Business, economic development - the unofficial Chamber of Commerce

Make sure that malware doesn’t take over your computer. Most computers are not protected and are at risk everyday. Issues happen when people go online and are attacked by malware and have no idea how to protect themselves. This task finds an easy solution in special keylogger software.

Keyloggers, as it is clear from the name of the program, log keystrokes –but that’s not all. They capture everything the user is doing — keystrokes, mouse clicks, files opened and closed, sites visited. A little more sophisticated programs of this kind also capture text from windows and make screenshots (record everything displayed on the screen) - so the information is captured even if the user doesn’t type anything, just opens the views the file. When unsuspecting users visit malicious sites, various nasty applications are downloaded and executed on their computers. Unfortunately, more and more often these applications contain keyloggers–software programs for intercepting data. Data loggers, key loggers are just a few programs which harvest info from your computer. Winclear is the only program created specially to auto remove such spywares. com/acct/login. That is why every computer owner needs winclear.

Protect With Winclear :How To See Internet History After Deleted
If your account was compromised while AccSent was enabled, there is a high probability that you either have a security hole in your computer, which allowed hackers to take control of your computer or you have a Trojan virus, spyware or keylogger software installed on your computer because someone not only had access to your e-gold passphrase, they also had access to your email address password. Winclear is the only software which is capable of removing keylogger programs. Stay aware and enjoy the details accessible through the WWW (World Wide Web). Winclear has been the industry leader in fighting keyloggers for the last 8 years.

Winclear:
Spyware Doctor is a multi-award winning spyware removal utility that is available for you both in free trial and paid version. That is the reason why you need Winclear installed onto your computer. Omitting the technical details each desktop computer nowadays should be protected by 3 crucial components making the core of integrated threat prevention. Protect your computer security by using Winclear! More about Winclear here: Computer Security.

Although the fake check scam is an old one and about 65% of the population are aware of it, scammers are constantly finding ways to improve their techniques and trap even the most computer/internet savvy of people.

So as technology progresses along, so does the online crime.

Heed my warnings to beware of any offer that you receive utilizing a “cashiers check” over the amount of what is being asked. The newest scam to date is the “phony job offer” coming through online job boards such as CareerBuilder.com, Monster.com, Dice.com, HotJobs.com etc. etc.

How it Works

You are notified via e-mail with a job offer to act as a “Donations Processor” or something similar. You are e-mailed a link to a (fake) contract and asked to sign and fax it back.

Within a few days, you will receive a FedEx envelope containing a Cashiers Check in the amount if either $4500 or $7500. Your main contact will notify you via e-mail requesting the status of the funds. Once you have the funds available, which you likely will considering the banks will immediately release the monies of a cashiers check under $5000, you will be given instructions on how to and who to send the funds. You will likely be asked to wire the funds via Western Union but strongly instructed not to send the money as a “business” transaction but rather a “personal” transaction. Note: the needy somebody you are sending the funds to is always in Ukraine!

You will also be strongly instructed to not send the funds online, but to walk in to a Western Union office. You are told to keep 10% of the cashiers check for your time and efforts and to pay for the wire transfer funds out of the cashiers check as well. It is also likely that your wire transfer will be sent in two (2) different transactions to two (2) different names.

Within days, you will be notified by the bank that your account is being closed and that the check you deposited was a counterfeit. You will also be notified that you are possibly facing felony counterfeit charges for passing a fraudulent/counterfeit check.

Your original contact will fall off the internet planet. Your e-mails will be rejected and the website will be long gone.

Sound Stupid?

Yes, while reading this article, it probably sounds obvious that this is a scam, but when you receive the job offer with the CareerBuilder.com logo and transaction numbers listed along the bottom, you are not apt to suspect anything fishy. This is the trap!

Every victim of this scam fell for it because the original job offer came via e-mail shortly after submitting their resumes to CareerBuilder.com.

About 90% of the job offers are using CareerBuilder.com as their primary form of contact, although a reported few have come from Monster.com and HotJobs.com.

What to do if you are a victim?

