Using Pepper Spray Effectively

The availability of pepper spray protection in nearly every state, combined with its ability to cause short lived but extreme pain, makes it one of the top products on the market for self defense. Pepper spray protection does not require any special training to use, and nor does using pepper spray cause any permanent damage to the recipient. The intense burning sensation may cause temporary blindness, and there will likely be skin irritation that could take hours to subside. Coughing, sneezing, and runny nose all accompany a properly applied dose of pepper spray.nnUsing Pepper Spray :nn How accurately you need to be with your deployment of pepper spray will depend upon the disbursement method you have chosen. While you are using pepper spray, the main point to remember is that it should be sprayed into the face of the attacker, and you should aim for the eyebrows.nnKeychain Canisters Pepper Spray Protection :nn These safety spray containers provide a few bursts of pepper spray that is delivered in a stream. The effective range of these security spray products is usually around 10 feet, so you should be just a bit out of arms’ reach for maximum effectiveness. When you are using pepper spray, aim for the eyebrows and spray in a sweeping motion from one side to the other, attempting to “paint” a stream of the spray across the assailant’s forehead. When properly aimed, a burst of one-half to one second should suffice. Apply in short bursts, and you will be using the safety spray to its full potential. nnFoggers as Pepper Spray Protection :nn Foggers offer disbursement over a larger area and do not require pinpoint accuracy when applied. As with the keychain canisters, when you are using pepper spray, aim for the assailant’s eyebrows and spray in a sweeping motion. The fog will deploy over a larger area, allowing you a greater chance of striking a blow, even if you are under extreme stress. Keep in mind, though, that you very likely could also feel some of the effects of the pepper spray when you use a fogger, especially if you move towards the attacker or the area in which you just deployed the pepper spray.nnUsing Pepper Spray as Defense from Animals :nn Pepper spray will irritate the eyes and mucous membranes of animals just as it does on humans. Apply the product very much like you would with a human attacker – aim for the face, just above the eyes. If you are using pepper spray to protect yourself against an aggressive dog, spray a short burst and then stop briefly. It may be all you need to divert his attention and make your escape. If you are using pepper spray against a large animal, such as a bear, use a longer burst. Foggers work better on larger animals because they provide a greater area of coverage. If you only have a stream dispenser, make your shot count. Using pepper spray of this type, you will have to take careful aim and go for the eyes.nn There are also security spray projectiles that are designed to be deployed from a weapon, such as a gun or grenade launcher, although those are used specifically by the police and military. Pepperball guns, pepper spray grenades, large volume foggers and incendiary rounds that deploy pepper spray are not items that are made available to the public. However, using pepper sprays that are available to the general consumer can be effective in giving you critical protection. n