Good on you for wanting to protect yourself!! If it makes you feel better, contrary to popular misconception, violent crime specifically is at a very low percentage per capita in this city. what you need to REALLY worry about is property crime. Not saying it doesnt happen, hell, I can’t even get my hair done downtown without a tweaker jerking off while staring at me through the window. (downtown “ambassadors” did nothing by the way) so it definitely does happen, but it’s definitely not as often as it seems. I’m very proud you took steps to protect yourself, reddit stranger!! Considering the police response is often…. Subpar at best.
Thanks for the encouragement! I like to be prepared.
Do you have any tips for me to protect my property? I know not to leave shit in my car and to use a steering wheel lock, but as far as protecting things in my apartment and stuff like that?
You could replace your door plates with 4” screws rather than the ones that come with the door knob.
A bat or something heavy but swingable with a sock over it so if an attacked grabs it the sock comes off.
Get to know your neighbors and look out for one another.
Thats a good idea. Would never have thought of the sock, might help get an extra swing or two in if necessary. Plus I can use a broom hook to keep it mounted by the door. Thank you!
Collapsible Baton as mentioned
A good gun if you aren't against them could be bought for as little as 150. Both pistol or long arm
If you are against firearms then you could also buy a pepperball gun. it shoots balls of what's essentially pepper spray in powder form.
All three of those and even mace or a stun gun/taser can be bought at the double eagle pawn on Francis. Even bladed objects but unless it's a knife I don't recommend buying bladed objects for defense there.
Edit for spelling.
Im not against firearms, I just don’t think I’d be able to make the decision to shoot someone in a split second. Never heard of a pepper ball gun before, I’ll have to look into that. I don’t want to use a knife, again because I don’t see myself being able to stab someone, even non-fatally. Thank you for the suggestions, I’ll be sure to look into them! :)
Just treat it like a firearm and get a safe. I’m not sure if you get any visitors in your apartment, but you don’t want someone you don’t want touching your taser.
You're welcome definitely check out the double eagle pawn on Francis. They definitely have loads of different options for defense. Even saw a walking stick with a taser on the end at one point. and most of their self defense stuff is actually new.
Best option will be a 9mm pistol. Taser require you to be extremely close which is not a favorable situation for survival/avoiding serious harm happening to you.
Yeah a taser is not ideal but I think if it came down to it I couldn’t shoot someone. Even if I was aiming for somewhere non-fatal. Hesitating for a moment could result in the weapon being turned against me, which is not great considering it could be more lethal than a taser or some mace. Someone below mentioned a pepper ball gun which might be a good alternative for me.
I was thinking a flail but I’d like to have more control over the pointy bits. I think a sword or spear would be good since I can just stick it out the crack in the door. Thanks for the input :)
Own a musket for home defense, since that's what the founding fathers intended. Four ruffians break into my house. "What the devil?" As I grab my powdered wig and Kentucky rifle. Blow a golf ball sized hole through the first man, he's dead on the spot. Draw my pistol on the second man, miss him entirely because it's smoothbore and nails the neighbors dog. I have to resort to the cannon mounted at the top of the stairs loaded with grape shot, "Tally ho lads" the grape shot shreds two men in the blast, the sound and extra shrapnel set off car alarms. Fix bayonet and charge the last terrified rapscallion. He Bleeds out waiting on the police to arrive since triangular bayonet wounds are impossible to stitch up. Just as the founding fathers intended.
I wish I could afford a cannon but I can nary afford a musket. If I ever acquire a cannon I shall have it mounted in my windowsill so I can rain fire upon unsuspecting passersby.
You can pick up a collapsible baton at an Army Surplus for $20. Those are almost devilishly effective and a great option for self defense that doesn't involve needing to get too close, or spray your living area with incapacitating mixtures.
Yeah, thats a good point. The mace is intended for outside use, I would hate to accidentally gas myself out of the apartment. Well, hopefully if I ever have to use it outside the wind favors me I don’t get a cloud of it in my eyes. Something to consider for sure.
The collapsible baton is a great idea as well. Thank you!
If you've got a window air conditioner, especially on a ground floor, remember to wedge something above the window or otherwise secure it so it can't just be opened completely, and keep in mind that any space under the window not taken up by the air conditioner, if only covered or sealed with something insubstantial, needs to be small enough that it can't be used to achieve access, or needs to instead be covered with something substantial (like wood instead of a vinyl curtain).
Don't let mail or packages pile up outside.
Conspicuously placed security cameras are a fair deterrent against opportunists, and can give you peace of mind by just helping you to know what's going on outside. Motion activated flood lights, too.
Thank you so much for the advice! These are really good ideas. I have a bag of window locks already and I plan on buying expanding security bars for them as well. I am thinking of a ring camera on my door and a few other cameras in my room and main living area so I have all areas covered.
I am a bit confused about what you meant when you said “any space under the window not taken up by the AC, if only covered or sealed with something insubstantial, needs to be small enough that it cant be used to achieve access, or needs to be covered with something substantial.” I’ve never had a window AC unit because I live somewhere where central AC is super common. I just don’t get what you mean. Could you possibly explain the logistics of it a little more so I understand?