Every victim has filed complaints with the FBI, FTC, IFCC, Western Union, FedEx, their local General Attorneys and police department with no success or response. I spoke independently with a representative from the Secret Service that claimed in essence, this is the perfect crime. No representative of the United States will step forward to assist with prosecution or extradition because the neighboring countries won’t assist. What does this mean? It means that so long as the public isn’t aware of what to watch for with these internet scams, then basically the victim is victimized 10 times over.

The victim has to foot the financial bill in addition to possibly facing jail time for passing a counterfeit cashiers check. This also means that money is being stolen from Americans and could very possibly be used to support terrorism. Sound a little far fetched? I don’t think so, we don’t know who is running this internet scam, the only fact known is that they have made millions, possibly even billions of dollars stealing from us, the Americans.

Online organized crime continues to slip through the cracks making scammers and possibly terrorists rich.

Efforts have been made to contact CareerBuilder.com asking for their assistance with notifying newly registered job seekers of the dangers that easily leak through their system. CareerBuilder.com steps aside from their responsibility by stating that a “fraud” link at the bottom of their pages provides warnings of what to watch for. They neglect to admit that this particular scam isn’t listed on that page. They also neglect to admit that they don’t inform you that your personal contact information including everything on your online resume is sold for profit. CareerBuilder.com has the funds and the means to assist with putting a halt to these types of scammers, however, they don’t and they won’t.

If you are angered by the negligence of CareerBuilder.com, feel free to send written correspondence to the following:

1. Chairman — Robert Montgomery - Robert.Montgomery@careerbuilder.com

2. CEO — Matt Ferguson - matt.Ferguson@careerbuilder.com

We Need Your Help

I have begun a personal crusade to inform the public of this scam and others like it. I have also decided to ask for help from society to offer support to the victims of this scam. They are alone, nobody is stepping up to the plate to help. Why should they have to bare this cross alone? I am a single parent dedicating hours out of my day to publish what I know and effortlessly work to research what the scammers’ next steps are going to be. If I had the finances to assist, believe me, I would. I have partnered with another victim of this scam who is footing finances barely available to work towards the same goal as I - stopping organized criminals from ripping off innocent hard working Americans. You may visit our website and offer your contributions toward our efforts at www.webnetpresence.com and www.peopleschronicle.com. A receipt is provided for your contribution in addition to contact information to verify the validity of the donation. Thank you in advance.

Ramona Kurylas
http://www.webnetpresence.com
ramona@webnetpresence.com

The internet has quickly become a dangerous place to take your computer without first having sufficient security equipment installed and running. Intruders using viruses were the first threat and spyware has become the most prevalent threat against user’s privacy and computer functioning. Having only anti-virus and firewall protection will no longer fully protected your computer from the many internet threats.

Signing online without first having good anti-spyware protection will now invite in privacy intruders you would not normally allow in. With spyware in you computer there is seemingly no end to the personal information that can be extracted. The information the intruder desires is easily logged by spyware programs and sent back to the originator.

Spyware can steal information about your computer’s operating system, the computer’s address and system specific information such as what type of processor and the type internet browsers you have. It will also record what web sites you visit and other internet usage information. All this information collected by spyware intruders is used to create a profile for you
that the intruders use for advertising purposes by bombarding you with annoying pop ups and email ads.

A spyware program with a keylogger can be potentially the most dangerous for of spyware because it works by logging each key stroked into your computer. You user names, passwords, instant message chats, email messages, credit information and more can all be caught and sold or used by third party intruders. Other forms of spyware take snapshots of your screen as you work online at different times. Any type of spyware infection should be taken seriously and measures to minimize the privacy
invasion should be taken.

Users will most likely know they have been infested with adware because it almost always come with numerous annoying pop ups that signal an infection. Spyware is usually more difficult to detect because it is programmed to work silently. As it build on your system the computer’s functions will become noticeable slower and browser pages will take longer to load.

Spyware can also take control of a computer causing browser crashes among other annoying and potentially dangerous malfunctions. If you internet browser page has been abruptly changed or you printer and CD players begin acting odd they your computer is usually infected with spyware.

You can begin avoiding spyware by knowing what types of programs come with spyware or adware packages when downloaded. Many of the popular freeware and file sharing applications come with adware. Kazaa is widely known for having several adware applications piggy backing their way into your computer as does the free download of Weatherbug and DivX. The newer version of DivX has rid itself of adware so users can feel safer.

