Security World News » Madeleine

Re-Processed Poultry Scandal Shock in South Africa

Madeleine — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:48:04 +0000

A serious food scandal erupted and is still developing with the third largest poultry supplier Supreme Poultry in South Africa. Making matters worse, large fast food restaurants Nando’s and KFC are also implicated in this scandal.

It became known that this supplier re processed poultry that has reached the expiry date on their products. Additional media investigation also exposed that chicken products are recycled by rinsing the chicken in chlorine water and injected with salt water to prolong the shelve life of the product. Once the poultry is reprocessed it returns to the shelves with new expiry dates.

Apart from reprocessing poultry that has reached the expiry date, the weight of the chicken is not a true reflection of the actual product, because the chicken weighs more because of the salt or pickled water injected into the poultry. In some instances products contain up to 60% injected pickled water. Still the consumer pays for the poultry by weight. One kilogram chicken will consist of 600 grams of water and only 400 grams of actual chicken!

Making the matters more bizarre is that large chain stores such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite/Checkers, and various other stores actually sell these frozen poultry products. According to a report from the African Business Review, Supreme Poultry also supplies Nando’s and KFC with chicken products.

According to previous employees of Supreme Poultry the reprocessing of frozen chicken is common practice for several years already. A previous production manager at one of the factories admitted that numerous tons of unsold expired chicken are returned to the factory at Botshabelo and are reprocessed for reselling.

The health risk pertaining to this kind of practice is that there are no guarantees that the reprocessed frozen chicken is not spoiled already. It is common knowledge that it is dangerous to refrozen any meat, fish, or poultry because it creates the ideal opportunity for hazardous microorganisms to multiply that can cause food poisoning.

Consumers are hideously misled with an expiry date that is replaced with a second and even third one on a particular product. One can not help to wonder on what guidelines or regulations the expiry dates are attached to products and how well it is controlled. The problem is that especially infants, pregnant women, elderly people, people suffering from malnutrition, and immune impaired people can suffer serious consequences from these fraudulent practices.

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Simple Easy to Forget Ways to Deal with Crime Tendencies

Madeleine — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 03:53:43 +0000

Even though we make great effort to prevent or deter crime, crime reports still show that crime is prevalent and that we are at risk in spite the fact that we have more advanced resources and technology than we had fifteen to twenty years ago.

Crime tendencies vary from year to year but the risks we as law abiding citizens have to face remain the same and the best thing you can do is to be knowledgeable about crime tendencies in order to know what your risks are and to take the appropriate security measures accordingly. In general, the most common crimes committed in general are theft of motor vehicles, personal theft, and criminal damage. Many times these crimes can be prevented.

Personal Theft

Thieves don’t like to steal items that can be identified. Therefore a good place to start is to mark you personal belongings properly. A clever method is to mark your belongings with an ultraviolet pen. You will not be able to se the markings with your naked eye, but when it is inspected with an ultraviolet light the markings will be visible.

Many people make the mistake to walk with their wallet or purse visible to all that can see. This creates an ideal opportunity to become a victim of personal theft. Make sure when you are out on the street, you keep your valuables well hidden.

Criminal Damage

With a little effort setting up a neighborhood watch system can help to reduce repeated crime in your neighborhood. Systems like these help to improve vigilance amongst neighbors and provide good support to the local police.

Local community involvement helps to target vulnerable areas and remember to include defenseless people such as disabled or elderly residents in the neighborhood watch system.

Out of and Vehicle Theft

Often it is the most obvious factors that are left behind that makes it easy for car thieves to steal a vehicle. It is important to park your car in a safe place, especially at night time. Always try to park on a safe spot that is well lit, or under a surveillance camera, or in a garage.

Make sure not to tempt opportunity criminals with valuable items lying around in the vehicle. Put all items such as compact disks, books, sunglasses and other valuables out of sight.

Have a good quality immobilizer fitted to your vehicle or at least a good alarm.

To make it easy to identify and recover stolen property, mark items such as the car radio with a UV marker. Engrave the registration number of your vehicle on to the windows. Just the mere sight of it, make thieves pass on your vehicle most of the time.

Before you buy a second hand vehicle, properly research the ownership of the vehicle and ask your local police to check if it is stolen or not. In addition, make sure that the serial numbers of the engine and other components noted on the registration documents match with the actual parts.

