Jan 26 2010

Does Pepper Spray Have A Shelflife?

Unfortunately, too many people who buy pepper spray forget to carry it with them everywhere they go. Remember, pepper spray can’t defend you if you don’t have it. After you purchase pepper spray, don’t just stow it away and forget about it. If you do remember to carry it every day, don’t forget to replace it every few years. If you miss this crucial step, your pepper spray may lose efficiency.

Can you think of something worse than trying to employ your pepper spray in a perilous situation, only for it to spit and sputter for the reason that the propellant no longer works? If you’ve purchased pepper spray more than five years ago, you must not rely on it to stop an assault. Can’t remember when you bought it? It’s probably time to purchase a replacement.

Like any other aerosol can, such as spray paint, the ingredients that thrust your pepper spray out of the canister in a fine mist will break down over time. Spraying pepper spray that is well past its shelf life may result in a sputter, rather than the solid, forceful stream that is anticipated. If too much of the aerosol is gone, your pepper spray may not even spray at all; in other cases, it may not spray as far as you’re expecting. Even pepper spray a few months after its expiration can be less effective, meaning you’ll have to get closer to your attacker or use a longer burst of the spray in order to take your attacker down.

Pepper spray’s efficiency is a result of its concentration of Oleoresin Capsicum, a chemical compound derived from hot peppers. This natural compound may break down over time, particularly if you’ve stored your pepper spray in excessive sunlight. If the OC has degraded, your pepper spray may not be as strong. While this is a real concern, research has also shown that as pepper spray passes its expiration date, it is more probable that the propellant will become less effective than that the pepper spray itself will stop working.

Pepper spray is most effective within three to four years after purchase. Most canisters are stamped with an expiration date. If yours does not, and you’re not sure when it was purchased, replace it the next time you change your smoke alarm batteries, which should be done every year. In fact, if you carry a pepper spray canister with you everywhere, replace it on a yearly schedule so that you can rest assured that it will work as expected when you need it most.

It is possible to test the effectiveness of pepper spray, although this should be done carefully. Stand outdoors and upwind to avoid the possibility of accidentally spraying yourself. Spray a short, one second burst. Did the spray come out in a solid stream, or an uneven sputter? Once you replace an old can of pepper spray, it can also be used for training and practice against an outdoor, non-living target. This can be an effective strategy for preparing yourself for a dangerous situation.

Correctly storing your pepper spray will extend its shelflife. Always keep pepper spray in room temperature environments. Extremely hot or cold storage may alter the chemicals inside the canister, making them less effective. In very hot temperatures, like in your car on a summer day, your pepper spray canister could even burst, causing a sticky and hazardous mess.

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Jan 16 2010

Parking Lots: Not As Safe As You Think They Are

When you walk from a mall or store to your car, you probably feel pretty safe. You may not even think about this everyday activity, but it can actually be quite hazardous. As shopping centers grow larger and bigger, so do their parking lots, and the distances you must walk between your car and the store. Even though this is good exercise, there are also many risks with doing this. Possible risks, ranging from theft or purse-snatching to assault, rape, an even kidnapping, tend to increase at night. You are particularly at risk if you are a woman walking to your car alone after dark. Few people realize the dangers inherent in this commonplace activity.

If you plan to be in the store after dark, park in the closest parking spot you can find. Even if you have to go around the lot a couple of times, parking nearer means a shorter and safer walk to your car. After the car is parked, get out promptly and walk directly towards the building. Don’t spend time sitting in your car checking a shopping list, talking on your cell phone, or reapplying your makeup. If you do, you’ll be distracted enough to not notice a stranger approaching your vehicle.

Once you get out of the car and lock the doors, take note of your parking spot, the lighting, and potential hiding spaces such as walls or large bushes. Look for loiterers; if they are still there when you’re done shopping, watch out.

