In my many REALTOR(R) Safety Seminars, I teach a great deal about weapons. Weapons can be anything - a chair, a gun, or a ring of keys. Some people choose to carry weapons with them, while others may have to utilize a Weapon of Opportunity (something lying around that can be used in a pinch).
The most popular type of weapon is pepper spray. There are a few tips about carrying and using pepper spray that I'd like to pass on for your edification.
First, carry something that will actually work. I recommend speaking with the local police department, or a safety instructor, to see what they recommend. You want something that will actually have an effect on people.
Second, don't carry a pepper spray unit that is hard to operate. You need something that is easily accessible, and simple to fire. You don't need a convoluted safety to disengage, but you definitely WANT some sort of safety.
Third, understand the dispersion pattern of your particular unit. THe most common patterns are cone and stream. A cone pattern shoots out in a cone shape from the unit. It usually doesn't have as far a range as a stream unit, but it is more effective for amateurs who aren't used to aiming the device. Stream units fire in small streams of liquid. They go further, but require more skill to hit the target.
Fourth, PRACTICE with what you decide to carry. Take it out back, check the wind direction, and spray it for half a second. Some units allow you to purchase inert spray to practice with. You need to know what it's like to use the unit before you ever HAVE to.
Finally, make sure that you are mentally prepared to use the unit. Understand that it will cause a lot of pain - but understand, more importantly, that the person you are going to use it on is probably going to cause you MORE pain. Pepper spray wears off after about half an hour. It won't hurt them permanently. You need to be comfortable with the fact that it will hurt them, but your survival is more important than their comfort.
Be safe!
Comments(10)