The Scary Facts of Rohypnol

Madeleine — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 03:16:44 +0000

Rohypnol, a depressant, is the commercial name for Flunitrazepam or better known as the Date Rape Drug. Although Rohypnol is illegal to prescribe in the United States, in many countries it is prescribed to patients suffering from severe insomnia. It is extremely popular amongst sexual predators because Rohypnol dissolves easily in any liquid and therefore is it achievable to contaminate any drink quickly without the victim even noticing it.

The common effects of Rohypnol is feeling drowsy suddenly, have no control over your motoric abilities, feeling dizzy, significant memory loss for the time of intoxication and the inability to even walk or talk. These are all symptoms that make this drug popular in sexual assaults, mainly because the victim can not even remember the assault.

Previous versions of Rohypnol could not be detected in drinks because when it dissolved it presented no color, but the latest version turns blue. Yet, in spite of the fact that it is not colorless anymore, it still do not prevent offenders to use it in dark or blue colored drinks or in dark environments where it is difficult to distinguish color such as in nightclubs or other entertainment areas.

Few rape cases where Rohypnol was used could lead to a successful prosecution because victims are not able to report the crime immediately after the assault because of their memory loss and the lack of evidence or vital evidence being destroyed during the sobering up process.

It happen too often that females voluntarily take the drug without being aware of the effects of the drug and once she realized that she has been sexually assaulted does not seek help. Generally these females are scared of being prosecuted or questioned for being involved in drug use and feel ashamed for taking the drug consensually, creating the impression that she voluntarily engaged into the sexual acts.

Scary enough as it is, there are people who use this drug for recreational purposes. In most cases the tablet is crushed into a fine powder and sniffed or dissolved and administered intravenous. Some people simply just swallow the tablet.

It is often found that where Rohypnol is used as a recreational drug, abusers mix it with other drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or alcohol. The reason for being popular as a recreational drug is because it relaxes the muscles and make you feel calm. Drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, and poor coordination are the most common effects. Effect is gained within 15 minutes and easily last up to 12 hours. Flunitrazepam is highly addictive with serious withdrawal symptoms. It is specifically dangerous to combine it with other drugs due to the chemical structure and reaction to other drugs.

Many abusers attempt to drive while intoxicated with Flunitrazepam and because of a lack of proper reaction, often results in fatal accidents. Another health risk it poses is those who use it intravenous place themselves at risk to contract or spread blood related infections such as Hepatitis B and C and or HIV Aids.

Understanding the Holistic Security Approach

Madeleine — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:07:53 +0000

The term holistic security refers to the application of several security systems that are integrated to work as a security structure for a business, school, campus or any kind of structure that need security on a number of levels, equipment or anything that needs to be secured. The principal idea of holistic security is that the various security practices must be seen as an entire system to achieve optimum levels of security, without overlooking the distinctive purpose of each individual component and the role it plays in the successful operation of the entire holistic security system.

With holistic security several areas that are security related are combined and put into operation simultaneously. The first area that is applied is security technology including security software to initiate a level of security. This entails the basic security elements from door locks, up to computer security software to control access to a network. In addition to the basics, it also entails the application of basic security procedures.

Ultimately, adding people to the holistic security program is another vital part in a successful holistic security program. An important feature is to obtain feedback and to identify security risks. Because people think and have different approaches it is paramount to request people to assist in devising more effective and better security practices and policies.

As mentioned before, the purpose of holistic security is for each component to enhance each other and to work together as one system. Many times it do happen with a holistic approach that layers and layers of security is applied which might cause disconnected parts or certain parts interfering with each other. Therefore it is important to keep the system as basic and simple as possible. This has the advantage that all systems work optimally and can interrelate effectively.

Holistic security can be as simple as supplying two security guards on a construction site with two way radios. Each guard needs to do duty at a different gate. If they are not able to communicate with each other they can not work together towards a similar goal successfully. With the two way radios, the holistic security factor, they can still do their work as individuals but also reduce security risks in cooperation.

All holistic security approaches are not all that simple as the given example. However, professional holistic security plans can involve consultations with security specialists, or the management of the security department of a company.