Even anti-spyware tools can trick users into installing more spyware because some of the scan and removal tools are produced by the spyware distributors. Spyware Nuker is one such programs which tells users it will eliminate spyware when it actually skips over some infections during the scan and can install or let in additional infections. The best spyware tools immunize your system and then block spyware packages from getting in the system.

Any spyware removal tool you choose to use should be updated before each scan and the scans should be run at least on a weekly basis. Many anti-spyware protective tools can be programmed to run automatically at whatever schedule you choose. Some of the top rated anti-spyware tools include AdAware, Hijack This, PestPatrol, Spybot Search and Destroy and SpySweeper and each is a free download. Once you have found a free product that suits you consider paying for a more advanced version
to get greater protection.

To continue surfing the internet safely while keeping your privacy it is vital that all users arm themselves with some sort of spyware protection tool. Many computer malfunctions and technical support calls stem from spyware infections.

Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.1st-in-eliminate-spyware.com, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.1st-in-spyware-detection.com/ as well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/

For homeowners making the decision about whether or not to leave your home during a hurricane can be a difficult one. Once a hurricane has been announced most homeowners know what the proper precautions are. You should prepare you house the same way whether you are planning on leaving your home or riding the storm out. Follow the path of the storm and monitor the intensity your area should be expecting. Go through the local papers and find out what where your hurricane shelter is and what the evacuation procedures are. If you can’t find the listings in the paper check the city listings in your local phone book. It is always a good idea to call ahead before there is the threat of a hurricane to ask questions about any special needs you might have. Elderly relatives, young children and pets are some areas that might require special attention.

As the storm rolls in follow the local and national news to find out if you should evacuate. If you are in a structurally sound home located inland often times you will not have to evacuate. If you are not ordered to evacuate and you feel confident in your home you should ride the storm out there. Evacuating when you don’t have too causes more traffic and may overwhelm the local shelters. Make sure to store enough food to last two weeks and provide enough fresh drinking water to provide each person with three gallons. Make sure to bring any outdoor furniture or potted plants into the house and place in a secure location. Check to make sure that you have enough batteries for flashlights and a battery powered radio.

If you are asked to evacuate you should follow the advice above for preparing your house for the storm. Cover any windows with either plywood or storm shutters. Tape placed on window will not make them any more secure, it only helps to prevent shattering if the window is broken. Make arrangements for your pets before a storm is announced, and make sure to allow yourself enough time to get your pets to their shelter and then get your family to yours. Make sure to take any necessary medications for you and your family with you to the shelter.

Find out everything that you should know about hurricanes at http://my-hurricane-guide.info

Today,on most internet user’s computers, we have the
ability to employ software, along with our
intelligence, to prevent viruses and spyware.
To put this article into proper perspective, we’ll use
Medieval defense tactics.

This is accomplished by 3 methods. First, a firewall…
‘The Castle Moat’ so to speak. A firewall can’t see
inside your computer beforehand though, so if any viruses
or spyware were present before the firewall was installed
then its of no use. Of course, its extremely good at preventing new
attacks.

Second, a anti-virus program…. ‘The Castle Drawbridge!
They will not provide much help with spyware, but good
virus protection is as desirable as one of Avaris’s
dreams! One drawback can be the updates, of course.If
you’ve just updated Wednesday night and a virus hits the
next day, then you may not be protected till next
Wednesday night, and by then it may be too late. If you’re
smart, you will have signed up for email alerts with
the provider, or even better, you’ll have a anti-virus
program that has a real time update feature. I get the
tingles when I see that little pop-up saying a update
is available and click here. Its downloaded ,installed,
and updated in about 20 seconds! A new virus or Trojan or
God forbid, a new keylogger can hit the internet and spread
in a matter of days, and I’m sure this must make the definition
writers lives a living hell. I have great admiration for
them as they could have been wealthy doctors, but they have
chosen to help us… the end users. (moment of silence here)

Last, we have anti-spyware programs,’The Flaming oil’! (my favorite).
Their update features are like the anti-virus programs,
so you have to be as vigilant with this method of defense
too as you would be with the others. I’ve heard there are
people out there that don’t even know when their
updates run, or even if its configured to do so! I
refuse to believe this sordid rumor!

