Tips for Using Pepper Spray Effectively

Pepper spray is a very effective weapon against unwanted approaches and full-blown attacks. However, to be most effective and avoid any problems yourself, there are some things you should keep in mind.

• Stay upwind. What that means is to have your back to the breeze whenever possible. The reason is that if there is much wind it is possible for the chemical to blow back onto you. The result could be as unpleasant for you as you want it to be for the bad guy.

• Take aim. That doesn’t mean to close one eye and squint. It does mean to hold your arm out in front of you, point toward the bad guy’s face, then press the button. Pepper spray must land in the eyes, nose, or mouth to be effective. Mace that is laced with tear gas is effective if it lands from the shoulders on up.

• Use more than one burst, if necessary. If the first volley doesn’t work, shoot a second time but don’t just keep pressure on the button or trigger. Use short bursts. Make each one count.

• When the bad guy’s eyes slam shut – LEAVE the area. Do not stick around to see how badly he’s hurt. You have just bought a brief window of opportunity for escape. Use it.