When walking to your car at dark, take advantage of any help presented by the store. Most store security guards will be willing to escort you to your car. Although you might seem silly taking them up on this, your safety is worth it. If no help is available, try to time your departure when others are walking out of the store, so you won’t be alone in the lot. If you sense danger, remain inside until it is safe to walk to your car, and alert security to the issue.

At all times be conscious of everyone around you in the parking lot. This includes people sitting in parked cars, particularly if they have parked near your vehicle in an otherwise empty parking lot. Carry a stun gun, canister of pepper spray, or personal alarm to thwart any potential attackers.

When placing an armful of purchases into your car, pay attention to how you load them into the backseat or trunk. Steer clear of turning your back to the parking lot for a long period of time. Once you’re done loading your purchases, get in the car and drive away. Again, it’s not safe to sit in an remote parking lot for a long period of time, because this will place you in a vulnerable situation, making you a key target for attack.

Distractions are abundant when you’re out shopping, especially as you enter and leave the store. This makes it easy to become absorbed into your thoughts. Do you find yourself going over your shopping list in your head, rather than thinking about what’s going on at that moment? Parking in parking lots every day can make you forget the fact that these areas are somewhat remote and vulnerable locations where something bad could happen. You can never be too cautious when out alone, especially when walking to your car after dark.

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Jan 6 2010

Six Personal Safety Product Evaluation Questions

Six Personal Safety Device Evaluation Questions

Those looking for effective methods of protecting themselves in a self defense situation are often surprised at the extensive array of products available to stop an assailant. Guns, knives, pepper spray canisters, stun guns, TASER devices, personal alarms, kubuton batons – how can you possibly decide? When evaluating personal safety devices, there are six questions you should ask yourself.

What are the legalities?

Select a device that is legal in your area when carried in your car, or pocket, and your handbag, and that is legal for you to use in a self defense situation. Although many are legal for anyone to carry, others, particularly knives or guns, may require a concealed weapons permit. Make sure that the self defense devices you are considering are legal in your area before purchasing them.

Will I carry it with me?

Be honest with yourself. Purchasing a self defense device will do no good if you keep it buried in a drawer at home. Choose a device that you will feel comfortable carrying in your pocket or purse. Smaller devices tend to be more convenient in this regard. In order to be effective, your chosen self defense device must be with you at all times, since you never know when you might be attacked.

Can I confidently use it?

You may need training before you can use some devices, such as guns, effectively. On the other hand, devices like pepper spray are easy to use with no preparation. You must be certain in your ability to use the device you choose, even when under stress.

Will it effectively stop the attack?

Some devices, such as knives, guns, and batons, require skill to disable an attacker instantly. Others, such as stun guns and pepper spray, will effectively disable an attacker within a second or two. When comparing the different kinds of self defense products, make sure to choose one with a good track record of use by untrained individuals.

Am I ready, physically and emotionally, to use it?

Non-lethal self defense products are popular among those who would not be psychologically prepared to exact lethal harm, even against an armed attacker. Be honest to yourself about whether you could bring yourself to use the self defense device you have chosen. Even if you have the physical skills to be able to use it, you might not be able to come to terms with the idea of actually using it in a real-life situation.

Could an attacker use it against me?

Always consider the likelihood that an attacker could wrestle your personal safety device away from you. However, many products come with built-in protections against this possibility. For example, pepper spray canisters often have safety latches, while stun guns taken away from their holders become deactivated, so they cannot be used against you by your attacker.

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Dec 20 2009

Not All Pepper Sprays Are Created Alike!

When it comes to pepper spray, you can’t just take for granted that all canisters are the same. They differ not only in size and shape, but also in what’s in the can. Pepper sprays don’t always have the same ingredients or formulations. When considering your pepper spray choices, it’s important to learn the differences between the different pepper spray types, which enables you to make an informed decision.

