Effective Use of the Pepper Spray
By Steve Thibeault
While using a pepper spray is extremely easy, effective use of this self defense product is incumbent upon various factors. The fact of the matter is that even though you may know how to use a pepper spray, actually using it in an assault situation is very different from practicing to pull it out and spraying.

There are various factors that ensure that your self defense is ensured adequately with a pepper spray.

- Surprise the attacker: It is essential that you surprise the attacker b y pulling out the pepper spray at the right time. This should not be done too early or too late. If you pull out the pepper spray too early, you tend to warn the attacker about the fact that you are armed with a self defense product and therefore he has time to prepare his next move. At times many assailants carry a weapon without actually intending to use it. By bringing out your self defense product you may actually intimidate the attacker. This may incite him to actually use the weapon that he may be carrying only for ‘effect’. Taking out the pepper spray too late may not allow you to spray at the right time. This may result in a situation where you are physically confined or held and therefore may not be able to use the pepper spray properly.

- Be alert all the time: Another aspect of being able to time your attack with the pepper spray is to be alert at all times. The alertness allows you to judge the exact moment when you should reach out for the self defense product in your bag or pocket. Make sure that you have your eyes open and are not actually trying to wish the event away. Taking charge of the situation is extremely essential at this time.

- Distance: The distance between the attacker and you when you actually spray is also important. If you spray when he is too close to you can harm you and if you use the pepper spray when he is too far, it can result in the pepper spray not being effective. Read the instructions on the specific pepper spray that you are using and be aware of the range that it covers when it sprays. Try it at home a few times to get a feel of the range that it has.

- Aim: It is also important that you aim the pepper spray right at the face and particularly at the eyes of the attacker. Though the pepper spray will cause a fair amount of pain when it comes in contact with the skin, it may not have the best effect if the entire spray lands on thick jeans of the attacker. An attack directed at the eyes is most effective while one on the face shall also cause you to make your escape effectively.

- Practice: Even though practice alone will not help in making the right move at the right time, it is essential to ensure that you pull out the pepper spray easily and smoothly so as to take the assailant by surprise. It is essential that you do not get surprised yourself with the effect that the pepper spray has on the attacker and concentrate on making your escape as soon as you have sprayed the pepper spray. If the pepper spray has been used effectively, your attacker is likely to gag, start coughing violently and itch. He is also likely to be in a fair amount of pain due to the pepper spray. Make sure that you do not react to the situation and make a dash for it while you can. Even though the effects of the pepper spray last for a few minutes, it is important that you put as much distance between yourself and the attacker and try and reach an area that is populated with other people or reach out for some help.

Steve Thibeault is the owner of TBO-TECH, a company that understands your self protection needs and offers products that are practical and effective. Other than a wide range of pepper sprays, stun guns and batons, the company also provides martial arts weapons, personal alarms, hidden safes, spy gear and sporting products like slingshots and blowguns. For more information on self defense items, log on to TBO-TECH.

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