Three Tips for Using Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is a good way to feel secure without the worry of carrying a lethal weapon but all too often it ends up at the bottom of your bag where it is almost entirely inaccessible in the event of an attack. Many attacks occur without warning, and having to fumble your spray takes too much time and could lead to injury. A weapon that you can’t reach is a weapon that you can’t use.

Knowing how to carry pepper spray in an easy to access location can increase the feeling of security. You know it will be there when you need it most.

1 – Find Your Routine

Carrying pepper spray will become a habit if you associate it with your regular routine. It can easily stay in the outer pocket of the jacket you always wear or the outside pouch of the bag you always carry. Always keep it in the same location so that you can access it quickly when you need to without having to stop and think.

2 – Choose the Right Product

Bulky canisters of pepper spray are not likely to be carried consistently, and won't work well for self defense. Small canisters (around 0.5 oz) are large enough for most people and easy to carry. You can also purchase a case that attaches a keychain or beltloop. Attaching pepper spray to your keys means that you will remember to carry it more often and that it will be out of your bag at key moments such as entering your car or house.

3 – Practice

Once you have found an easily accessible spot for your pepper spray, practice retrieving it. If getting to your spray is clumsy, you can find a better place to carry it. Discovering the best spot to carry pepper spray through trial and error isn’t something you want to do in the heat of the moment. If you are attacked, knowing how to access your spray quickly will shave valuable seconds off your response time.