Most types of pepper spray have oleoresin capsicum. OC is the active ingredient that makes hot peppers so hot. The concentrated chemical derivative used to make pepper spray is about eight hundred times hotter than even the hottest peppers. This chemical is suspended in either oil or water so that it can be sprayed from a spray can. Most pepper sprays have a formulation of between one and ten percent oleoresin capsicum, although a few pepper sprays contain up to eighteen percent.

Even between canisters containing the same concentrations of the same chemicals, there are differences in the way the spray comes out of the canister. The three main dispersal methods are fogger, foam, and forced cone sprays. Although these differences may seem trivial, they make a huge difference in how the spray is used in a self defense situation.

Pepper spray utilizing the forced cone method comes out of the canister in a fine spray that can be propelled up to twelve feet away. This fine spray is released in a relatively thin line rather than being dispersed across a wide area. Forced cone pepper sprays are perfect for those who are confident that they will be able to aim accurately.

Foam is a popular type of pepper spray for those who want a forgiving dispersion method. This thicker spray is not easily blown around by the wind, making it ideal for outdoor use. It makes a sticky mess; as the assailant tries to wipe it away from the face, it will in fact become even more effective.

Fogger pepper sprays are intended for situations with multiple attackers. When sprayed from side to side, the pepper spray spreads in a super-fine mist or fog. Because it spreads quickly, this type of pepper spray does not necessitate such accurate aim.

No matter which type of pepper spray you end up choosing, make sure that you know how it works, so that you can develop a strategy for how you would use it in a real-life self defense situation. Even though pepper spray is as easy to use as a can of spray paint, it will be most effective if you understand how your chosen pepper spray will come out of the can.

Pepper Spray streams typically spray at a distance of 8-15 feet. Online pepper spray foggers typically spray at a distance of 8-10 feet. Small pepper spray units like keychains spray at a distance of 6-8 feet. Spraying distances may vary depending upon wind direction. It is recommended you buy pepper sprays that provide you with the maximum distance between you and your attacker.

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Dec 15 2009

Pepper Spray Commonly Asked Questions

Pepper spray is one of the most common products designed for self defense. It is easy to use, reasonably priced, and simple to carry with you at all times, making it a convenient way to enable yourself to stop a potentially violent situation. When evaluating your self defense choices, pepper spray canisters should be at the top of your list. Before purchasing pepper spray, make sure all of your questions have been answered. Here are the questions everyone has been asking about pepper spray:

Who carries pepper spray?

Pepper spray isn’t just for police officers or mail carriers anymore. It makes a great choice for nearly everyone, from hunters at risk of wild animal attacks to suburban families who want to feel safe when out shopping. Pepper spray is predominantly popular with those who feel uncomfortable using violence, even to defend themselves. A pepper spray canister can defend anyone from attacks by people or animals in any situation, making it a great all-purpose self defense product.

What kinds of pepper spray canisters are made?

Pepper spray comes in everything from a mini keychain canister to large canisters designed to be kept inside the home to stop home invasions or burglaries. Pepper spray even comes disguised in canisters shaped like pens, jogging weights, or other everyday products. Pick the size and type that you’re likely to have with you so that you have it when you need it. Remember, like all self defense products, pepper spray is only helpful if you have it with you when you are attacked.

How do pepper spray canisters work?

When you are faced with a dangerous situation, simply aim the canister at your attacker’s face and press the button, shooting a stream of pepper spray outwards from the can. Pepper spray is just as simple to use as a can of spray paint. Once it hits your attacker’s face, pepper spray causes itchy, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and a range of additional symptoms to make the attacker cease immediately.

Can pepper spray be carried and used legally?

Although pepper spray is legal almost anyplace in the world, some places do have state or local laws restricting the carrying or use of pepper spray. If in doubt, contact your local law enforcement agency through their non-emergency number before purchasing pepper spray. You may also need a permit or class to legally carry pepper spray with you or use it for self defense.

Will I get sprayed with my own pepper spray?

