Staying Safe Without the Use of Firearms

Whether you get your news from the television, the newspaper or the Internet it seems as if there are more stories about violent attacks every day. While at least some of that is perception, self defense is a growing field. Be it the increase in the sales of TASERs and pepper spray or the numbers or people heading to self defense classes Americans are learning how to protect themselves.

Non-Lethal Self Defense Options
Sprays such as pepper spray or mace are easy to use, popular products that can buy you some time when approached unexpectedly by a potential attacker. These products do have some drawbacks though.

If the wind is blowing at you, you could be the one most affected. If you happen to meet up with an attacker who is immune to the product, you will only have made them mad. Consider them a final option and make sure you can run for safety when you use them, the surprise factor alone should buy you a few seconds.

Stun guns require contact for use, but can be incorporated into another weapon, such as a baton. Stun guns are also effective for a large portion of the population but there are those who can ignore the shock and still keep coming. Meth users are particularly notorious for such behavior.

TASERS use a distance approach by shooting out electrodes that can penetrate clothing and administer a significant jolt that can’t be overridden by drugs. The catch here is that if you do TASE someone with a heart condition or on drugs they may die as a result of the shock. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider a TASER for self defense, just that you should be aware of the potential consequences.

Classes imbue Confidence
There are a variety of self defense classes available just about anywhere you look. The goal is to make you less vulnerable, not invincible. Classes focus on women, children, situations and more, you need only pick the one that suits your needs. Remember though that a couple of hours in class aren’t really enough to protect you against an aggressive attacker.