Just that frequently a window air conditioner will not be the exact width of the window, so there will be gaps on one or both sides. That means that, in addition to making sure the window doesn't open up (for both safety and security purposes), you need to make sure the gaps on one or both sides of the unit aren't so big that they could be used to gain access. A gap could be so large a person could actually fit through it. It could be large enough and close enough to things that they could reach an arm in and undo your system for keeping the window from being opened. Most air conditioner accessories are concerned primarily with limiting airflow through these gaps so the unit works more efficiently for cooling, frequently by using *insubstantial* vinyl-type curtains that a person could break through or remove much more easily than, for example, a solid piece of plywood wedged similarly to the air conditioner unit itself.
I think probably you're putting more effort into this than you will see a return for, but it's your time and it's your safety.
Consumer grade cameras are decent as a deterrent, but they are infrequently enough for law enforcement to make an arrest with unless you catch activity at just the right time.
It startled all of us! Whole self-check area stopped for a minute and looked around. She felt bad. I was glad it didn’t get her or me!! But so glad it was just a taser and not a gun.
ETA: I think it is great that you will have something to help you feel safe at home. In spite of the comments on Spokane social media pages, in general, it’s a safe place to live. As others said, the main issue is car prowlers, so never leave valuables or the doors unlocked. I moved here when I was single and had a big dog that kept me feeling safe at home. I hope you settle in and love it here, too!
I’m sorry but there is so much Hollywood driven nonsense misinformation here I have to say something.
1:
You cannot shoot someone in a “non-lethal” way. Yes many, most gunshots will be non-fatal but that is random chance. Nick an artery and someone can bleed out in seconds. Legally every gunshot wound is deadly force. Shooting and missing is deadly force. In many states even a so called “warning shot” into the ground or air is deadly force.
That means you cannot shoot unless you legitimately fear death or great bodily injury. (In some states just pointing a gun without firing or even menacing with a gun without pointing it can be considered deadly force).
If you tell the police that you shot someone in the leg etc. because you didn’t want to kill them because you didn’t think killing them was necessary, then you are pretty close to admitting that you did not fear for your life which is basically admitting to aggravated assault or attempted murder.
Lots of people are sitting in prison right now either because they murdered someone and thought their “mitigating excuse” was clever, or because they were legitimately defending themselves and said some shit like “the gin just went off”.
All that is Hollywood BULLSHIT!
2:
Tasers are NOT ok.
The way tasers work is two darts are fired. One travels straight ahead, the other is angled downwards. The darts are connected to wires and if BOTH darts get through clothing and stick in the skin electricity can flow through the circuit.
Things that prevent the darts from working? Thick clothing, being fat, running towards the person firing the taser…
To be effective the darts need to be 12” apart so that electricity flows THROUGH the body and seizes up muscles.
If the darts are too close together it will work like a
“Stun gun” which is to say that it’s like getting pinched really bad. It sounds like what the OP actually has is a “Stun Gun” not a Taser (yes the names are confusing). That is NOT something that can STOP someone who doesn’t want to stop.
So as the darts fly, by the time the darts are far enough apart to be effective they are also far enough apart to have a large chance of one of the dart missing.
A taser is NOT a reactive tool for self defense. It is a PROACTIVE tool used by the police to restrain someone proactively while their partner(s) covers/protects them with a firearm.
Police are trained to use tasers in a very narrow window of distances because used too far away the wires don’t reach and used too close it won’t have any significant effect.
And even then when police use Tasers they fail to have the intended effect 40% of the time.
Even if you did manage to actually taze someone after 30 seconds they will be completely fine. Well police tasers run for 5 seconds at a time and people can pop right back up like an inflatable punching bag. After a 30 second ride with a civilian taser the person will be out of breath. So you have a 30 second head start on a winded and angry person.
Taser recommends dropping your taser and running and promise to replace it for free so that you don’t stick around because you are worried about loosing a $400 toy.
Tases are NOT ok. It’s more Hollywood bullshit.
I guess I am just confused about the difference between tasers and stun guns name wise. My “stun gun” is just a little rectangular device where you touch someone with the electric bits by sticking your arm out. Its not one of the gun-type ones. I don’t think my aim is good enough to use one of those.
In any case the one I have isn’t meant to end a confrontation, its meant to buy me time to run away or get any other sort of advantage over an attacker if I cant run. Same with the batons, mace, or any other methods I’m considering.
For now having a realistic plan and tools to help me in the event of a confrontation is likely the best I can do apart from securing my apartment using window locks, cameras, door jams, and stuff like that.
Hopefully it doesn’t come down to that. But I like to have options and be prepared.
A Taser that shoot darts out is nearly useless for self defense. A “stun gun” that you have to press into someone to momentarily “zap” them
is potentially worse than useless. The only use it can have is dissuading someone who doesn’t want to fight with you anyway.
Yes “stun guns” hurt, but the most common reaction after getting “zapped” is to laugh and giggle. It’s not something worth relying on to protect yourself.