© Miljo for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: holistic security, security elements, security practices, security procedures, security structure

Tips for Driving on Ice and Snow

Madeleine — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 01:16:43 +0000

Fortunately, there are a number of different ways you can prepare yourself and your car to help safely navigate icy roads

The safest driving tip on ice and snow is not to drive at all or at any rate wait for the sanding crew to complete their work. However, it is not always possible to avoid driving on ice and snow and that is when you need to know what the safe way of driving in snow and ice is.

Deep Tyre Tread

Before we go about technique and do’s and don’ts, the most important factor is that the tyres of the vehicle you are driving must have proper traction. The tires need to have a minimum of 6/32 inch tread. If you can afford it, fit a set of winter or snow tires on your vehicle.

Clear the View

Before the first snow falls, make sure you will be able to have a clear view when the time comes that you have to drive in snowy weather. Clean the windows on both the inside and outside properly and treat it with water repelling fluid on the outside. Don’t forget to treat the mirrors as well. Fit a new set of wiper blades and check that your windshield washer system is in good working condition. Remember to drain the old anti freezing agent and replace it with new fluid.

Be Visible

Drive with your headlights on to make sure you are visible for other road users. It is important to take precautions to ensure that both the tail and headlights are not covered in snow. Older vehicles still have sand pitted lights and it is strongly recommended that they are replaced. In order to avoid pitting on the new lenses you can fit clear tape over the lenses. You can obtain the correct type of tape from auto racing stores.

Use the Air Conditioner

The air conditioner set on fresh air is a good method to remove frost and condensation from the inside of the vehicle. Most cars will automatically turn the air conditioner to hot when you select the defrost function.

Use Breaks Right

Wondering what to do once you are in an emergency is not the time to learn! The key here is Stomp, Stay, and Steer. You need to stamp very hard on the break pedal, maintain the pressure on the break with your foot, and steer around the obstacle. Be sure to follow the tip on steering below as well.

Black or Glare Ice

This almost transparent ice tends to look like an innocent water puddle but can be one of the winter’s worst dangers. A gentle break application and minor turn of the steering wheel can be used to test the traction.

Keep Hazards in Mind

While driving, remember the hazardous areas such as where roads tend to be icy or where water can easily spill over the road or at risky intersections etc.

Clever Steering

Most people turn the steering wheel in an attempt to prevent an accident. The fact is in instances where the front wheels starts to lose traction the wheels are not steering anymore as they are sliding. Keeping on turning the wheels will have no effect at all. The problems start the moment the front tires regain their grip on the road surface the vehicle will shoot directly into the direction in which the wheels are facing. On a slick road surface such as ice, it is hardly possible to do anything, but steering in excess never did any good.

Becoming stranded in a rural place prior to your destination might prove an uncomfortable and often dangerous situation

Basic Taxi Safety for Women

Madeleine — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:20:13 +0000

Making use of taxi transport is an ideal mode of transport for single females that need to travel alone. Unfortunately there are some statistics that support negative aspects. In the city of London, at least 10 female travelers report some form of sexual assault while making use of taxi transportation per month. These crucial tips can help to reduce the risk and keep female passengers safe.

Don’t get in if:

Apart from an intoxicated driver the following are more than good reasons to avoid getting into the taxi.

· The vehicle is in a bad state

Each taxi operator should present a license that indicates that the vehicle is in a good mechanical working order.

· No Taxi License

Each taxi driver must have a license with a license number on display issued by the local authorities. This is implemented as a sign of safety by authorities.

· The Driver is Unfamiliar with the Area

It is highly unlikely for a legit taxi operator not to know the area. In addition, it is also unlikely for someone who does not know the area to have met the legal requirements of obtaining a taxi license. If the driver asks you for directions, don’t get in!

· No Meter

Not all taxi’s have meters. In some areas a flat rate is charged and meters are therefore not needed. However, if you are in an area where other taxis make use of meters, one without can not be legit or safe.

· Driving with Strangers

It is common knowledge that perpetrators work in groups or pairs. If some stranger jumps into the taxi to share, get out.

· Bypassing the Queue

This is highly unlikely and certainly not your luck. It is more likely that you have been targeted and are at risk. Don’t get in.

How to Spot a Licensed Taxi

Most local councils manage taxi licensing and have predetermined colors for certain regions. This is easy to determine without risking your safety. You will clearly be able to see what the local trend is.