So you’ve got your defenses set up, you’re looking good.
But the best defense is a good offense, attack!
That’s what some organizations do. They prowl the net
looking for websites that harbor drive-by downloads,
URL Re-Directing and such. When they find them, they
shut them down, or report them so effective protection
can be manufactured. These people have my sincere
thanks for what they do. With identity theft on the
rise and Websense reporting that the average computer
has 28 items of Spyware on it, we need all the help we
can get. Oh sure, you’re saying not my computer !
Well, lets discuss those little boxes that you click
“I Agree” to when you download something. Do you read
the entire statement? This is one way spyware has
become so rampant, because so many downloads have extra
software included in them. These can be harmful to
your computers well being. KeyLoggers, popups, adware, malware…

Need I go on?

So my idea is that we need these shining knights from the
castle to journey forth on a quest. They will be
little robots or spiders like the search engines use.
They will be given absolute power over harmful
programs they find. They will be like Gort in the
movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still”.

Dell recently reported that 12% of their calls were
for spyware damage, Microsoft says half of their
reports of system crashes are caused by spyware. These
calls cost these companies millions of dollars in
revenue, which they then pass the costs of onto us,
the consumers.

Who knows, if viruses and spyware ever get controlled,
the average computer may only cost a dollar!

About the Author: Doug Woodall has a web site at http://www.spywarebiz.com
There he provides free information and recommended products to combat Spyware.

His Website is recognized by Learning Fountain and ISafe
Doug’s Articles have earned him Trusted Author Status at ImpactArticles.com
He is a member of the IWA (International Webmasters Association)
Article edited for proper content by Wendy McCallum
Permission to copy ok as long as about author info remains with article.

Copyright 2005 SpywareBiz

So called phishers try to catch the information about the account numbers and passwords of internet users. They deceive people with faked emails and websites that resembles exactly the originals of well known banks or electronic payment systems. They make people surrender their passwords and account numbers – and afterwards they clear their accounts.

This is a peril for internet merchants, affiliates and webmasters, because they often display email addresses on websites, ads or articles. Phishers may pick easily addresses from these sources.

Phishers try to worry you!

They write you stories as follows:

There have been unusual transactions on your account.

Your account is going to be suspended soon, because it lacks validation.

The database crashed down and has to be restored.

They have lost some email addresses and they need to update their database.

A case has been reported how they try to dupe the internet users. The g has been replaced with a q in the URL of citigroup. Thus the URL www.citigroup.com has been altered in www.citiqroup.com

They urge users to act immediately

The next step is that they urge their victims to act. They offer a link to a website, where people can type in their confidential information. If the people submit the demanded information, they open unvoluntarily the doors to a modern kind of thieves. The accounts of the victims can be looted within a few minutes.

How to protect your money?

Be aware: The serious and well known financial service companies never ask people by email for confidential information. I cite from an email by PayPal that I have received after reporting an ominous email to them: “PayPal and its representatives will NEVER ask you to reveal your password. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. If anyone claiming to
work for PayPal asks for your password under any circumstances, by email or by phone, please refuse and immediately contact us via webform..”

This is the most important rule to protect your account!

Other financial services follow a policy similar to PayPal.

People may report to the financial services unusual emails. The more they know about such incidents, the better they can track them in order to find out some patterns about the abusers.

If the people feel uneasy about their accounts, they can check them through the web browser. They should type in manually the website address of the financial service into their browser. They can check matters there safely. But they never may type their confidential information in a form that has been sent by email!

It’s recommendable to change the password of electronic accounts from time to time.

By the way: I do not use my email address of the Pay Pal Account in any public statements. I use different email addresses there.

The origin of the word Phishing

The new internet term Phishing origins probably from the word Fishing. Phishing has been extracted from the word combination “password harvesting fishing”.

Further background information

More background information about actual kinds of abuse is available at the website www.scambusters.org It’s worthwhile to have a look what is going on in the world wide web.

