September is almost here and a lot of you will be packing your kids off to college, some for the first time. For college students, September is the most dangerous month of the school year. So much so, that it has earned the nickname “The Red Zone.” This is due to the fact that the combination of new people, parties, drugs and alcohol, along with the unfamiliarity of new surroundings can become quite volatile. A high percentage of campus crimes are drug or alcohol related. Campus safety is an issue in which parents and students alike need to be involved. There are a couple of things you and your student need to do. First is to educate yourself.

There is an organization called Security on Campus which has a wealth of information on campus safety and resources to find crime statistics for a specific campus. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting campus crime victims and the prevention of criminal campus violence. They can go along way toward learning what has been done and what needs to be done concerning campus safety. Learn what you can do to keep yourself safe and out of dangerous situations. Crime statistics and safety information are available for your campus. Use it! This brings me to the second thing you can do, be proactive!

I can’t understand why, after spending a sizable sum of money on your child’s college expenses, you wouldn’t spend a few more dollars to equip your student with the tools to keep him or her safe. You can’t rely entirely on someone else to do that. Having a personal alarm or whistle, pepper spray or small stun gun for personal protection is never a bad idea. Even something such as a door alarm or door brace for the dorm or apartment. These are all small, inexpensive items which could help protect your student when things don’t go exactly as planned. As always, I would urge you to get something you are comfortable with, learn its limitations and learn how to use it properly.

Have a safe and memorable year!

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For links to Safety on Campus or to learn more about personal safety products, visit Greywolf Security.

Roy Cox is the owner of Greywolf Security and we carry an extensive line of personal protection and camera surveillance products. Visit us at http://www.greywolf-security.com to learn how we can make you and your family a little safer. Sign up for our newsletter and receive a coupon code giving you 15% off your next purchase.

Ever since the classroom held more than ten students and text books were allowed to go home with the student the era of the backpack was born. In the beginning it was a simple pouch or perhaps a basket that could hold the books and a bite of lunch. Then the birth of the book bag started in the fifties with a Scottish plaid look and the capability to hold your books, pencils, crayons and lunch. The lunch pail was born and the backpack went to the over the shoulder carrier.

The student from age five to college age all had to have a backpack for everything from soup to nuts. The backpack companies started inventing backpacks out of all sorts of materials. Backpacks were made from plastics, materials, cloth, blue jean style, fancy leather, psycdellic, and many other formats. The back pack was made for the mod student, the hippie, the sophisticated, the glamour girl and for the average just let me study student. The idea behind the backpack gave birth to a new piece of equipment that both male and female could carry and feel comfortable. The necessity of carrying all your school supplies, sporting equipment, and other essentials gave birth to backpack mania. Everybody needs a backpack.

The backpack grew from the school age child to the college student and now even busy executives carry a backpack as they travel. It seems this is needed in order to carry the notebook for many people in business. Today there are millions of people all over the world of many different ages that carry around a backpack. It seems that the backpack mania caught on and is here to stay.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Tessin

While out on a date

The unfortunate statistic is that 90 percent of rapes occur between people who already knew each other and that approximately half of rapes happen on dates. This is commonly known as “date rape” or “acquaintance rape.”

While sexual assault and rape by an attacker is never the victim’s fault, there are a few things women can bear in mind:

Take your time in getting to know your companion or “date.” Don’t spend time alone with someone who makes her feel uneasy or uncomfortable. This means following your instincts and removing herself from situations that you don’t feel good about.

Stay with a group of people. Avoid risky areas, such as deserted areas.

Avoid excessive alcohol. According to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, more than 70,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 have been victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

Be alert for possible use of “date rape drugs” such as Rohypnol, which is illegal in the United States. Someone can slip it into a drink. It causes drowsiness, a loss of coordination, dizziness and memory loss. Never take drinks from other people and don’t leave your drink unattended.

Tell someone you trust your date’s name, destination and planned time of return.

Take money for a phone call and taxi fare with you.

More campus safety tips: While walking around campus

Survey the campus after dark to see that buildings, walkways, quadrangles and parking lots are adequately secured, lighted and patrolled.

Avoid walking alone if possible.

Walk with an air of confidence and stay alert.

Walk in lighted areas.

Keep your hand free, not overloaded.

Have your keys ready.

If you are being followed: cross the street, scream, run to an occupied residence or store, or flag down a car.

At dorm rooms

Doors and windows to your residence hall should be equipped with quality locks. Room doors should have peepholes and deadbolts.

Do not loan out your key. Never compromise your safety for a roommate or friend who wants the door left unlocked. Replace locks when a key is lost or stolen.

Use caution admitting strangers.

Have good lighting around entrances.

If you are a woman and live alone or with other women, use only your first initials on your mailbox and, when possible, in phone directories.

Report suspicious activity to campus police—or to the police if you live off-campus.

While in your car

Keep windows up and doors locked.

Park in well-lighted areas and travel on populated, well-lighted streets.

Never pick up hitchhikers.

If you have car trouble, signal for help by raising the hood or tying a white handkerchief to the door handle.

Preparation and awareness are the keys to safety in any situation. Non-lethal self defense and personal protection devices are proven to deter most attackers. Consider carrying self defense devices such as pepper sprays, stun guns, or personal alarms. Learn the correct way to use these types of devices and be committed to using them should a dangerous situation occur. A variety of products are available to meet the needs of most everyone. Through preparation and awareness you will enjoy increased “peace of mind” and confidence knowing you are protected!.

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Bryan Buckner owner of Guardian Self Defense & Security Products. Specializing in non-lethal self defense and surveillance products. Providing expert self defense, personal protection, and home security solutions, through consultation and product sales. We offer self defense and security solutions that are tailored to each individual customer. For more information please browse our self defense superstore http://www.guardian-self-defense.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Buckner

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