It is not always compulsory for taxis to have meters as many councils require a flat rate charge. However, in some areas meters are still in effect. Because this can be confusing, it is beter to look for two way radios. Most taxis have a radio to communicate with the base station.

Basic Taxi Safety Rules

Pre book a taxi from a reputable taxi company if you need transport. This way you are fairly safe from perpetrators.
When you book a taxi, make sure they have your last name and the driver call on you with your last name when you are picked up.
Do not place your hand luggage in the trunk. If you need to escape you do not need to worry about your money and personal documentation.
Enter the taxi license number the moment you get in into your cellphone and send it to a friend. Keep your with you all the time and switched on.
Pay attention to the route you are driving

When You are Concerned

Do not reveal any personal information to the driver, even if you are asked.
If in any part of your journey you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, ask the driver to drop you off in a well lit busy area and rather call for another taxi.
If the taxi driver refuses to stop, call the police immediately and start attracting attention by shouting or screaming through the window.
Get out of the taxi at the next crossing or traffic light.

Winter Emergency Storm Bag in your Car

Madeleine — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:01:16 +0000

There are many circumstances where having survival kit bag proves very beneficial.

If you live in an area where snow is part of winter, having a winter storm bag ready in your vehicle is paramount. Most people think that you have to go out and buy special equipment to survive a winter storm inside your car.

The fact is that most of these life saving things are inside your house already and you do not need to buy anything. What should you have in your winter storm emergency kit? The following items should be placed inside the trunk of your car in a bag:

Place a blanket and a large towel for each member of your family
Consider to have an extra set of warm clothes or at least a warm coat
Clothing such as socks and gloves are very useful, especially if yours get wet.
Keep a few bottles of water in the bag
Matches or a lighter, preferably more than one, just in case and hand towels come always handy.
Non perishable foods such as nuts, canned fruit, granola bars, or any other kind of easy consumable canned food can be life savers. Remember to keep a hand can opener in the bag.
Rain gear in a small bag is a good investment and is readily available at a number of stores at very affordable prices so you can invest in at least one for each family member. They are compact enough so you can comfortably keep that in your winter storm bag as well.
Keep a pair of collapsible plastic or rubber shoes or boots in the bag for those instances you need to get out in the snow.
The traditional hand held flashlight with extra batteries should also be there. Many cars have flashlights that can be plugged into the lighter socket which gives a good amount of light. That is good if you need to fit some chains or change a tire during night time, but will not be of much help if you need to walk in the dark.
People who suffer from hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and other chronic disease that are dependent on their medication should make sure that there are sufficient supply for at least three days. This is really a serious life saving precaution to take.
A bag of sand along with a folding shovel will certainly come in handy when you need to spread some on a slippery road, or when you need to dig yourself from snow or mud.

Being stuck in a winter storm is a stressful event as it is. Being prepared for an unwelcome situation will alleviate not only your stress and those with you in the vehicle, but will also give those people that are at home the peace of mind that you are taken care of until conditions change for the better.

In the age of good highways, sophisticated cars, and ever-present cell phones, we worry less than ever about the hazards of winter driving. We shouldn’t be so dismissive about the risks of winter travel.

Considerations When you Buy a Wireless Intercom System

Madeleine — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:21:56 +0000

There are two main advantages of a wireless intercom system. First is that there are no wires to deal with between units which makes it very easy to do and secondly that you can reposition the units at your convenience.

Wireless intercom systems installs in minutes and can be working as soon as you provide it with sufficient power, may it be batteries or DC power. However, along the convenience the risk of interference is also present. It is possible that other wireless devices close to the intercom can cause interferences such as a wireless data network, a cordless phone, or electrical motors can cause disturbances.

An alternative risk is that other persons can pick up your conversations via a baby monitor, a scanner, cordless phone or any other comparable equipment that operates on the same frequency. Fortunately, there are wireless intercom systems that can reduce or completely eliminate these problems.

In the US there are a number of frequencies especially for the use of wireless products and systems. The most common frequencies are 49MHz, MURS 150 MHz, and FM between 200KHz up to 270KHz, 2,4Ghz, 5,8GHz, and 900MHz. Alternatively you can make use of Power Line Carrier units that make use of the current electrical house wiring to transfer signals to and from wireless appliances.

Normally low end wireless products such as baby monitors, and conventional cordless phones still use the 49MHz frequency. It is a short range and communication is not secure. This is also the most likely frequency that will pick up disturbances from other devices. No wireless intercom systems make use of this band.

