful; which is why there are some wonderful products on the market that are safe for young children to carry. Personal alarms are a great choice for young children, and they come in many different sizes and with several optional features. An electronic pocket whistle is also a wise choice for convenience—just make sure that kids know to have these items handy whenever they are in areas that could possibly be dangerous.

• Teenagers: Adolescents and teens do not want any type of personal safety device that is going to draw unnecessary attention to them, which is why easy-to-conceal personal alarms are a smart choice. There are also pepper spray products that come in containers as diverse as rings or lipstick shapes.

• College Students and Adults: Once individuals are old enough to be responsible with such devices as mace sprayers, tasers and stun guns, there is an entire range of personal security products to consider. Many people are not comfortable handling firearms, but want the security of a stun gun—for these individuals there are some innovative options such as a stun gun in the shape of a cell phone or a model that includes a flashlight and personal alarm. Older adults often feel safer living and traveling alone with the knowledge that they have one of these security items readily available.

For help choosing a personal security item for yourself or a family member, contact the professionals at Promark Safety. We can help you choose a device that is as safe as you need it to be, yet as effective as you want it to be.

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Using a Taser for Personal Safety

Ever since that famous scene where the college student was tased at a John Kerry event (and subsequently yelled the now-infamous line, “Don’t tase me, Bro!”), many people are curious to find out if buying a taser is a wise move for their own personal safety. There are, indeed some great reasons to consider buying a taser.

For example, a taser is easy to carry and conceal, which means that you don’t have to advertise your security measures to the world. A taser is also relatively safer than a personal firearm, so you won’t have to petrified of accidentally setting it off yourself—or, even worse, experiencing someone else accidentally setting off the taser. Finally, this type of weapon does not usually cause death, which is ideal for the individual who wants to stay safe; but is not interested in taking someone else’s life.

So, there are some very real advantages for using a taser for personal security. But, what are some of the drawbacks? Perhaps the most important characteristic of a taser product is that the user does not recognize the very real power of this type of device because it seems so innocuous. Pay careful attention to the following information about these products:

• The typical taser device can produce a 50,000-volt electric shock. This is much greater than even the shock produced by an emergency room heart stimulator.
• A shock of less than a second can cause the victim severe pain and muscle contractions, which generally causes him or her to fall to the ground.
• Just a few seconds of shock can make the victim become dazed; more than three seconds usually causes prolonged disorientation.
• Extended or continuous exposure to the shock may lead to cumulative exhaustion, breathing impairment, and sometimes heart damage

To speak with a personal safety professional and find out if a taser device is appropriate for your personal safety, contact Promark Safety today.

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Methods of Improving your Personal Security: From Common Sense to Personal Alarms

Many of us are concerned about our personal safety, but are not entirely comfortable with the idea of owning a firearm. Women who leave work alone late at night, college students who walk across dark campuses and others commonly feel that twinge of concern as they make their way to their cars or homes. However, these same people may not want the responsibility of a dangerous weapon. Instead, they are looking for innovative ways to stay safe.

There are several ways to improve your personal security:
• Be aware of your surroundings. While it is unreasonable to try and stay constantly aware of the people around you, you certainly can make a mental note of anyone who looks suspicious. For example, take note of people who sit for long periods of time by themselves at parks, malls and other public areas—particularly if these people seem to be doing nothing other than watching those around them.

• Pay attention to your gut feelings. Never discount your own innate ability to simply “feel” when something isn’t right. Most people really do have a sixth sense about knowing when something is wrong; so don’t disregard your own feelings as paranoia. Of course, overreacting to the slightest threat isn’t reasonable, but some extra measures of personal security are warranted at times.

• Invest in a personal alarm. You can choose personal alarms that have features such as flashlights and mace sprayers, or you can carry a simple alarm that expresses a high pitched noise when pressed. Keep a personal alarm in your hand when you are crossing dark parking lots and other secluded areas and feel a bit more relaxed about your safety.

Promark Safety has a wide range of personal alarms and other safety devices such as pepper and mace sprayers, and even some easy-to-use stun guns. It takes some training and professional advice to choose the right personal security product for you, so contact our professional staff today.

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Affordable Home Security During Hard Economic Times

When times are tough, many families struggle to simply make ends meet; which means that things such as a home security system and other home protection products may become luxury items that they cannot afford. But did you know that protecting your family doesn’t have to be a financial burden for your family?

Technology advances in home security systems have made it easier than ever to find less expensive means of home protection. For example, motion alarms, magnetic window and door alarms and window breakage alarms provide a way for you to personally monitor who enters your property. These products are easily installed in your house, without the need for professional technician services. You’ll get proven home security at a fraction of the price it would cost to order monthly monitoring services from home security contractors. Plus—no more embarrassing phone calls to the home alarm company when you accidentally set off the alarm and forget your access code!

So, while hard economic times may be rough on your family and lend you to making some tough decisions about how you can spend your money, don’t worry that you won’t be able to keep your family safe. Relatively inexpensive home security and personal security products are available right now. Contact the security experts at Promark Safety for additional information!

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Is Your Pool Safe?

More than 900 children between 1 and 14 die each year in drowning accidents. In California, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children 1-4 years of age.

But, do you really need these statistics to convince you to do everything you can to prevent this from happening to your child or grandchild?

The Pool Alarm is an electronic monitoring system that automatically sounds an alarm when children or pets fall into your unsupervised pool. It’s portable, self-contained and light weight. The unit is simple to operate. Entry into the pool will be detected by the Pool Alarm’s electronic sensor, triggering a loud pulsating alarm at the unit and inside your house from the remote receiver.

The Pool Alarm installation is very easy. It sits on the pool deck as shown in picture.

After you install the POOL ALARM, it can’t be de-activated; it is always in the alarm ready mode until you put it in Sleep Mode.

If someone who does not know how to put the POOL ALARM in sleep mode attempts to remove the alarm, it will sound an alarm.

The Pool Alarm comes with a remote receiver which can be mounted in your home up to 200 feet from the main unit. It comes with a 12 volt power supply.

The Pool Alarm uses one a 9-volt battery (not included) which should last approximately one year.

There is a audible low battery indicator which will sound at the poolside alarm and the remote receiver.

Go to: http://www.promarksafety.com/poolalarm.htm

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