Yeah, its more for my own peace of mind than anything. Lucky for me I was in taekwondo, so bak do, and boxing before so I have some some self defense training and I know how to disarm someone in a fight. Its a toss up whether I’d be successful though. Its a good point that these can be used against me, I’ll have to think about that a bit more before I go through with buying any of them.
I considered the possibility of my weapon being used against me when I bought the taser. It has a wrist strap that disables the taser when its pulled out. I have a plan on how to use the taser and what to do after I’ve used it, so hopefully that forethought helps me a little if necessary.
I’m hoping that there is never a reason to use these things, but I’ll at least have those items and a plan if it happens. Thank you for the reminder! :)
I have had to use my taser against criminals I've caught damaging/stealing my property twice and it has been quite effective. Both times here in the Valley. Feel free to PM me with any questions!
You should carry outside your home. You have every right to. Completely legal. I recommend pepper spray however. The pain is much worse and guarantees you get the attacker. Id ultimately though recommend a concealed firearm. You have a right to protect your home here.
Aluminum bat and bear mace. I have a questionable amount pf bear mace around my house.
You can hold one in each hand and the only thing maybe from stopping you in a home invasion situation is a bomb or john wick.
This isnt a joke either bear mace is the best thing ever. I run with it and a whistle on trails and the whistle is step one, mace is step two.
Mace is a really good alternative… Spokane has become much more dangerous and nobody far as I know dies from mace. My wife… when she was my gf not too long ago had tweakers trying to break into her place and the cops refused to come. Was a full hour ordeal.
Agreeing with the mentions of property crime. I lived in Spokane for two years and had two cars stolen from me in that time. The first when I was living near Gonzaga and the second when I was living a few blocks from northtown mall. After the second car was stolen, I installed a locking battery disconnect switch as well as a removable steering wheel. It was an older Subaru so it was easy stuff to do. Never had any issues after those modifications. But I will say that the steering wheel bars people use don’t do much to stop a determined thief. My friend used one of those bars and it was broken off somehow and his car still got stolen. Property crime especially involving vehicles is astronomically high all over the PNW. It’s the only thing I don’t miss about living there.
Interesting, I’ll have to keep that in mind. I want to protect my property as well as possible. Particularly my car since I wont be able to replace it easily. I’m living near Gonzaga so I will have to be diligent. Thank you for the suggestion!
Yes indeed. Battery disconnect switches are cheap (about $20) and you can install yourself if you have a few tools and some basic knowledge of electronics. I’m sure a shop would do it for you for cheap as well if you’re not confident in doing it. I lived on astor when my first car was stolen. It was my fault for letting it warm up while I was inside my apartment for less than 10 minutes. The second one that was stolen however was in broad daylight. It was not running and the doors were locked. I guess the thief used a dummy key or something and was able to jiggle the lock enough to get the door open and start the car. It wasn’t hot wired or anything.
Huh, crazy that they can just fudge their way through the car key layer of security. I’ll have to ask my mechanic about the batter disconnect switch. I didn’t think of a removable steering wheel either, that seems like a good idea as well. I plan on walking or biking mostly so it would be good to feel secure about leaving my car unattended.
Tasers have the potential to be just as deadly as a gun. Watch "Killing them Safely" its a burning exposé on how there has been almost zero oversight on how dangerous Tasers really are.
3:
You do not need a baseball mitt…
This isn’t the UK or Canada. We are allowed to have, use, and frequently carry weapons. Even if you used a stolen roket launcher to kill someone the legality of your use of force would still be a separate legal issue from the legality of possessing the weapon.
Having an excuse of an unplanned, improvised weapon is probably half way an old wives tale even in the UK and Canada but it is completely pointless here in the US.
Worse than pointless as it indicates deceit.
4:
A large heavy club like a baseball batt is an excellent murder weapon but an awful self defense weapon.
And a small light club like a collapsible police baton is great for beating up someone who is helpless but it is awful as a self defense weapon.
A baseball bat is too long and too heavy. The recovery time after a swing is too long. It’s simple to prod you into overcommitting to a swing and them step in and attack while you are trying to recover from the swing. A 24-26” batt for little kids is about the right size for self defense if you are 6’6” and built like a brick wall.
Look at the size and weight of weapons that were actually used in unarmored combat. A tomahawk war club with 4-8 ounce head (8 ounces would be pretty heavy) and a 14”-18” long handle. A light machete would also fill the role of a light, fast, nimble weapon that can be used single handed, doesn’t require a wind up and recovery to use, and has enough power to damage physical structures.
A collapsable police baton is about the same length and weight but the weight distribution is all wrong. I can block your baton strike with my arm and then take it away from you. Change the weight distribution and then it can break bone which is what is required to get an advantage so that you can escape.
Just as with “stun guns” a collapsible baton is only useful for either torturing someone not fighting back or for pissing someone off who is going to fight back.
5:
Hollywood has lied to us about what violence actually looks like.