It is possible to find a wireless intercom that makes use of the FM band. However, this is not a popular choice amongst consumers because optimum functionality depends on the number of other electrical appliances is used close to the system and it is highly likely that you will experience interferences. Conversations are also not secure.

North America, Israel, and Australia are the only countries using the 900MHz frequency. Previously wireless intercom systems making use of the 900MHz band applied analog technology. This was very risky because anyone that carried an appliance with the same band could listen to your communication. Fortunately today a number of 900MHz wireless products make use of digital spread spectrum transmission that transmit the signal over a different number of frequencies to ensure privacy.

Although there are not many wireless intercom systems using the 2,4MHz band, it is available all over the world. It is mostly used by wireless video intercom systems. The hindrance about the 2,4MHz systems is that this frequency is also used by wireless data networks which ultimately mean that you are likely to experience interference from there. One way to try to solve this problem is to change the channels of the wireless data router, which likely will solve the problem.

A wireless intercom system can be a convenient way to communicate throughout your house or business. It can also help you keep a certain level of security over your family

Understanding the Most Basic Facts on Computer Hijacking

Madeleine — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 03:52:30 +0000

A computer virus that may leave Windows users vulnerable to digital hijacking is spreading through companies across the world.

It is hard to imagine a world without computer technology today and it is even more difficult to comprehend how things were done in the past without any computers. Long gone are the days that computers were only use for commercial and industrial use. Today computers play a much larger role in education and leisure activities than ever before.

Although the use of a computer seems innocent, regretfully there is always the risk of your computer being hacked. Computer hijacking occurs mostly when a computer is connected to a network like the internet, with no anti virus software installed.

Computer hijacking can be prevented if you take precautionary steps and if you use good common sense while using your pc. Investing in good anti virus software is very important and avert from making use of P2P file sharing software is a good start. Another basic, yet often overlooked step is not to open emails of which you do not know the origin. Most email servers have spam or junk folders as a precautionary measure, but some hackers manage to sidestep them too. Another obstacle for hackers is making use of complicated passwords. Too often people make use of the most obvious passwords such as names or names spelled backwards that it is a breeze for a hacker to gain access to your information.

The purpose of anti virus software is to prevent hackers to upload destructive or intrusive files onto your computer while internet connections are secured by making use of the firewall on your pc.

Computer hackers commonly use P2P file sharing software to gain access to your computer by sharing common files such as movies or music files. Manny times the hackers add a keystroke logger to the file that you unsuspecting download. Once the keystroke logger is activated through the download and installation via the music or movie file, every keystroke you make on your pc is transmitted to the computer of the hacker. The most common result of this type of hacking is identity theft.

Concerning emails, most hackers use email to hack a pc by sending emails, usually with attachments. The attachment contains a specific code to run a hacking command. Once you open the attachment, the command starts running and this way the hacker gains access to what ever information is available on your pc. Never open suspicious email or email that you are not familiar with. The safest way is to simply just delete it without opening it.

Most of us use our computers to store personal information such as our banking and financial information. Online memberships and especially financial accounts entail making use of passwords. As mentioned before, making use of easy identifiable information for a password make it easy for hackers to gain access. A good mix of letters and numbers in combination makes it hard for hackers to decipher

Computer hackers often pursue wireless networks and especially new wireless networks because they are easy targets. When the network is initially installed, there is not any level of security present. The best way to secure a wireless network is to log onto the router and set the security settings to require a password before access is gained to the network.

Because of the ever changing and advancement of technology, computer hackers make sure they remain up to date as well. Therefore, they create and use new viruses constantly. Consequently, it is very important to make sure that all security software is updated on at least a weekly basis. The majority of security software has an automatic daily update to ensure maximum protection. Some security software does not have that function and requires that you do updates on a manual basis.

Basics of a Home Security Intercom

Madeleine — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:07:17 +0000

Most of us don't think twice about answering our door to visitors and guests who come knocking or ringing our doorbells, but the truth is we live in a time when unwanted intruders are increasingly gaining access to homes

A home security intercom is a two way communication device that consists of a receiver and transmitter. A home security intercom is commonly used as an effective communication method between the inside and outside of a home. It is particularly used to control entrance to a property by verbally identifying the person on the outside before opening a gate or door.

