As one who has taught self defense to women for a number of years, I was often asked about the advisability of carrying and using weapons, including pepper spray. The choice to carry an offensive or defensive weapon is one that each person must make for him or herself. I have always asked those who inquire to consider that there is the potential for a weapon to be taken from and used against them, and to factor that into their decision. If you choose to carry any type of protective device, become familiar with its use and know how to properly carry it so as to prevent it from being separated from you in a time of crisis. Before making any purchase, make sure that it's legal in the state in which you expect to use or carry it. Pepper spray is legal in Connecticut, but a permit is required in some other states, Massachusetts included.

There are a few considerations with regard to pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum - OC) in particular. Some women go out and buy a canister of OC, throw it in a purse or backpack, and forget about it. Wherever you buy OC - sporting goods store, arms dealer, gas station - read all of the directions and TEST the device. I've opened brand new canisters that were shrink wrapped, depressed the spray valve, and found that they didn't work at all. Test the canister periodically. Just a brief depression of the valve should do. Make sure it's handy - on a belt, in your hand or in a pants, jacket or shirt pocket. In a crisis, you won't have time to rummage through a purse or pack. DON'T spray into the wind. Years ago, before OC appeared, my agency had to provide assistance to a woman who sprayed mace at a person who was running down a dark path toward her, frantically waving his arms. She sprayed into the wind, got a faceful of chemical, and had to be taken to a hospital. Luckily, the person who was running toward her (who, by the way, was unaffected by the spray) turned out to be an old friend who was happy to see her. Had this not been the case, the outcome might have been different. Many people think that OC disables instantly, and assume that an attacker will immediately stop dead in his or her tracks. This is not necessarily the case. I've been sprayed in training situations and the chemical has taken anywhere from ten to thirty seconds to take effect. This was in ideal conditions: calm wind, no crisis at hand, and careful aim. An attacker can do a lot of harm in thirty seconds. If you do carry OC, understand that it's not a magic wand.

Awareness and avoidance are prime crime deterrents. Take time to look around and check out your surroundings and the people around you. I've caught myself more than a few times getting excited about finding a letterbox and becoming really involved in stamping in, to the extent that I was completely distracted and could easily have been targeted. Avoidance simply means side-stepping a situation that has the potential of being harmful or dangerous. It might be something as simple as crossing the street to avoid someone you feel might present a problem. I recently decided to save a letterbox for another day when I saw a few unsavory-looking people in the area. It wasn't worth my safety.

Walk boldly and purposefully. You'll look like more of a challenge to someone who's looking for a submissive person. If confronted, be firm and loud. Instead of asking questions or pleading ("Please don't hurt me" or "What do you want?") yell - don't scream - a demand ("NO!" or "DON'T TOUCH ME"). It's a good idea to have a whistle handy. Find one that doesn't have a pea - that little ball inside. If you blow too hard, the pea jams, and there won't be any noise. I keep a small but outrageously loud whistle (Fox Howler, available in a two pack at Dick's) on the shoulder strap of my pack, where I can reach it immediately. You'd be surprised at the deterrent effect of a loud noise in an attacker's ear. The noise also draws attention, something an assailant definitely doesn't want.

LOL, Bluebird can spot a "Pickle Park" a mile away? ROTFLMAO! :p

Connfederate, who will be your buddy but NOT your "good buddy"... :o

Yea yea yea.....

make fun of me now why don't ya! See what happens when I don't have glasses on????????

MW

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Awareness and avoidance are prime crime deterrents. Take time to look around and check out your surroundings and the people around you. I've caught myself more than a few times getting excited about finding a letterbox and becoming really involved in stamping in, to the extent that I was completely distracted and could easily have been targeted.

Exactly right, Mind Racer. That was my situation. I had a brand new gps and I was paying more attention to the little screen than to who was around me. Another reason I stopped geocaching and switched happily to letterboxing. I see more of my world (and my immediate surroundings) while letterboxing.


LW PhD ( who definately wants Mind Racer as a trail buddy)
"Nice Counts"

I do a lot of trail work, so I often have a very sharp pair of pruners with me that I'll have in my hand if the area is iffy (generally urban areas or parking lots). I do agree the key is to look like you will be very difficult to attack. Predators are looking for a vulnerable target, so do what you can to NOT appear vulnerable, by the way you walk, swing your arms, facial expressions, and perhaps what you have in your hands.

You can also appear to be talking on your cell phone. I run into additional situations because I'm the Conservation Agent in town, but without any enforcement authority, so I will try to get a good look or take pictures of illegal activities in our open space (paintball, atvs, etc). If they see me I'll sometime have my cell phone open and act like I'm speaking with the Police (it would be preferable if I could actually call the Police but the cops in this town have discouraged that - they don't want to be bothered).