Using Pepper Spray : Defending Yourself.
Using pepper spray is widely touted as being one of the best ways to defend yourself from a personal attack. . .
. . .and so it can be if the spray is used correctly. It should be kept in mind that pepper spray is not passive defense in the same way that personal alarms are and should the attacker succeed in grabbing the spray from you, he could use it against you.
Remember also that the best form of personal defense is to avoid
getting into dangerous situations.
It is safe to go out but always be
aware that some areas are safer than others.
Using pepper spray
is not as easy as you might think it to be.
The spray should be aimed
directed at the attacker’s face and used quickly.
Never use the
spray to threaten, you should not pull out the spray and hold it in a
way that implies that you will use it if your attacker does not desist.
The longer your pepper spray is visible the more chance there is that your assailant can grab it from you.
Do not pull out the spray unless you are going to use it and if you pull it out use it straight away.
Once you have used the spray get away from your attacker as fast as
possible and call the police when you are in a safe position to do so.
Never pull out your pepper spray unless you are going to use it. Aim straight at your attackers face. |
Do
not close your eyes when using pepper spray, your aim needs to be
precise.
Never spray into a crowd and never spray wildly, if there is more than one assailant, aim
first at one then another.
Step back a little from whoever is attacking you, just enough to prevent him snatching your spray from your hand.
A split second before you use your spray, shoot your free hand up into the air quickly. This will distract the thug and he may just look upward, giving you a clearer shot at his eyes.
Avoid using a defense spray in a tightly enclosed space and never use in a moving vehicle.
Remember
that spraying into the wind will likely mean that you suffer some of
the effects of the spray, avoid doing so if you can.
The Effects of Using Pepper Spray.
Oleoresin Capsicum, popularly known as pepper spray, is a natural
substance extracted from oily resins found in peppers.
When Oleoresin
Capsicum is sprayed into the eyes it causes temporary blindness, the
eyes will involuntarily close up tight.
While this is going on the attacker will experience an uncontrollable
coughing and gagging fit and a fierce burning where the spray is in
contact with his skin. It can be seen that when correctly hit with
pepper spray the assailant will likely be unable to continue an attack.
Can You Use Pepper Spray Legally?
Before considering using pepper spray for self-defense you should check
whether or not it is legal for you to do so. Many places have laws
forbidding the use, or even the possession of, such sprays.
Even if using pepper spray is legal where you live there may be
restrictions on the capacity of the aerosol container, restrictions on
the strength of the spray or you may be required to obtain an
identification card or certificate.
Pepper sprays must only be used to protect yourself from someone who is actually attacking you, you must be in physical danger.
Do
not use sprays on persons that you merely find threatening by their
manner, the way they dress or the language they use.
You must actually
be under attack, otherwise you are using your defensive spray as an
offensive weapon.
Do not use a spray to stop someone from
damaging your property, for instance someone vandalizing your car, using
a pepper spray should be for personal protection only.
It
is a good idea to test your pepper spray every three months or so. The
Oleoresin Capsicum itself should not deteriorate but the aerosol
propellant may do so resulting in a less effective spray.
Remember that
every time you test you are using up the content of the container, your
pepper spray will need replacing at some point. You may possibly find an
expiration date stamped on the container.
- Avoid getting into dangerous situations.
- Never use a spray to threaten.
- Learn how to use your defense spray.
- Use only for defense.
- Make sure using pepper spray is legal where you live.
Personal Security
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Using Pepper Spray.
Self Defense Weapons – Using devices to defend yourself.
Using
self defense weapons to fend off an attack should be a last resort.
Make sure any self protection devices that you use are legal and that
you are trained in their use.