As the interest and quest for enhanced personal safety increase, home security equipment such as the home security intercom intensifies by the day. The key purpose of a home security intercom is to prevent invasion by unwanted persons into your home. Two speakers are installed, one inside the house and the other at the gate or entrance of the home. This way you can ensure that you allow access to your home to people that do not pose a risk.

In some instances a more advanced system is installed into a home with more communication units that are linked to the entrance. This makes it more flexible and comfortable to use, especially where there are a number of people living in one dwelling or in large homes. It is important to know that each unit needs to be powered individually.

Some sophisticated home security intercom systems even allow you all the features of a standard intercom system with the added functionality to unlock a door with the push of a remote button. The remote is powered by a battery and obviously no wiring is involved.

A special feature that advanced home security intercom systems have that holds great advantages for visually impaired people is a monitor that can distinguish between animals, humans, or vehicles. A monitor is connected to the system and will set of an alarm if any activity takes place within a specific range of the sensor. Ranges differ from one model to another and you are advised to consult with your home security specialist as to what model will be best suited for your individual needs.

Intercoms can offer fun, convenience, and more importantly - better home security for you and your family.

Common Psychological Traits of a Sexual Offender

Madeleine — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:01:12 +0000

When looking to the psychological side of the existence of a sex offender, one will notice that there are a number of psychological traits that these beings share. One has to be careful though, because it is not to say if a person displays these traits he or she is a sexual offender. Many of these characteristics are found in all kinds of people, but during studies conducted on sexual offenders it was found that they lay bare a varying level of these traits.

Traits

The majority of sex offenders know that their actions are wrong and destructive. Equally to what a normal person would regard cheating with a diet, or breaking a simple traffic law like not stopping completely stil at a stop sign, sex offenders employ cognitive falsification to persuade them that their actions are not wrong, destructive or that the victim initiated it or enjoys it.

Many sex offenders have poor communication abilities or lack confidence with personal relationships.

To an extend, these people do not have an acceptable level of empathy or can not place or imagine themselves in another person’s situation.

Sexual offenders usually are impulsive natured people and do not consider the outcome of their deeds before engaging in any action.

When one takes a look at the history and background of the sexual offender, it is commonly found that these people suffered a significant high level of physical and or sexual abuse on a frequent basis during their childhood.

Sexual offenders tend to prey on children from single mothers with a relative low education level.

Although it may not appear so to other people, sexual offenders more often than not have a low self esteem, are fairly immature, and experience strong emotions of inferiority and inadequacy.

It is unlikely for these offenders to be assertive, and have prominent passive aggressiveness associated with intensifying levels of hostility and or anger that are kept within.

It is found that to minor extend, sexual offenders tend to be left handed.

Behavior

Certain common behavioral traits are found amongst sexual offenders. Parents can take note of the following red lights as they start to flicker.

Most sexual offenders –

Work with or are volunteers involved in children’ activities

Volunteer to work with children even if they do not have children of their own or children in that specific age group.

They frequently make physical contact with children

Behave like a child when they are around children

Allow questionable or inappropriate behavior from children

Engage into activities that involves being alone with children

Are well versed in the most trendy fads, fashion, and popular music children are in to but do not have children of their own.

Are liked by children with no perceptible reason

Are always ready and willing to baby sit or watch your children.

Have the ability to always show up at family functions or friend gatherings where children will be present.

© Miljo for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: personal relationships, poor communication abilities, sexual abuse, sexual offenders

Considerations in Buying a Child Security Gate

Madeleine — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 02:57:15 +0000

The purpose of child security gates is to prevent toddlers to gain access to particular areas of your house. There are a couple of things to consider to ensure you buy a suitable child security gate for your home. What kind of child security gate you will buy will largely depends on the age and activity level of your child. In addition you will need to determine if you will need this to be only a temporary solution or if you would need a more permanent type of restriction.

Style

There are predominantly two styles of child security gates available. The wall mounted style child security gate is permanently secured to a wall and is known to be the sturdiest type of childe gate. Because these gates are fitted to the wall as a fixture, it is not possible for a child to push the gate out of position. These wall mounted gates are more expensive than others are, but are the ideal solution for preventing access to high risk areas such as stairs.

