Only-Pepper Spray

The old method of dating was to meet people through friends of acquaintances, but with internet dating as the new standard, it’s often that you go on a date with someone whom you only know through the internet.  Because communication and interaction through the internet can be at times deceitful, it’s important to be prepared.  You should ensure that a friend or family member knows where you are going, and when you will return.  It is also wise to buy pepper spray or pepper gel if you don’t happen to own some already. 

Should you encounter a situation which makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t debate about social niceties, leave right away without informing your date if necessary.  There are other fish in the sea, and keeping yourself safe is the most important.

Pepper spray is a chemical which immediately affects the body in a severe manner. If you are ever shot with pepper spray, there are a few tips you should know about first-aid response to it.

First of all, there is no way to neutralize the effects of pepper spray, although they can be lessened. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in the spray, is not soluble in water, so no matter how much you douse yourself in it, nothing will change. You should blink vigorously to encourage tears, which will help flush it from your eyes and wash it from your face with soap, shampoo, dish washing detergent, or other detergents. Milk will also provide some relief from the burning sensation, as will ice, cold water, a cold surface, or a fan.

Pepper spray is an excellent deterrent to an attacker, as it has immediate and severe reactions. It’s an inflammatory, and will cause immediate closing of the eyes, difficulty breathing, a runny nose, and coughing. According to the European Parliament Scientific and Technological Options Assessment, the chemical will cause temporary blindness which can last from 15 to 30 minutes, and create a burning sensation on the skin which can last 45 minutes to one hour. It also leads to upper body spasms, which will force the attacker to bend forward and cough uncontrollably, making it difficult to talk or breathe for three to 15 minutes.

For anyone who is walking alone at night, or just doesn’t feel comfortable in their surroundings, pepper spray is an excellent choice for self-defense. State laws vary on who can purchase the spray and where, so look into them.

Pepper foam combines pepper and foam to create a defense spray.  The Mace pepper foam makes it difficult for the assailant to see, and when the assailant attempts to wipe the foam away, pepper is ground into the eyes.

Mace pepper gel is pepper spray that is contained within gel rather than a liquid spray stream.  The gel component allows for longer spraying distance, a higher concentration of pepper, and is not flammable—it is tacky and sticks as glue would.  Check to ensure it is legal in your area (see previous blog entry).

Pepper spray is legal in all fifty states.  However, you cannot carry pepper spray on an airplane, in carry-on baggage, or in any passenger area.  The FAA will allow one container of pepper spray per traveler that is no more than four ounces in your checked luggage only.

There are certain cities and states that have restrictions regarding the purchase, ownership and use of defense sprays.   In New York, the sellers must be local pharmacies or licensed firearm dealers.   Massachusetts law is the same as New York, with the additional requirement that the buyer must obtain a Firearms Identification Card.  Wisconsin will allow straight pepper spray no stronger than a 10% concentrate, but no tear gas, UV dye or combination sprays are allowed; the canister must be between 15 and 60 grams in weight and must include a safety feature.  In Michigan, combination sprays are not allowed, CS is the only component of tear gas allowed, pepper spray can be no stronger than a 2% concentrate, and cans cannot contain more than 35 grams.  In California, pepper spray canisters cannot be more than 2.5 ounces.  Please check with local law enforcement agency to ensure you are aware of the most current legislation and pepper spray regulations.

Pepper sprays that appear to be something else are an ingenious invention that could buy you just the element of surprise you need when an attacker appears. 

A pepper spray key chain is probably the most common camouflage, but there are also lipsticks, pens, pagers, and even a ring that can disguise your secret weapon.

While walking alone, if you sense a problem heading toward you, change your route, and prepare to run and defend yourself.  Do not wear conspicuous jewelry, and act confident, maintaining eye contact, which makes an aggressor think twice before approaching you.  Carry pepper spray, and know how to use it. If you choose to take public transport, wait in a well-lit area for the bus to arrive and choose an aisle seat once you board so that you can make a quick exit, preferably close to the driver.

If you are traveling alone by car, approach your vehicle with keys in hand and ready to use.  Check your car before entering to ensure it is empty, and lock all doors and windows every time you leave the car.  Attackers wait for opportunities when someone runs into the store quickly and fails to do so.

Part of self defense safety is also keeping your tools out of the hands of children.  Something like a Mace baton can come in handy, but you also want to make sure that it will not be used improperly by a child who thinks it’s a toy.

Though pepper sprays are not deadly like guns, it’s still a good idea to keep them out of the reach of small children by either placing them in a secure, locked storage box or putting them in a area that cannot be seen by the naked eye (behind a false wooden panel, perhaps).

Pepper spray is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and even temporary blindness that is used in crowd control and personal self-defense. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including chilis. Long-term effects of pepper spray have not been effectively researched.

A synthetic analogue is used in another version of pepper spray known as PAVA spray which is used in England. Another synthetic counterpart of pepper spray, pelargonic acid morpholide, was developed and is widely used in Russia. Its effectiveness compared to natural pepper spray is unclear and it has caused some injuries.

Pepper spray typically comes in canisters, which are often small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be bought concealed in items such as rings. There are also pepper spray projectiles available, which can be fired from a paintball gun.

Now here’s one good reason to leave your safety worries behind! Thanks to the clever mind behind the wide choices in pepper spray products such as the variation in mace pepper sprays that are now available in the market. With the convenience of online shopping, anyone who has major concerns over defense and safety can buy pepper spray discreetly from home.
 
These days, nobody should compromise when it comes to safety and protection. Security is such a great gift to give to ourselves and most especially to our loved ones.