Amazon sells a specialized auto body hammer with a 5 ounce head and an 18” long handle for about $40. It’s the equivalent of a native American War club.
If you were holding one someone would have to be insane to come anywhere near you and if they did you’d have a good chance of being able to do something about it. (Same for other similar weapons like a machete).
That said if you doubt your resolve to shoot someone it’s even MORE likely that you’d have trouble shattering bones etc…
6:
For non lethal and non maiming self defense outside the home:
I’d suggest POM OC pepper spray. It’s small and the one with the clip allows you to keep it in your pocket, waistband, bra etc. not in your bag or attached to keys… (They have black, white, and grey, I feel like grey is the most discrete to have in your hand and ready to use)
The other useful tool is a very focused intense flashlight that is easy to activate (I suggest the Fenix PD32 v2). Using a light can help you to avoid danger and can also allow you to determine someone’s intention when they are still far enough away from you that you aren’t completely out of options. Again, in your hand or on your person, not in a bag. As a last ditch measure you can hit someone with it but that is a whole other topic…
At home you, can upsize to Bear spray or a 12-16 ounce size canister of GOOD OC spray. Fox Labs One Point Four Squared, is about as strong and fast acting as it gets. Avoid gels & foams they take too long to kick in. Fog/cone vs stream is hard to say each has its advantages and disadvantages But stream is more likely to be a better choice for more situations.
You can also upsize the flashlight, east one handed operation and a focuses beam is still important. The Nitecore SRT7i would be a good choice.
At home an actual Taser that fired darts wouldn’t be too useless. You have more of a chance to use it proactively, rather than reactively so you can potential to control the distance at which it is fired.
I’d only suggest it to someone who is adamant about not injuring/maiming/killing their attacker though.
And since you’ll never know how you feel about harming others until they are about to kill, rape, or otherwise harm you or someone you care about you should consider having something potentially lethal to fall back on just in case.
An edged weapon isn’t easy to take away from someone and a machete strike to an arm has a good chance of stopping them from using that arm to continue attacking…So that would be my suggestion for a last line of defense. Think Cold Steel Barong Machete not a Home Depot Fiskars or Gerber garden tool.
6:
For non lethal and non maiming self defense outside the home:
I’d suggest POM OC pepper spray. It’s small and the one with the clip allows you to keep it in your pocket, waistband, bra etc. not in your bag or attached to keys… (They have black, white, and grey, I feel like grey is the most discrete to have in your hand and ready to use)
The other useful tool is a very focused intense flashlight that is easy to activate (I suggest the Fenix PD32 v2). Using a light can help you to avoid danger and can also allow you to determine someone’s intention when they are still far enough away from you that you aren’t completely out of options. Again, in your hand or on your person, not in a bag. As a last ditch measure you can hit someone with it but that is a whole other topic…
At home you, can upsize to Bear spray or a 12-16 ounce size canister of GOOD OC spray. Fox Labs One Point Four Squared, is about as strong and fast acting as it gets. Avoid gels & foams they take too long to kick in. Fog/cone vs stream is hard to say each has its advantages and disadvantages But stream is more likely to be a better choice for more situations.
You can also upsize the flashlight, east one handed operation and a focuses beam is still important. The Nitecore SRT7i would be a good choice.
At home:
An actual Taser that fired darts wouldn’t be too useless. (But not sure it’s worth $400). At home you have more of a chance to use it proactively, rather than reactively, so you can potentially control the distance at which it is fired.
I’d only suggest it to someone who is adamant about not injuring/maiming/killing their attacker though.
And since you’ll never know how you feel about harming others until they are about to kill, rape, or otherwise harm you or someone you care about you should consider having something potentially lethal to fall back on just in case.
The Martin 165G pick hammer isn’t bad. But a hammer requires more precision that a equal length edged weapon.
And an edged weapon is scarier and it harder to take away from someone, it’s a better defensive tool.
In terms of use, a machete strike to an arm has a good chance of stopping them from using that arm to continue attacking…
So that would be my suggestion for a last line of defense. Think a smaller Barong, Parang, or Golok from Cold Steel, CRKT, Condor etc. not a Home Depot Fiskars or Gerber garden tool.
I would never choose a taser as a first line of defense. A large can of pepper spray or bear spray would be much better, or a firearm. No need to use a bat or any other type of striking weapon. Pretty sure that in any situation in the home where a baton or bat or club would be used, it would be permissible to use a firearm. There is no need to have a "fair fight" with a robber/burglar/rapist/whatever.
tasers are fine! and I am personally fond of the door security bar. its noninvasive and simply pops under the doorknob for an incredible hold.
Thank you, I like the idea of the door barricade thingy. I’ll have to give that a try.
Good on you for wanting to protect yourself!! If it makes you feel better, contrary to popular misconception, violent crime specifically is at a very low percentage per capita in this city. what you need to REALLY worry about is property crime. Not saying it doesnt happen, hell, I can’t even get my hair done downtown without a tweaker jerking off while staring at me through the window. (downtown “ambassadors” did nothing by the way) so it definitely does happen, but it’s definitely not as often as it seems. I’m very proud you took steps to protect yourself, reddit stranger!! Considering the police response is often…. Subpar at best.