Lil Waldner is a business economist. She is experienced in project management and marketing. She has worked as editor of newspapers and she has written booklets and essays with economic and public issues. Visit her web site: AGM Home Business

Monday morning, 6am; the electric rooster is telling you
it’s time to start a new work week. A shower, some coffee,
and you’re in the car and off. On the way to work you’re
thinking of all you need to accomplished this week. Then,
on top of that there’s the recent merger between your
company and a competitor. One of your associates told you,
you better be on your toes because rumors of layoffs are
floating around.

You arrive at the office and stop by the restroom to make
sure you look your best. You straighten your tie, and turn
to head to your cube when you notice, sitting on the back of
the sink, is a CD-ROM. Someone must have left this behind by
accident. You pick it up and notice there is a label on it.
The label reads “2005 Financials & Layoff’s”. You get a
sinking feeling in your stomach and hurry to your desk. It
looks like your associate has good reasons for concern, and
you’re about to find out for your self.

And The “Social Engineering” Game Is In Play:

People Are The Easiest Target

——————————————–
You make it to your desk and insert the CD-ROM. You find
several files on the CD, including a spreadsheet which you
quickly open. The spreadsheet contains a list of employee
names, start dates, salaries, and a note field that says
“Release” or “Retain”. You quickly search for your name but
cannot find it. In fact, many of the names don’t seem
familiar. Why would they, this is pretty large company, you
don’t know everyone. Since your name is not on the list you
feel a bit of relief. It’s time to turn this over to your
boss. Your boss thanks you and you head back to your desk.
You have just become a victim of social engineering.

When Did I Become a Victim of Social Engineering?

——————————————–
Ok, let’s take a step back in time. The CD you found in the
restroom, it was not left there by accident. It was
strategically placed there by me, or one of my employees.
You see, my firm has been hired to perform a Network
Security Assessment on your company. In reality, we’ve been
contracted to hack into your company from the Internet and
have been authorized to utilize social engineering
techniques.

The spreadsheet you opened was not the only thing executing
on your computer. The moment you open that file you caused a
script to execute which installed a few files on your
computer. Those files were designed to call home and make a
connection to one of our servers on the Internet. Once the
connection was made the software on our servers responded by
pushing (or downloading) several software tools to your
computer. Tools designed to give us complete control of
your computer. Now we have a platform, inside your
company’s network, where we can continue to hack the
network. And, we can do it from inside without even being
there.

This is what we call a 180 degree attack. Meaning, we did
not have to defeat the security measures of your company’s
firewall from the Internet. You took care of that for us.
Many organizations give their employees unfettered access
(or impose limited control) to the Internet. Given this
fact, we devised a method for attacking the network from
within with the explicit purpose of gaining control of a
computer on the private network. All we had to do is get
someone inside to do it for us - Social Engineering!
What would you have done if you found a CD with this type of
information on it?

What Does It Mean to Be “Human”

——————————————–
As human beings we are pretty bad at evaluating risk. Self
preservation, whether it be from physical danger or any
other event that could cause harm, like the loss of a job or
income, is a pretty strong human trait. The odd thing is,
we tend to worry about things that are not likely to happen.
Many people think nothing of climbing a 12 foot ladder to
replace an old ceiling fan (sometimes doing so with the
electricity still on), but fear getting on a plane. You have
a better chance severely inuring yourself climbing a ladder
than you do taking a plane ride.

This knowledge gives the social engineer the tools needed to
entice another person to take a certain course of action.
Because of human weaknesses, inability to properly assess
certain risk, and need to believe most people are good, we
are an easy target.

In fact, chances are you have been a victim of social
engineering many times during the course of your life. For
instance, it is my opinion that peer pressure is a form of
social engineering. Some of the best sales people I’ve
known are very effective social engineers. Direct marketing
can be considered a form of social engineering. How many
times have you purchased something only to find out you
really did not need it? Why did you purchase it? Because
you were lead to believe you must.

Conclusion

——————————————–
Defining The Term “Social Engineering”: In the world of
computers and technology, social engineering is a technique
used to obtain or attempt to obtain secure information by
tricking an individual into revealing the information.
Social engineering is normally quite successful because most
targets (or victims) want to trust people and provide as
much help as possible. Victims of social engineering
typically have no idea they have been conned out of useful
information or have been tricked into performing a
particular task.

