Pepper Spray Saves Elder

“I keep the pepper spray on my key ring just like my son suggested. I have the key ready and the spray right next to it in case I need it. My son made me practice getting it out and ready to use.

“Late one afternoon I came home and a guy was waiting in the bushes by my front door. I had just opened the lock when he jumped out and yelled at me and started pushing me through the door. I dropped my bag and turned around and sprayed him right in the face. When he screamed and stepped back I pushed him back then slammed the door in his face. He left so fast he didn’t even stop to pick up my bag.”

For many of our elder citizens the use of non-lethal protection is the perfect solution. Typically, seniors do not want to run the risks associated with traditional firearms because of their lethality, noise, and the strength required to pull the trigger while taking aim. An additional consideration is the fear that the assailant could take the gun away and use it against them. While the fear is still a valid one, the likelihood of dying when that happens is considerably reduced when using a nonlethal weapon.

Take these factors to take into consideration when making the choice.

• Decide on the price range. There is quite a spread, so shop around and find what fits within your budget.

• Be sure both the pepper spray container and its holder are a good fit for the size of hand that will be using it.

• Take the time to work out where the device will be clipped to handbag or key ring. It must be easily accessible and easy to retrieve when it is needed.

After making the purchase, work out how the device will be carried while being certain it is easy to retrieve. Spend the necessary time to become familiar with the device and develop enough speed and agility to be reasonably sure of using it gracefully.

No one ever regrets practice time and it could easily be the difference between life and death.