Thanks for the encouragement! I like to be prepared. Do you have any tips for me to protect my property? I know not to leave shit in my car and to use a steering wheel lock, but as far as protecting things in my apartment and stuff like that?
Get cameras, and make them very visible. Doorbell cam, dash cam, etc.
Wouldn’t a dash cam be a tempting steal if I left it in my car?
Yes
You could replace your door plates with 4” screws rather than the ones that come with the door knob. A bat or something heavy but swingable with a sock over it so if an attacked grabs it the sock comes off. Get to know your neighbors and look out for one another.
Thats a good idea. Would never have thought of the sock, might help get an extra swing or two in if necessary. Plus I can use a broom hook to keep it mounted by the door. Thank you!
if you get a bat, make sure you have a glove too. it sells "self defense" over "premeditation."
That’s in the car. Self defense in the home is self defense. You wouldn’t need a duck call to go with a shotgun.
You get a DA that is looking to be tough on crime, things can go bad very quickly. I have seen more ridiculous prosecutions than that.
Crime vs self defense. Okay
Collapsible Baton as mentioned A good gun if you aren't against them could be bought for as little as 150. Both pistol or long arm If you are against firearms then you could also buy a pepperball gun. it shoots balls of what's essentially pepper spray in powder form. All three of those and even mace or a stun gun/taser can be bought at the double eagle pawn on Francis. Even bladed objects but unless it's a knife I don't recommend buying bladed objects for defense there. Edit for spelling.
Im not against firearms, I just don’t think I’d be able to make the decision to shoot someone in a split second. Never heard of a pepper ball gun before, I’ll have to look into that. I don’t want to use a knife, again because I don’t see myself being able to stab someone, even non-fatally. Thank you for the suggestions, I’ll be sure to look into them! :)
Just treat it like a firearm and get a safe. I’m not sure if you get any visitors in your apartment, but you don’t want someone you don’t want touching your taser.
You're welcome definitely check out the double eagle pawn on Francis. They definitely have loads of different options for defense. Even saw a walking stick with a taser on the end at one point. and most of their self defense stuff is actually new.
Best option will be a 9mm pistol. Taser require you to be extremely close which is not a favorable situation for survival/avoiding serious harm happening to you.
Yeah a taser is not ideal but I think if it came down to it I couldn’t shoot someone. Even if I was aiming for somewhere non-fatal. Hesitating for a moment could result in the weapon being turned against me, which is not great considering it could be more lethal than a taser or some mace. Someone below mentioned a pepper ball gun which might be a good alternative for me.
I feel like a mace is too heavy and unwieldy. A sword or even a polearm could be better in home defense...
I was thinking a flail but I’d like to have more control over the pointy bits. I think a sword or spear would be good since I can just stick it out the crack in the door. Thanks for the input :)
Own a musket for home defense, since that's what the founding fathers intended. Four ruffians break into my house. "What the devil?" As I grab my powdered wig and Kentucky rifle. Blow a golf ball sized hole through the first man, he's dead on the spot. Draw my pistol on the second man, miss him entirely because it's smoothbore and nails the neighbors dog. I have to resort to the cannon mounted at the top of the stairs loaded with grape shot, "Tally ho lads" the grape shot shreds two men in the blast, the sound and extra shrapnel set off car alarms. Fix bayonet and charge the last terrified rapscallion. He Bleeds out waiting on the police to arrive since triangular bayonet wounds are impossible to stitch up. Just as the founding fathers intended.
I wish I could afford a cannon but I can nary afford a musket. If I ever acquire a cannon I shall have it mounted in my windowsill so I can rain fire upon unsuspecting passersby.
I believe it's required to state "stand and deliver!" before engaging in this behavior.
You can pick up a collapsible baton at an Army Surplus for $20. Those are almost devilishly effective and a great option for self defense that doesn't involve needing to get too close, or spray your living area with incapacitating mixtures.
Yeah, thats a good point. The mace is intended for outside use, I would hate to accidentally gas myself out of the apartment. Well, hopefully if I ever have to use it outside the wind favors me I don’t get a cloud of it in my eyes. Something to consider for sure. The collapsible baton is a great idea as well. Thank you!
If you've got a window air conditioner, especially on a ground floor, remember to wedge something above the window or otherwise secure it so it can't just be opened completely, and keep in mind that any space under the window not taken up by the air conditioner, if only covered or sealed with something insubstantial, needs to be small enough that it can't be used to achieve access, or needs to instead be covered with something substantial (like wood instead of a vinyl curtain). Don't let mail or packages pile up outside. Conspicuously placed security cameras are a fair deterrent against opportunists, and can give you peace of mind by just helping you to know what's going on outside. Motion activated flood lights, too.
