Quick Steps On How To Use Pepper Spray To Protect Yourself

Using pepper spray to fight off an attacker isn't simply a matter of pointing and shooting. There are many variables that need to be thought about, in advance, in order to use pepper spray effectively and efficiently to fight off an attack. The four most important things to consider are; how to carry pepper spray, when to use it, how to shoot, and how to retreat.

How To Carry It

There are three basic ways to carry a defensive spray, and choosing which one is best for you will be determined by the type of spray, size of the spray and whether you are male or female.

• Purse Carry - Many women prefer this method, especially if they carry a large canister like 4 oz or larger. The downside is that most women tend to throw it into their purse and forget about it, making it difficult to find on a moments notice when they need it. If you choose this option, keep your spray canister in its own pouch in your purse where it is quickly and easily accessible. Many canisters come with a clip so that it can be attached to an inside pocket or flap of the purse for easy access. It should be in a spot where you can reach in and grab it without looking.

• Key-Chain Carry - This method is the most common and popular way to carry pepper spray. Most people already have their keys in their hands when approaching or leaving their vehicle so it is easily deployed at a moments notice. The downside is, at ½ oz in size, most key-chain pepper sprays are smaller than the purse carry models. One way that women rectify this is to carry a key-chain spray for quick deployment and an additional 4 oz or larger model in their purse in the event they empty the key-chain canister.

• Belt Carry - This is how police carry their department issue pepper spray. It's also the preferred method for men who use defensive sprays. Larger model sprays usually come with some type of leather belt strap. It's within reach quickly and easily. Many people attach the belt clip so that it faces down toward the ground. You'll find that it's easier to draw the spray quickly this way, rather than having to draw upward, which is an un-natural motion. Also, make sure to arrange it so that when it's retrieved, the trigger is already in the proper position in your hand. This way you don't have to waste valuable time rearranging it in your hand.

Don't ever carry pepper spray in your pocket, you won't be able to retrieve it fast enough to be deployed. Most assaults occur quickly and without warning, so a quick deployment is vital to achieve the desired result. Carrying pepper spray in your pocket is akin to giving an attacker a one to two second head start. Remember, for a defensive spray to be effective it should be readily available.

When To Use It

Your timing, deciding exactly when to use your spray, is essential to effectively stop an attacker in his tracks. The objective is to surprise the attacker. Pull out your pepper spray only when you are prepared to use it. Don't show it and threaten him with it, hoping you can frighten him off.

Don't give the attacker any time to think and react to it. This makes it more difficult to achieve a direct hit if he can duck or avoid the spray. Also, many attackers carry a weapon but don't often show it. They often feel they can overpower someone without a weapon but carry one just in case they need it. Raising your pepper spray prematurely without shooting it just gives him time retrieve his weapon and use it against you.

Shooting

Most women who carry pepper spray are completely unprepared to use it because they have never been trained on how to use it. They mistakenly believe that all they have to do is point and shoot. They underestimate how quickly things happen and don't realize how difficult it can be to shoot and aim accurately under stressful conditions.

Once you've pulled out your spray and are ready to shoot, it's important to get into a good athletic position in preparation to shoot. Go into a slight crouch with your feet about shoulder width apart, evenly balanced, shoulders squared and facing directly toward the assailant.

Hold your non-shooting hand out and yell "stop", as you shoot. This will focus your energy on the task at hand and may draw the attacker's attention toward your hand and away from the pepper spray. It also gives you time to raise and aim the spray before you shoot. However, be aware that many people under the stress of the situation, may not be able to keep their shooting hand steady enough to achieve accurate aim.

If you feel this might be the case with you, then use your non-shooting hand to steady the shooting hand.

As you shoot, never thrust your hand forward as it will affect your aim. Instead, raise your arm gently but in a quick and smooth motion. Don't turn your back on the attacker! As you fire, step backward slightly in a slow, steady and deliberate manner. Try to limit upper body movement as much as possible. Limiting upper body, and hip movement, will keep your aim steady and prevent you from having to constantly readjust your aim.

Stepping back will give you more time, create more distance between you and the attacker and draws the attacker into the spray. Don't shut your eyes while spraying and don't wave the spray like a fire hose, this does nothing but waste the spray. Remember to aim, shoot and look where you are hitting and correct if necessary.

Aim for the head and shoulders. Shooting for about 1 - 2 seconds is usually adequate. At this point, an attacker will normally pause for a moment while he tries to gather himself as the pain and uncontrollable coughing spasms set in. Once he's disabled, stop spraying, and escape.

Retreat

The whole point of having pepper spray is to use it to escape! So once, he's been neutralized, get out of there. Don't wait around for police or try to detain him for the cops. Don't move toward the attacker or you may be affected by the spray. While making your escape, back away but don't turn your back on him! Obviously, you need to see were you're going but don't turn your back on him until you are a good distance away. He may get up and attempt to follow you, so you may need to spray him again. Once you are a safe distance away (about 100 feet or so), and you see that he isn't getting up, turn around, run and make your escape as quickly as possible.

So, remember to stay calm, aim, spray, adjust and continue spraying, while backing up. Also if you want to be able to use the spray effectively it's important to practice all the steps. If you don't practice, when you find yourself in a threatening situation, you'll probably panic and freeze up. Practice until you feel confidant and then when something happens, you won't panic because you'll be prepared. If you don't want to practice with real pepper spray, you can purchase a water-based inert or practice spray.