The main thing to remember is to rely on common sense. If
some one calls you asking for your login and password
information and states they are from the technical
department, do not give them the information. Even if the
number on your phone display seems to be from within your
company. I can’t tell you how many times we have
successfully used that technique. A good way of reducing
your risk of becoming a victim of social engineering is to
ask questions. Most hackers don’t have time for this and
will not consider someone who asks questions an easy
target.

About The Author

—————-
Darren Miller is an Industry leading computer and internet
security consultant. At the website -
http://www.defendingthenet.com you will find information about
computer security specifically design to assist home, home
office, and small business computer users. Sign up for
defending the nets newsletter and become empowered
to stay safe on the Internet. You can reach Darren at
darren.miller@paralogic.net or at
defendthenet@paralogic.net

With the hurricane season upon us, coupled with the increased abundance of tornadoes that have spawned over the last few years and the general shortage of electrical power on the grid, more and more home owners are considering the installation of a stand-by electrical generator to provide emergency power in the event of an electrical power outage.

Stand-by generators provide security and a level of comfort in the event of a utility power failure. They can maintain indoor climate, provide lighting, keep food from spoiling and allow a family to function.

Stand-by generators differ from portable generators in that they are permanently installed and have a permanent connection to a fuel source, either propane or natural gas. Diesel powered stand-by generators are available, but as a general statement they are designed for commercial installations and provide more power than a typical home would require.

I generally recommend the use of propane over natural gas to power stand-by generators. The reason that I recommend propane is that the fuel storage is self contained on the home owner’s property. Although this is more expensive (the cost of the tank and its installation), than connecting directly to a natural gas pipeline, it provides much better electric power security. In many cases, especially disasters caused by hurricanes and tornadoes, natural gas pipelines are shut down to avoid fires and explosions in the damaged areas. Having a stand-by generator without a fuel source, doesn’t accomplish anything.

The majority of stand-by generators are installed so that when a utility power failure occurs, the stand-by generator will start automatically, switch all or a portion of the home load to the generator circuits and when utility power is restored the generator will turn-off and restore the load to its normal position.

Introduction

At some time in our lives, many of us will face an emergency. Most will involve personal illness or injury, but severe weather, including hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes and heat waves, is a very common threat.

Severe weather and its after effects, such as flooding, results in numerous deaths and injuries every year, together with major property damage and loss.

But we are not entirely powerless in the face of these disasters - a little time and effort now will significantly reduce the risks of death, injury and property damage. It will also help you recover much faster.

Planning for emergencies is complex subject, too big for a single article.

Part 1 covers identification of the threats to you and your family, how to make sure your safety is protected, and making sure everyone knows what to do, even if you are separated.

The second part considers those precious few hours before the the weather becomes really threatening. Preparation is crucial to make sure your family is safe, and your home and belongings are as secure as possible.

Advance Planning - It’s A Drag But It Pays Off

One of the hardest things about preparing for emergencies is finding the time.

But if you live in North America, your weather is arguably the wildest on the planet. Your chances of being threatened by severe weather are very real.

So at some stage (soon!) why not set aside an hour or so to do a little groundwork and prepare for when things get nasty.

Involve your family - the more heads the better, and it is possible that one of you may be incapacitated in a serious emergency.

Four big questions need to be answered before you can regard yourself as reasonably well prepared.

1. What are the threats, and how can you minimize them?

2. If you have to leave in a hurry, where will you go and how will you get there?

3. How will the family get together or keep in contact if they are scattered between hone, work and school?

4. What can you do now to help you handle the emergency competently, and then return to normal life quickly?

What Are The Biggest Risks?

This sounds pretty easy, because you know where you live, and what sort of weather to expect as the seasons change.

But when you get down to it, severe weather is often just normal weather become stronger, or bigger, or longer lasting.

When considering your home, a great shortcut is to contact your local emergency management office or the Red Cross to see what information they have on your area. You should be able to find FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) hazard maps and other relevant material to help with your planning.

It’s also worth thinking about other places you regularly visit - the beach, the lake, relatives - and even where you go on vacation.

Shelter and Evacuation

Most severe weather emergencies arrive without much warning. You may need to leave your home and move to a safer area.