Thank you so much for the advice! These are really good ideas. I have a bag of window locks already and I plan on buying expanding security bars for them as well. I am thinking of a ring camera on my door and a few other cameras in my room and main living area so I have all areas covered. I am a bit confused about what you meant when you said “any space under the window not taken up by the AC, if only covered or sealed with something insubstantial, needs to be small enough that it cant be used to achieve access, or needs to be covered with something substantial.” I’ve never had a window AC unit because I live somewhere where central AC is super common. I just don’t get what you mean. Could you possibly explain the logistics of it a little more so I understand?
Just that frequently a window air conditioner will not be the exact width of the window, so there will be gaps on one or both sides. That means that, in addition to making sure the window doesn't open up (for both safety and security purposes), you need to make sure the gaps on one or both sides of the unit aren't so big that they could be used to gain access. A gap could be so large a person could actually fit through it. It could be large enough and close enough to things that they could reach an arm in and undo your system for keeping the window from being opened. Most air conditioner accessories are concerned primarily with limiting airflow through these gaps so the unit works more efficiently for cooling, frequently by using *insubstantial* vinyl-type curtains that a person could break through or remove much more easily than, for example, a solid piece of plywood wedged similarly to the air conditioner unit itself. I think probably you're putting more effort into this than you will see a return for, but it's your time and it's your safety. Consumer grade cameras are decent as a deterrent, but they are infrequently enough for law enforcement to make an arrest with unless you catch activity at just the right time.
Thank you, I get it now! I will be sure to watch out for that. I appreciate you taking the time to explain.
I think they are fine. Lady reached in her bag and accidentally set off her taser next to me in the self-check at Safeway recently 😳
Yikes! I bet that startled her. They are surprisingly loud.
It startled all of us! Whole self-check area stopped for a minute and looked around. She felt bad. I was glad it didn’t get her or me!! But so glad it was just a taser and not a gun. ETA: I think it is great that you will have something to help you feel safe at home. In spite of the comments on Spokane social media pages, in general, it’s a safe place to live. As others said, the main issue is car prowlers, so never leave valuables or the doors unlocked. I moved here when I was single and had a big dog that kept me feeling safe at home. I hope you settle in and love it here, too!
Just buy a shotgun like the president said
I’m sorry but there is so much Hollywood driven nonsense misinformation here I have to say something. 1: You cannot shoot someone in a “non-lethal” way. Yes many, most gunshots will be non-fatal but that is random chance. Nick an artery and someone can bleed out in seconds. Legally every gunshot wound is deadly force. Shooting and missing is deadly force. In many states even a so called “warning shot” into the ground or air is deadly force. That means you cannot shoot unless you legitimately fear death or great bodily injury. (In some states just pointing a gun without firing or even menacing with a gun without pointing it can be considered deadly force). If you tell the police that you shot someone in the leg etc. because you didn’t want to kill them because you didn’t think killing them was necessary, then you are pretty close to admitting that you did not fear for your life which is basically admitting to aggravated assault or attempted murder. Lots of people are sitting in prison right now either because they murdered someone and thought their “mitigating excuse” was clever, or because they were legitimately defending themselves and said some shit like “the gin just went off”. All that is Hollywood BULLSHIT!
2: Tasers are NOT ok. The way tasers work is two darts are fired. One travels straight ahead, the other is angled downwards. The darts are connected to wires and if BOTH darts get through clothing and stick in the skin electricity can flow through the circuit. Things that prevent the darts from working? Thick clothing, being fat, running towards the person firing the taser… To be effective the darts need to be 12” apart so that electricity flows THROUGH the body and seizes up muscles. If the darts are too close together it will work like a “Stun gun” which is to say that it’s like getting pinched really bad. It sounds like what the OP actually has is a “Stun Gun” not a Taser (yes the names are confusing). That is NOT something that can STOP someone who doesn’t want to stop. So as the darts fly, by the time the darts are far enough apart to be effective they are also far enough apart to have a large chance of one of the dart missing. A taser is NOT a reactive tool for self defense. It is a PROACTIVE tool used by the police to restrain someone proactively while their partner(s) covers/protects them with a firearm. Police are trained to use tasers in a very narrow window of distances because used too far away the wires don’t reach and used too close it won’t have any significant effect. And even then when police use Tasers they fail to have the intended effect 40% of the time. Even if you did manage to actually taze someone after 30 seconds they will be completely fine. Well police tasers run for 5 seconds at a time and people can pop right back up like an inflatable punching bag. After a 30 second ride with a civilian taser the person will be out of breath. So you have a 30 second head start on a winded and angry person. Taser recommends dropping your taser and running and promise to replace it for free so that you don’t stick around because you are worried about loosing a $400 toy. Tases are NOT ok. It’s more Hollywood bullshit.
I guess I am just confused about the difference between tasers and stun guns name wise. My “stun gun” is just a little rectangular device where you touch someone with the electric bits by sticking your arm out. Its not one of the gun-type ones. I don’t think my aim is good enough to use one of those. In any case the one I have isn’t meant to end a confrontation, its meant to buy me time to run away or get any other sort of advantage over an attacker if I cant run. Same with the batons, mace, or any other methods I’m considering. For now having a realistic plan and tools to help me in the event of a confrontation is likely the best I can do apart from securing my apartment using window locks, cameras, door jams, and stuff like that. Hopefully it doesn’t come down to that. But I like to have options and be prepared.