The other style is the pressure mounted child security gate style. They are easy to install because you simply place them in the opening you need to secure and push down on the pressure handle. This is the most affordable option and has the advantage that you can move it around to areas where you need them. Because these child security gates are not static, larger infants can easily push them out of the way and are therefore not suitable for high risk areas such as stairs.

Size

The average child security gate width is 40 inches to fit a standard door opening. However, there are child gates that can expand up to 20 feet. These doors will allow you to create a designated playing area for your kids without the risk of the child going beyond or outside that specific area.

Height

How high the gate is will determine how easy it will be for your child to get over the gate. Obviously it needs to be high enough and constructed in such a manner that it is not possible for your child to climb over it. Yet, it needs to be short enough for you to get over it when needed.

Means of Access

In this regard there are options as well. How do you get pass the gate is another important factor. Many gates are fixed and if you need to pass, you have to climb over it. To some people this is a major discomfort. The solution to this is swinging gates that are fitted with a complicated child proof fastener that secure the two parts and prevent the child from opening it. This way you do not need to climb back and forth to pass the entrance without risking the safety of your child.

Different Kinds of Security Locks

Madeleine — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 15:47:43 +0000

The different kinds of security locks vary as much as there are security solutions. From the simple entry lock, keyless entry systems, security door locks, up to complex biometric locks, there is a kind of lock that will suit your specific security protocol.

The simplest lock we all know is the basic entry lock that is fitted in the door handle. Deadbolt locks is ideal for supplementary key lock security and work in a similar way as the basic entry lock but is fitted with a deadbolt.

A spring operated lockset operates with a push button that is located on the handle on the inside of the door. Access from the outside can be gained by using a key. The door can be locked from both sides. This is a very convenient type of lock but does not provide optimum security. Some spring locksets have key access on both the exterior and interior of the door.

Deadbolt locks are obtainable in a number of diverse styles and is ideal to use where a high security level is required. The given name relates to the manual function of the lock. There are no springs that make the lock function but in stead it operates with a key on the one end while you need to turn a knob on the other side to gain access. With a double cylinder lock, a key on both sides are required. Deadbolt locks that are mounted to the inside construction of the door is commonly known as a surface mounted deadbolt lock.

It is often found that door locks for residential security purposes are installed in a combination of a deadbolt lock and basic entry lockset. These sets can be bought as a combination set. The advantage of these combination sets is that you only have one key to open both locks.

Mortise locks got their names because of the mortises that function in an almost similar way that deadbolt locks do, with the exception that mortises cuts into the door to secure it. A mortise lock is often used with a steel door which then provides a significant high level of security. Because of the intricate nature of these locks it needs to be installed by a professional. It is unlikely that you will find these locks on any kind of residential property doors but rather on large entryways of commercial properties.

An alternative to conventional keys are keyless locks that function with an electronic keypad. People with the right to access receive a code and need to enter the code into the keypad in order to open the customary deadbolt lock and gain access to the premises. It is also customary to connect alarms to the entrance door. In the event that there is a security breach the alarm will sound and most likely a reaction company will be contacted.

Facts and Statistics on Sex Offenders You Should Know

Madeleine — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 03:37:21 +0000

It is unlikely that you will be able to identify a sex offender in a crowd, yet there are some collective traits that pedophiles and sex offenders share. If these traits were looked at separately, one will notice that even some of us have those traits, but in a collective manner these traits can provide valuable indications that something is iniquitous.

After a number of thorough research studies conducted with sentenced sexual offenders the following information was established. It is important to note however that statistics mentioned are representative of the group of people that was interviewed and studied and information that was gathered through these studies.

Relationships

It is a myth that sexual offenders are people who are not married or unemployed. Many of them are married with families of their own and have good jobs.

It was found that most of them have a lack of intimate relationship skills and have trouble with establishing sustainable friendships or relationships with adults.

Age

The ages of pedophiles range between 12 to 80 years. The average age of the typical sex offender is 30 years. Prepubescent offenders are rarely found while older offenders are fairly common.

Intelligence and Education

Psychiatric problems or a below level of intellectual proficiency appear to be present amongst 20% of sexual offenders.

The majority of offenders, 90%, received education up to high school level or did not complete their high school education. At some stage 65% of offenders had to repeat a grade during their school education.

Substance Abuse History

When the abuse of alcohol is considered in relation to sexual offences, 65% of the perpetrators have an alcohol problem.