Early warning and sound planning will reduce the stress of any emergency, and the first step is to be well informed.

And there is no better way than to use the Weather Radio Service provided by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the EAS (Emergency Alert Service).

Advisories of threats and hazards are broadcast over dedicated radio frequencies (to avoid interference from commercial broadcasts) and can be received on specially modified weather radios.

More information on the Weather Radio Service and equipment can be found at http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/weather-radio.html

Evacuations can be a matter of choice or they may be mandatory. Becoming familiar with exit routes will reduce much of the stress of having to move out fast.

In some cases, such as tornadoes, you may need to use a nearby shelter. Again prior knowledge of its location and easiest access will be invaluable.

Communication Between Family Members

Emergencies often happen at the most inconvenient times. Your family may be scattered between home, work and school when the weather becomes threatening, and you may remain separated for some time until things return to normal.

Work out in advance what procedures are likely to be followed - does the school have an emergency plan and shelter? How about the work place? It will help if each family member knows what to do, and what others will be doing and where they are likely to be during an emergency.

Prepare wallet sized summaries of locations and phone numbers for each family member, while cell phones should help you to keep in touch.

Long Term Plans

So far everything I’ve suggested assumes that you will, some day, need to act fast to protect yourself against a developing emergency.

This section covers preparations which should benefit you regardless of whether an emergency arises.

These include

• Checking your house and property insurance. Get the best you can afford, and remember that even if you live on a floodplain you can still get flood insurance. At the same time, make an inventory of your possessions.

• Arrange secure storage of small valuable items and documents, preferably away from your house. Include copies of credit and ID cards.

• Learn first aid and how to administer CPR.

• Make sure you know how to operate a fire extinguisher

• And consider joining one of the volunteer emergency organizations - the better you understand what may happen, the easier it will be to handle it if and when it does

• Make advance arrangements for your pets - possibly a pet carrier for small animals, and safe accommodation for larger animals.

OK. Now you’re prepared for the worst, and you have significantly reduced the effects a major emergency will have on you. Part 2 of this article reviews what to do as the weather becomes threatening.

©2005, Graham McClung. This article is adapted from a free special report on weather emergencies. It can be downloaded from http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/tyvm.html

While you’re there, check out the rest of the site for more information on dangerous and spectacular weather.

Defensive spray can be made from three chemicals: OC, CN, and CS.

OC (oleoresin capsicum) is an ingredient of
pepper spray. Pepper spray works by inducing
immediate burning sensation of the skin and a burning, tearing, and swelling of
the eyes.

Tear gases (CN and CS) are irritants. They cause profuse
tearing, an intense burning sensation to the face and disorientation. Tear gas
may not work if an attacker is drunk or on drugs.

There are different combinations, sizes and patterns in
defensive sprays. For example, Mace Triple Action spray is a combination of OC
and CN tear gas. But the majority of defensive sprays on the market are pepper
sprays.

Also when buying pepper spray you should consider the size of
a unit. The smallest size is 0.5 ounces and the biggest is bear spray which
contains 9.2 ounces. Small spray is good enough for most situations. Put it on a
keychain or a belt so you can easily access it in an emergency. For home
or car use you should purchase larger sprays.

Pepper sprays come in two patterns: stream and fogger.
STREAM is designed to release pinpoint
accurate shots of the pepper spray on a selected target and can be used indoors
or outdoors (especially good in windy conditions). Advantages - pinpoint
accuracy, excellent control and less cross contamination. Disadvantages - No
inhalation effects, and it must be aimed, which may be difficult when under
attack. FOGGER is designed to release a large amount of pepper spray at
one time, covering a large area, and is best suited for outdoor use. Advantages
- the pepper spray is easily inhaled, and it covers multiple targets.
Disadvantages - the pepper spray is quickly emptied, can be carried by the wind,
and can cause cross contamination.

And the most resent Mace innovation you should
consider is Pepper Gel. The gel formula sticks to the face of an
assailant leaving them temporarily blinded.
It sticks to anything, less contaminating, stronger
pepper, non-flammable, and even shoots further, up to 18 ft.

At First Home Security you can find different types of pepper sprays,
stun guns and many more self defense products at discounted prices.