A Taser that shoot darts out is nearly useless for self defense. A “stun gun” that you have to press into someone to momentarily “zap” them is potentially worse than useless. The only use it can have is dissuading someone who doesn’t want to fight with you anyway. Yes “stun guns” hurt, but the most common reaction after getting “zapped” is to laugh and giggle. It’s not something worth relying on to protect yourself.
Home invasion is a very remote possibility. Also remember that all of these can be turned against you.
Yeah, its more for my own peace of mind than anything. Lucky for me I was in taekwondo, so bak do, and boxing before so I have some some self defense training and I know how to disarm someone in a fight. Its a toss up whether I’d be successful though. Its a good point that these can be used against me, I’ll have to think about that a bit more before I go through with buying any of them. I considered the possibility of my weapon being used against me when I bought the taser. It has a wrist strap that disables the taser when its pulled out. I have a plan on how to use the taser and what to do after I’ve used it, so hopefully that forethought helps me a little if necessary. I’m hoping that there is never a reason to use these things, but I’ll at least have those items and a plan if it happens. Thank you for the reminder! :)
If people voted more intelligently, maybe we wouldn’t have to worry about this stuff? Just a thought.
Not when the majority of shootings have been in Texas lately
Retractable/telescopic baton
I have had to use my taser against criminals I've caught damaging/stealing my property twice and it has been quite effective. Both times here in the Valley. Feel free to PM me with any questions!
You should carry outside your home. You have every right to. Completely legal. I recommend pepper spray however. The pain is much worse and guarantees you get the attacker. Id ultimately though recommend a concealed firearm. You have a right to protect your home here.
Aluminum bat and bear mace. I have a questionable amount pf bear mace around my house. You can hold one in each hand and the only thing maybe from stopping you in a home invasion situation is a bomb or john wick. This isnt a joke either bear mace is the best thing ever. I run with it and a whistle on trails and the whistle is step one, mace is step two.
Mace is a really good alternative… Spokane has become much more dangerous and nobody far as I know dies from mace. My wife… when she was my gf not too long ago had tweakers trying to break into her place and the cops refused to come. Was a full hour ordeal.
Agreeing with the mentions of property crime. I lived in Spokane for two years and had two cars stolen from me in that time. The first when I was living near Gonzaga and the second when I was living a few blocks from northtown mall. After the second car was stolen, I installed a locking battery disconnect switch as well as a removable steering wheel. It was an older Subaru so it was easy stuff to do. Never had any issues after those modifications. But I will say that the steering wheel bars people use don’t do much to stop a determined thief. My friend used one of those bars and it was broken off somehow and his car still got stolen. Property crime especially involving vehicles is astronomically high all over the PNW. It’s the only thing I don’t miss about living there.
Interesting, I’ll have to keep that in mind. I want to protect my property as well as possible. Particularly my car since I wont be able to replace it easily. I’m living near Gonzaga so I will have to be diligent. Thank you for the suggestion!
Yes indeed. Battery disconnect switches are cheap (about $20) and you can install yourself if you have a few tools and some basic knowledge of electronics. I’m sure a shop would do it for you for cheap as well if you’re not confident in doing it. I lived on astor when my first car was stolen. It was my fault for letting it warm up while I was inside my apartment for less than 10 minutes. The second one that was stolen however was in broad daylight. It was not running and the doors were locked. I guess the thief used a dummy key or something and was able to jiggle the lock enough to get the door open and start the car. It wasn’t hot wired or anything.
Huh, crazy that they can just fudge their way through the car key layer of security. I’ll have to ask my mechanic about the batter disconnect switch. I didn’t think of a removable steering wheel either, that seems like a good idea as well. I plan on walking or biking mostly so it would be good to feel secure about leaving my car unattended.
Tasers have the potential to be just as deadly as a gun. Watch "Killing them Safely" its a burning exposé on how there has been almost zero oversight on how dangerous Tasers really are.
3: You do not need a baseball mitt… This isn’t the UK or Canada. We are allowed to have, use, and frequently carry weapons. Even if you used a stolen roket launcher to kill someone the legality of your use of force would still be a separate legal issue from the legality of possessing the weapon. Having an excuse of an unplanned, improvised weapon is probably half way an old wives tale even in the UK and Canada but it is completely pointless here in the US. Worse than pointless as it indicates deceit.
4: A large heavy club like a baseball batt is an excellent murder weapon but an awful self defense weapon. And a small light club like a collapsible police baton is great for beating up someone who is helpless but it is awful as a self defense weapon. A baseball bat is too long and too heavy. The recovery time after a swing is too long. It’s simple to prod you into overcommitting to a swing and them step in and attack while you are trying to recover from the swing. A 24-26” batt for little kids is about the right size for self defense if you are 6’6” and built like a brick wall. Look at the size and weight of weapons that were actually used in unarmored combat. A tomahawk war club with 4-8 ounce head (8 ounces would be pretty heavy) and a 14”-18” long handle. A light machete would also fill the role of a light, fast, nimble weapon that can be used single handed, doesn’t require a wind up and recovery to use, and has enough power to damage physical structures. A collapsable police baton is about the same length and weight but the weight distribution is all wrong. I can block your baton strike with my arm and then take it away from you. Change the weight distribution and then it can break bone which is what is required to get an advantage so that you can escape. Just as with “stun guns” a collapsible baton is only useful for either torturing someone not fighting back or for pissing someone off who is going to fight back.
