Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray Advice From a Self-Defense Expert

( posted 12 days ago )

If your plans or thoughts about safety or self-defense include any sort of weapon, please consider training to help you work through the question of whether this is right for you and, if it is, to give you basic skills in the safe use of it and an understanding of legal issues surrounding the use of force.

My recommendation is pepper spray because it is easy to learn how to use and will not be fatal if turned against you.

If you are looking for formal instruction on using your pepper spray, you may be able to find it through classes at an NRA affiliated gun club. Certainly, for firearms, there are any number of these local gun clubs where volunteer instructors donate their time for inexpensive classes in gun safety and defensive use of firearms.

But the best option is to turn to some women's organizations for help. Local police will provide the names of instructors or organizations in your area.

What is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a concentrated solution of OC (oleoresin of capsicum) in a canister of aerosol.

Pepper spray is an effective way to deter an attacker. When used properly will allow a victim to escape a grasp or close threat of an aggressor. It is not a perfect form of protection, but when a person carries and has easy access to pepper spray the chances of escaping an attack are extremely high.

Pepper Spray History

In 1973, OC pepper spray was developed as an aerosol spray and was primarily used by F.B.I agents and USPS Postal Delivery people to incapacitate humans and animals on a temporary basis.

During the 1980's, it became a very widely used product by law enforcement officials, and soon after that it became available for use by the general public. Cannisters of OC pepper spray are now available to the general public for personal safety.

Pepper Spray vs. Other Types of Spray

Pepper sprays are generally considered to be immediately effective, more safe, and less toxic than other more outdated forms of tear gas or mace, such as o-chlorobenzyildene malononitrile (C.S.) or chloroacetophenone (C.N.).
Pepper spray is the safer and more efficient choice.

Pepper Spray and the Environment

The environment should be another consideration when choosing any spray product whatsoever. The spray can pressure is created by an ozone-friendly propellant that is non-toxic, non-flammable, ozone-friendly and free of CFCs and HCFCs.

Pepper spray Law Overview

In most states, you are required to be 18 years of age to possess pepper spray. In almost all states, it is illegal to use pepper spray for purposes other than defending yourself or your property.

Please check the laws in your local state for a better understanding of your pepper spray rights.

Pepper Spray Maintenance and Practice

Over time, you should regularly practice the use of your pepper spray and make sure that the pressure
level is OK. Sprays may lose pressure over time. It is recommended that you replace your pepper spray
every 2 years and use your old cannister for testing purposes.

Statistics, Pepper Spray Related

Here are some additional statistics that should remind us how important it is to be protected:

An assault of some kind happens every 10 seconds in the US.

Every 46 seconds, a burgulary occurs in the US.

1 in every 5 U.S. families will become a victim of crime each year.

Every year, 4.5 million dog attacks occur in the U.S.

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