Pepper spray canisters have safety latches, making it extremely unlikely that they will be sprayed by accident. In addition, modern formulations of pepper spray are sprayed in a steady stream that is easily aimed, making it unlikely that you will hit bystanders or yourself with the stream.

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Nov 3 2009

Don’t Lease Until You Look At This!

security systems|Many apartment renters assume that they’re out of luck when it comes to home security. Though you won’t be able to install a whole house security system, there are dozens of other options for protecting yourself if you live in an apartment. Ensuring that your apartment is safe starts not when you move it, but while you’re searching for a place to rent. It should go without saying, but always look for an apartment in an area that looks safe and a complex that looks secure. Avoid moving into an apartment complex that is missing essential outdoor security devices like gate locks and outdoor lighting; these are things that you won’t be able to fix yourself.

Apartment complexes are high-traffic and you may not recognize everyone who lives there. Don’t let the fact that there are other people nearby allow you to lower your guard. You never know who could be inside the building, even if it is a secure apartment building. Though it’s considered neighborly to hold the door open for someone entering behind you, don’t let anyone in if you don’t know them. Some criminals will stand near the entrance, pretending to fumble with their keys, because they know that a resident will let them in eventually. Keeping your apartment safe starts with not letting unknown people into the building.

Walking to the front door of your apartment is not the time to talk on your cell phone while reaching for your keys while trying not to drop your bag of groceries. Avoid looking distracted or vulnerable, and be on guard for anyone trying to sneak up behind you to enter your apartment.

There are plenty of steps you can take to protect the interior of your apartment. Take your safety into your own hands by keeping your doors and window locked, no matter what floor of the building you live on, even while you’re at home. Have the locks changed when you move into a new apartment; you never know who already has a key to your apartment. Don’t be too generous when giving out copies of your keys, and install a deadbolt lock for extra security. Do not leave spare keys under the mat or on top of the door frame; this is the first place a burglar will look for them. If this is your plan, you might as well leave the key in the door.

Many apartment dwellers are looking for home security options that are portable and easy to take with them when they move. Door or window alarms, which double as portable personal alarms, can alert others to the fact that someone is entering your apartment, and help to scare the burglar away, but they won’t physically stop an attack. Stun guns or pepper spray canisters are great ways to stop any attacker or burglar within seconds. Both are ideal for those in short-term living arrangements, because they can go wherever you go. Both pepper spray and stun guns also make effective self defense weapons to keep in your car or in your handbag for protection while you’re away from home.

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Sep 29 2009

5 Halloween Security Guidelines

Halloween is a time for fun, but don’t forget about the dangers that may be lurking for your family and your home. The break from the ordinary means that plenty of opportunities are there for criminals looking to catch you unsuspecting. Here are a few guidelines to keep you and your family safe this Halloween:

Examine costumes and accessories carefully

Look for flame-retardant costumes that don’t limit your children’s movement, hitting them at the ankles rather than dragging on the ground. The chosen costume should be warm enough for a chilly autumn night, and bright or light in color to make your children easier to see in the dark. Though kids look for costumes according to their own criteria, you as an adult cannot let safety slide. Glow sticks or necklaces are fun accessories that also add a protection element. Shoes should be easy to walk in to keep your kids comfortable all night and avoid restricting their movement. Think about face paint instead of a mask that would limit your child’s vision or hearing.

Always stay with your kids

An adult must at all times accompany younger children, even if they stay within a relatively safe neighborhood. Kids and adults should stay together as a group; even on Halloween, letting young children walk around unaccompanied after dark just is not safe. Older kids may be allowed to go out in a group without an adult, though remember to remind them about staying on sidewalks rather than in the road, obeying traffic signals, and never go into anyone’s home or automobile, even with the promise of candy. Agree on a route and curfew before they depart.

If you consider your children accountable enough to go out trick-or-treating without you, equip them with a small pepper spray canister, a personal alarm, a cell phone, and a flashlight so that they can deal with anything that comes their way, from an attacking pet dog to a strange neighbor.

