Wildfires

Victor Epand asked:


What is the best kind of GPS system for you? This depends on what you intend to use it for.

Garmin 12 GPS is very good. There are various models of the 12, 12XL etc. They can be found for under $150. The altimeter is usually off but once you find your position, most of the time the map tells me what my altitude is. They have a pretty decent battery life since you rarely ever use your GPS for 12 hours straight.

The vendors selling GPS units are Garmin and Magellan, those are good brands and can meet your requirements quite well. There is a third player, Brunton (compass makers gone hi-tech). They make very reasonably priced GPS units with lots of bells and whistles. Garmin GPS records the distance travelled, speed, average speed, etc. Make sure you get good battery life and enough memory to be useful.

Mitac Mio 168 comes out well for my requirements but is more expensive, especially if you go for the tom tom mapping software too (voice directions when I’m out on my motorbike!)

Most of the functions on GPS of this sort you can get from a map. Maps on pure GPS are not as good as on a GPS/PDA but good maps for these are usually expensive. Some mountain rescue team members use PDAs with 1:25000 OS mapping data for recording search patterns etc.

You really need to look at your own plans - for instance, most backpackers use GPS to “confirm” their position, and they don’t use it to set waypoints, determine compass direction, navigate, etc. Many backpackers use it as an emergency navigation tool in Utah’s deep, narrow canyons, where a map and compass can be almost useless.

One word of warning, take very seriously the statement on the front of all GPS units “Do not rely on this unit as the primary source of your navigation.” It’s always a good idea to have a map and compass with you when engaging in wilderness travel and use them right along with the GPS. It can actually be kind of fun to see how accurate you are with a compass and compare map routes with GPS routes to see why you ended up going the way you did.

What are the numbers on a compass for and how do you use a compass? The numbers on the compass are for degrees or headings. They will tell you what direction to proceed on. The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of compass you have, a floating dial or a floating needle.

As to emergency contact, you could buy an expensive Iridium/satellite phone - they can get a signal just like a GPS does. They run over $1,000. It may also be possible to rent one. For real emergencies, not simply a vehicle breakdown, there is a GPS signaling device, much like ONStar (GM trademark), that can send an emergency signal. The final thing to do is to check in at the local ranger station, BLM office, forest service visitor center, etc., and see about leaving your itinerary with them, as well as a promise to check-out with them when leaving. If you don’t check in, they would send someone out to check on you.



DELBERT

Majestic Help asked:


Pepper Spray has become one of the most often sought self-defense products on the market. It will disorient a would-be attacker long enough for you to get away to safety and call for help.

It permeates the pores of the skin, makes the victim close their eyes and inhibits the respiratory system. This means that if you are attacked by someone and use your Wildfire Pepper Spray on your attacker, he or she cannot see because their eyes are burning and tearing, and they have to keep them closed for any sort of relief. In addition, your attacker’s skin will start burning and their breathing will be uncomfortable at best.

Pepper spray is sought after as a self-defense tool because it is non-lethal, unlike a gun, which obviously can kill someone. Many people want to protect themselves and their loved ones from attacks, but do not want to use a gun because of the chance of a fatality – an irreversible consequence. If you are looking for an effective self-defense weapon, pepper spray has remained at the top of the list.

It is important when purchasing any self-defense tool that you learn everything that you can about how it works, side effects, warranties and more. It is also important to make your purchase from a company that is reputable, has good products at affordable prices, and will provide you with the information you need to use the tool effectively.



WILSON

Security Girl asked:


Well, it’s that time again. Spring is quickly moving into summer and people are beginning get out and about – especially in areas where the winter snow and ice is finally melted.

Being able to enjoy the nicer weather is always enjoyable, however being outdoors has its drawbacks, as well. One of the issues that we have to deal with is the rising crime rate. I am not saying this to put a damper on anyone’s outdoor excursions. I am saying this so that people become alert and aware of what is happening around them. It is important to stay safe, and one way to do this is to prepare in advance.

One of the tools that many people are using – including me – is pepper spray. Why pepper spray? Because it is non-lethal and it gives you time to get away from a dangerous person or situation quickly. The strongest and purest pepper spray available today is Wildfire Pepper Spray. It is the hottest and fastest reacting pepper spray on the market, because it is the purest around.

Because of its strength and purity, Wildfire Pepper Spray permeates the pores of the skin, closes the eyes and inhibits the respiratory system, starting a would-be attacker or intruder to cough. These three reactions combine to render the individual disoriented. They will definitely be distracted enough trying to deal with their symptoms, that they will no longer be worried about you. You will be long gone – and hopefully will have called the police so that they are on their way – while the individual is still trying to deal with the reaction to the spray.

Wildfire Pepper Spray comes in many sizes and containers. One that is excellent for times when you are out for a walk or jog or when you might be leaving the mall or a dimly lit parking area or ATM in the evening is the keychain model, which is compact, easy to use, effective and can fit in your hand, pocket or purse. Don’t be a victim. Prepare in advance and keep yourself safe with Wildfire Pepper Spray.



FIDEL