25% of offenders admit being under the influence of alcohol in the course of the sexual abuse.

Drug abuse is present amongst 40% of sexual offenders.

Criminal History

More than half of the offenders have been convicted of a previous offence of which the majority was not sexually related at all.

Acquaintance

In 35% of the cases, offenders were familiar with their victims since they were born or as babies. In this particular instance, interfamilial abuse appear less than from further social relationships such as being neighbors, going to the same church or other social interactions.

Fathers, stepfathers, or other males in father figure roles represent 20% of sexual offenders. The majority of these people are either stepfathers or people who share the same house as the victim posing as a father to the victim.

Violence Behavior History

Sexual offenders are fascinated by a specific sex of child and in a certain age group. It is unlikely that they will prey on victims outside these boundaries.

Exhibitionism, sadism, voyeurism, or other sexuality related problems are present at between 50% and 70% of sexual offenders.

In 25% of the interfamilial occurrences, physical abuse paves the way for sexual abuse.

85% of the abusers have an existing relationship with the victim. Once the abuse start the relationship change in some way or another.

A history of domestic violence became evident in 35% of cases where interfamilial sexual abuse was present. Usually family members only acknowledged the domestic violence once the sexual abuse was exposed and the offender arrested.

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Post tags: Criminal History, Exhibitionism, Psychiatric problems, sadism, sex offender, sexual abuse, Substance Abuse, Violence Behavior, voyeurism

Baby Safety for New Parents

Madeleine — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 22:52:44 +0000

Being a new parent poses its own challenges while all you want to do is to cherish en keep the newborn treasure safe from the hazards of the cruel big world. Fact is that your home contains plenty of hazards that your bundle of joy is enthusiastic to investigate.

Surely as a new parent you are bombarded with a number of do’s and don’ts with regard to the new member of the family. Here are some important safety tips to ensure that you keep the new baby safe and healthy.

Baby Items

There are literally thousands of items especially designed with baby in mind. From small soft rattles up to practical bath mats with a thousand and one choices in between. Here is some sound advice on what you should sidestep.

Avoid anything that has small pieces. You still find it in our advanced world today that some baby products such as toys have small parts that pose a choking hazard.

Check on the ink and paints used on baby products. Many products are painted with toxic paint or ink. Babies put anything in their mouths – it is part of their exploration of the big new world. In addition, make sure that paints used are lead free.

Bath seats are often mistaken as a safe tool to leave your baby unattended while in the bath to quickly attend to something else. This is extremely irresponsible and poses a major drowning risk.

Bouncing chairs and all other baby furniture should always be of a sturdy nature and constructed in such a way that it is hard to tilt over. Moving apparatus such as bouncers and walkers should have a proper T-shaped safety strap around the waist and between the legs.

Around the House

Crawling is the most adventurous time for an infant and at the same time it happens that it is a reasonably frightening time for parents. The little one sees opportunity to explore, chew, grab, and pull on anything and everything. It is part of the normal development for a baby and therefore it is important for parents to assess the risks and adapt the household accordingly to make this important experience for the little one possible in a safe and secure environment.

While babies are somewhat unsteady on their feet during the development of crawling and when they want to start walking, falling down is unfortunately part of the learning process. Especially during this time, you as parent need to supervise and ensure that their environment is safe. Never leave an infant unattended. If you need to attend to something else, place the child in a playpen where his movements are restricted.

Doors are tremendously interesting things to discover during their environmental exploration journey. Unfortunately this is where tiny little fingers are trapped! Door stoppers are the ideal solution to prevent little fingers being trapped during the deciphering of the door concept. You do not need to buy expensive door stoppers that need installation. A good alternative is to make use of soft wedge like stoppers that you slide under the edge of a door to keep it in tact.

Although youngsters may see stairs as the ideal place to enhance and test their movement capabilities, all of us know how dangerous stairs are and what kind of risks it holds for small children. Making sure your stairs are inaccessible by fitting a stair gate at both ends significantly reduces the risk. There are an extensive range of stair gates available that will suit your requirements and even décor. One important factor though of a stair gate is that you have to be able to open and close it with only one hand to make it easy when you need to carry your little one.

Whether you have an infant, toddler, or teen, we know that being a parent is a tough job. That’s why security should be a top priority for your family and for your home.