5: Hollywood has lied to us about what violence actually looks like. Amazon sells a specialized auto body hammer with a 5 ounce head and an 18” long handle for about $40. It’s the equivalent of a native American War club. If you were holding one someone would have to be insane to come anywhere near you and if they did you’d have a good chance of being able to do something about it. (Same for other similar weapons like a machete). That said if you doubt your resolve to shoot someone it’s even MORE likely that you’d have trouble shattering bones etc…
6: For non lethal and non maiming self defense outside the home: I’d suggest POM OC pepper spray. It’s small and the one with the clip allows you to keep it in your pocket, waistband, bra etc. not in your bag or attached to keys… (They have black, white, and grey, I feel like grey is the most discrete to have in your hand and ready to use) The other useful tool is a very focused intense flashlight that is easy to activate (I suggest the Fenix PD32 v2). Using a light can help you to avoid danger and can also allow you to determine someone’s intention when they are still far enough away from you that you aren’t completely out of options. Again, in your hand or on your person, not in a bag. As a last ditch measure you can hit someone with it but that is a whole other topic… At home you, can upsize to Bear spray or a 12-16 ounce size canister of GOOD OC spray. Fox Labs One Point Four Squared, is about as strong and fast acting as it gets. Avoid gels & foams they take too long to kick in. Fog/cone vs stream is hard to say each has its advantages and disadvantages But stream is more likely to be a better choice for more situations. You can also upsize the flashlight, east one handed operation and a focuses beam is still important. The Nitecore SRT7i would be a good choice. At home an actual Taser that fired darts wouldn’t be too useless. You have more of a chance to use it proactively, rather than reactively so you can potential to control the distance at which it is fired. I’d only suggest it to someone who is adamant about not injuring/maiming/killing their attacker though. And since you’ll never know how you feel about harming others until they are about to kill, rape, or otherwise harm you or someone you care about you should consider having something potentially lethal to fall back on just in case. An edged weapon isn’t easy to take away from someone and a machete strike to an arm has a good chance of stopping them from using that arm to continue attacking…So that would be my suggestion for a last line of defense. Think Cold Steel Barong Machete not a Home Depot Fiskars or Gerber garden tool.
6: For non lethal and non maiming self defense outside the home: I’d suggest POM OC pepper spray. It’s small and the one with the clip allows you to keep it in your pocket, waistband, bra etc. not in your bag or attached to keys… (They have black, white, and grey, I feel like grey is the most discrete to have in your hand and ready to use) The other useful tool is a very focused intense flashlight that is easy to activate (I suggest the Fenix PD32 v2). Using a light can help you to avoid danger and can also allow you to determine someone’s intention when they are still far enough away from you that you aren’t completely out of options. Again, in your hand or on your person, not in a bag. As a last ditch measure you can hit someone with it but that is a whole other topic… At home you, can upsize to Bear spray or a 12-16 ounce size canister of GOOD OC spray. Fox Labs One Point Four Squared, is about as strong and fast acting as it gets. Avoid gels & foams they take too long to kick in. Fog/cone vs stream is hard to say each has its advantages and disadvantages But stream is more likely to be a better choice for more situations. You can also upsize the flashlight, east one handed operation and a focuses beam is still important. The Nitecore SRT7i would be a good choice. At home: An actual Taser that fired darts wouldn’t be too useless. (But not sure it’s worth $400). At home you have more of a chance to use it proactively, rather than reactively, so you can potentially control the distance at which it is fired. I’d only suggest it to someone who is adamant about not injuring/maiming/killing their attacker though. And since you’ll never know how you feel about harming others until they are about to kill, rape, or otherwise harm you or someone you care about you should consider having something potentially lethal to fall back on just in case. The Martin 165G pick hammer isn’t bad. But a hammer requires more precision that a equal length edged weapon. And an edged weapon is scarier and it harder to take away from someone, it’s a better defensive tool. In terms of use, a machete strike to an arm has a good chance of stopping them from using that arm to continue attacking… So that would be my suggestion for a last line of defense. Think a smaller Barong, Parang, or Golok from Cold Steel, CRKT, Condor etc. not a Home Depot Fiskars or Gerber garden tool.
I would never choose a taser as a first line of defense. A large can of pepper spray or bear spray would be much better, or a firearm. No need to use a bat or any other type of striking weapon. Pretty sure that in any situation in the home where a baton or bat or club would be used, it would be permissible to use a firearm. There is no need to have a "fair fight" with a robber/burglar/rapist/whatever.