Guard your home

Halloween is a rare opportunity for burglars and other criminals because people outside at night do not stir up as much suspicion on this holiday. When you leave to trick-or-treat, lock all of your doors and windows, and leave a light on. Make sure that your trusted neighbors know you will be gone so that they can keep an eye on anyone odd prowling around your place in the dark.

Inspect the treats

Upon children’s arrival from trick-or-treating, examine their treats. Though there is some media hype about the dangers of Halloween candy, the truth is, doctored candy is possible. Look for unwrapped pieces, or pieces that may have been re-wrapped. Throw away any candies that don’t look safe.

With the excitement surrounding the Halloween holiday, it is easy to fail to remember basic safety rules. To keep your family safe while trick-or-treating, dress properly, carry pepper spray and other protection devices, make sure your home is protected, and never eat the candies you get without inspecting them.

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Sep 13 2009

6 Fascinating Facts Regarding Pepper Spray

For any situation or reason, pepper spray is an excellent self defense option. This low-cost and effective personal defense weapon is legal to carry nearly anywhere. Though it is easy to use, there are a few amazing facts you may not know about pepper spray.

1) The idea behind pepper spray is very old. In fact, peppers have been used against one’s enemies for thousands of years. Though pepper spray in aerosol cans is, of course, a modern invention, peppers were used in very old times in the form of bags filled with dried pepper and spices. In ancient Japan, pepper was thrown into the face of criminals as a form of punishment.

2) Pepper spray is also successful against animals. It has been used effectively against bears, mountain lions, pet dogs, and many other animal species. All U.S. Postal Service carriers have pepper spray, specifically as protection against attacking dogs. Pepper spray is a surprisingly versatile self defense product.

3) Pepper spray is much hotter than plain peppers. Both peppers and pepper spray are rated in Scoville Heat Units, or SHUs. The higher the number of SHU’s, the hotter the pepper is. A jalapeno pepper rates at about 5,000 SHU’s, and a habanero up to 300,000 SHU’s. Pepper sprays, meanwhile, come in at around 2 million SHU’s. The latest versions even come near 3 million SHU’s. Pepper spray packs quite a mighty punch when compared to regular peppers when it comes to their burning effect.

4) The effects of pepper spray last quite a while. Ever seen anyone get sprayed in the face with pepper spray? If so, you’ll be astonished at just how quick the pepper spray affects them and how long they stay down. The effects are nearly instant, and pepper spray should bring to a halt an attacker for at least 15 minutes, and in many cases, over half an hour.

5) Pepper spray canisters can be disguised. Many people don’t like the idea of carrying a spray canister with them everywhere. Pepper spray pens, jogging weights, and other camouflaged devices can make you more comfortable carrying this effective self defense device.

6) Pepper spray doesn’t just impede the attack, it can help catch the attacker. Pepper spray doesn’t just scare criminals away, many versions of pepper spray will mark them with UV dye. Your attacker won’t even know he’s marked until caught by police. The UV dye in the spray glows brightly under a black light, making it readily evident that the person the police caught is the same one you sprayed. This feature of pepper spray is a very useful tool in positively identifying your attacker.

Pepper spray patterns vary from stream, fog, cone or foam. We recommend you buy the stream pepper spray pattern for the best overall personal defense against attackers. These units provide you with the greatest safety distance (8-15 feet) and a very concentrated spray for maximum defense against attacks. Pepper Spray is a smart investment in your personal safety.

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Aug 26 2009

How To Effectively Utilize A Pepper Spray Pen For Self Defense

Pepper spray pens are a great choice if you’re looking for a self-protection product that you can use inconspicuously. This disguised pepper spray canister looks just like a real pen. It’s so realistic looking that you can keep it almost anywhere without anyone noticing. It can be carried in a shirt pocket or purse, or placed on a desk, just like a pen.

Using disguised self defense products gives you an edge when combating against an attacker. Even if the attacker has surprised you, a pepper spray pen gives you the element of surprise when fighting back. They won’t be expecting such a powerful self-defense weapon contained in a apparatus that looks just like a pen.

The pepper spray within such a pen is strong enough to disable an attacker for at least five to ten minutes. This gives you plenty of time to get away safely, no matter the situation. Because they can be left right out in the open, they are even faster to grab than a regular canister of pepper spray. In fact, depending on the situation your attacker may not even realize what you’re grabbing for until it’s too late. Just flip the safety switch, aim, and spray your attacker’s face with the potent pepper spray contained inside your pen.

These surprisingly believable devices are a great way to protect your office or other workspace. They also make ideal sense for carrying in your pocket or purse, on a clipboard, or in your car’s cup holder, depending on the specific situation. If a situation starts to scare you, you can always make up an excuse to pull out a pen, such as writing down a phone number, address, or other piece of information. Meanwhile, you’ll be preparing to stop your attacker from proceeding with his plan.

These diminutive and convenient devices are a great way to protect yourself. Many people feel more at ease carrying the more familiar-looking pepper spray pen than carrying a regular pepper spray canister. Despite their small size, pepper spray pens pack a powerful punch, with a one or two second burst of pepper spray that is more than adequate to leave your attacker writhing on the floor in pain. Pepper spray pen typically contain between six to ten such bursts, and can be used at a distance of about six to eight feet from your attacker, so you don’t even have to be standing next to them for the pepper spray to work.

Pepper spray immediately goes to work dilating capillaries when sprayed into the eyes, nose and throat and the effects will last anywhere from 15-60 minutes and can result in temporary blindness, shortness of breath and coughing! However, because of its unique formulation it does not blister the skin.

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Aug 10 2009

How Does Pepper Spray Effect?

You’ve surely heard of pepper spray, but do you be familiar with how it works? What precisely is inside that can that you carry to protect yourself?

All pepper sprays are not equivalent. Self defense sprays are rated in Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). This is the same way that hot peppers are rated, and the pepper spray’s rating corresponds to how effective the pepper spray will be, and how much it will burn in your attacker’s face.

Most pepper sprays currently on the market are rated at about 2 to 3 million SHU. For comparison, very hot habanero peppers rate at around 2 million SHUs. While every pepper spray formulation currently being sold is certainly strong enough to stop an attacker, the higher the SHU, the more powerful the spray should be, and the sooner your attacker will go down, writhing in pain.

Currently available pepper spray types range from those designed to stop humans to those rated for dogs or bears; depending on their use, they may have a higher or lower SHU rating. Sprays used by law enforcement for crowd control may include pepper spray with a extremely low SHU rating, for example. Meanwhile, pepper spray designed to stop bears in their tracks will typically be stronger than the type designed for use against human attackers.

The first pepper sprays to be developed for self defense, in the late 1960s and early 1970s, utilized Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), an oil extracted directly from peppers. The OC is what gives the peppers their heat, and it causes coughing, a burning sensation, watery eyes, and other symptoms. The chili peppers were typically powdered, and the Oleoresin Capsicum was used directly in the process of making pepper spray.

Today, most pepper sprays are not actually made from peppers, but from artificially created chemicals. These affect the nerve endings and mucous membranes in addition to the symptoms caused by pepper-derived self defense sprays. These chemicals include Chloracetophenone (CN) or Orthochlorobenzalmalonitrile (CS); today, most pepper sprays include a mixture of several chemicals, because some people may be more affected by one than by others.

Some pepper sprays include other chemicals in addition to these. For example, they may contain UV dye, which marks the assailant so that they may be easily recognized if apprehended within 48 hours of the attack.

To turn chemicals into a useful self defense spray, the compounds are suspended in a liquid, usually water. They are then pressurized in a spray canister. The pepper spray can now be sprayed just like a can of spray paint. Some are designed to come out of the can as a fine mist, while others are in the form of a solid stream of foam.

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