Posts Tagged ‘personal weapon’

Pepper Spray – Heat Levels Matter

When shopping for pepper spray products, you usually take into account factors like pepper spray pattern, price, and size. Definitely, those are important but you also have one more thing to consider, and that’s the heat rating of your pepper spray product.

More Heat Equals Longer Effects
That’s basically what greater heat levels can contribute to your personal safety. The effects of pepper spray are inflammatory by nature. This means that affected areas will immediately sting. If it hits your eyes, they’ll close in reflex to prevent further harm. That means staying partially or completely blind for a certain period of time.

If your respiratory system is affected and you inhale enough capsaicin, you’ll start coughing and choking and experience nausea. Your nose could also start to run as mucus is produced as another reflex response to the presence of capsaicin.

The effects don’t stop there. If you try to rub it away, you will only succeed in having the inflammation spread to other areas. That means more parts of your face will hurt.

How long all these lasts will, as we’ve said earlier, depend on how much capsaicin a pepper spray product has. On average, pepper spray effects last twenty to forty-five minutes. You have two ways to determine a product’s heat rating. First, there’s the easy way – just check out the product label and the perentage of Oleoresin Capsicum or OC indicated.

The typical pepper spray product uses a 10% OC solution. This is equivalent to 2,000,000 SHU – but we’ll talk about that later. Others have 18 and 20% OC content and are consequently more effective to use against your attacker.

Understanding How SHU Works
SHU stands for Scoville Heat Units and used for the Scoville Scale, a measurement system devised by American chemist Wilbur Scovile for gauging the heat levels of pepper. More specifically, it measures the amount of capsaicin in a given pepper or pepper spray product.

Peppers you see often used for cooking spicy dishes can have SHU ratings anywhere from zero (sweet bell pepper) to 8,000. The more exotic dishes may have peppers spicy enough to register with more than a million SHU.

And with pepper spray products, there are those that have excessively high capsaicin content to score 16,000,000 SHU in the Scoville Scale. You can just imagine how hot that can be!

Be More Effective
Having a pepper spray product with a high heat rating is good, but it can be better if you combine with a triple action attack: there are self-defense weapons that combine a pepper spray, tear gas, and UV dye marker all into one.

How to Apply First Aid for Accidental Pepper spray Targets

Pepper spray products are great for self-defense because they’re easy and effective to use. In fact, they’re so easy to use that many a person ends up accidentally spraying someone…or themselves.

If a person has been accidentally hurt with pepper spray, here are several things you can do to apply first aid.

No One Panics
Pepper spray may not be harmful but it certainly won’t feel like it to the victim. Pepper spray has an intensely painful effect and it’s likely to cause the victim to panic and then make you panic as well!

Don’t let that happen. You, most especially, must stay calm for the victim’s sake because you’ll be able to move more efficiently when your brain isn’t clouded with hysterics.

Have Someone Call 911
It’s better to be safe than sorry. There have been unconfirmed reports that pepper spray has been the cause of death due to severe allergic reactions. Why risk that when you don’t have to? Have someone call 911 even as you work on giving the victim first aid.

No Rubbing!
Tie the victim’s hands and bind her to a chair so that the contaminated area remains undisturbed. Rubbing the affected area clean of pepper spray won’t put a stop to the pain. It’s only going to make it worse.

Remember: pepper spray is an inflammatory agent. When you try to rub the skin clean of it, you’re only serving to spread the inflammation, which means that more capillaries in the victim’s skin will be subject to the effects of pepper spray.

Apply Antidote
If you happen to have an OC decontamination treatment product with you then apply that directly to the exposed area. If not that then what about milk? Dip a clean towel in milk then gently place it on the affected area.

No milk available? Then use lots and lots of water. Any of that could help with the initial sting but because pepper spray is oil-based, you’ll need to do a lot more. Mix cold water with soap that’s NOT oil-based. Some suggest the use of detergents (again not oil based) so you could try that, too.

Next, dip yourself into the water several times. Afterwards, dip a towel into the same mixture and use it to very gently rub your face clean of the oil. Expect this to hurt so don’t panic if the victim starts reacting again.

From here, you’ll just have to wait. The victim could start feeling better in fifteen to forty-five minutes. If the eyes have been contaminated and the victim is wearing contacts, be sure to have those disposed as early as possible. They’re not worth using after this.

Top 10 Self Defense Tactics for Women

Far too often women are the victims of attack when they don’t need to be.  Learning a few self defense tactics can save the day.  Even just by reading this you are getting a little edge on your attacker.  It is doubtful he is at home reading “How to attack women.”

The most effective technique you can employ is not to get attacked at all.  You are most vulnerable when you are on the move, like going to your car.  Stay within sight of people as much as possible.  Your attacker wants you to be alone.  If you are being attacked, don’t let him force you into your car (throw your keys if you have too) or around the corner of the building.  Women will often notice that they are being targeted before an attack.  If so keep an object between you and him weather it is a car or bench or anything that could slow him down.  Just slowing him down might be enough to get him to leave as he only has a small window to work in.

If it appears the attack is imminent then you need to quickly review your options.  Is screaming or making noise going to help?  Often times it is pointless so it is time for a weapon.  Of the personal non-lethal options the stun gun is the most effective as in makes that intimidating crackling. You don’t have something like that?  It is time to improvise.  An ink pen or keys to the eye is devastating.  If you are grabbed from behind and you’re wearing heels you have a great weapon.  Even if the heel is ½ inch square on the bottom your 135 pound weight becomes 540 pounds with all your weight on it.  If the heels are ¼ inch it goes up to 2100 lbs.  Ouch!

You just used one of the 3 strongest part of or body to strike with.  The other two are you elbows and the ball of you palm.  Use them or go after his weakest targets.  You already got one but there is still the groin, harder to hit than it sounds, his trachea, and his face.  Eye gouging is great too.  If he gets his hands around your neck there is one defense move you need to know; turn your head toward your shoulder.  This will stop him from crushing your trachea. Also try to get control of his hands.  Just by holding his wrist you have severely limited what he can do.  He would find it hard to draw and use his weapon, you would limit his ability to hit you, and make it very hard to rape you.  Remember that time is on your side.  He has to work quickly or get caught and your screams will make this time seem like hours to him.

A short article is not a replacement for a good self defense class but it will give you a start and put you in the right mind set.  In the class you have an opportunity to apply what you learn.  Also, look into a non-lethal self defense device. A 135 pound woman armed with pepper spray and 500,000 volts is going to be able to take any man.  Both the stun gun can be the size of a marker.  Big things can come in little packages.

Get Double the Damage With the Double Trouble Stun Gun

The Double Trouble Stun Gun provides twice the power of a stun gun. Make sure, however, you understand how it works!

Everyone knows that a stun gun, when used effectively, can immediately disarm and even immobilize your attacker. But if you think that doesn’t offer you enough protection, how about having a self-defense weapon that’s akin to using two stun guns at the same time? Sounds wonderful? That’s exactly what you’ll get from the Double Trouble Stun Gun.

What to Get from the Double Trouble Stun Gun
To have a better idea of how this product can ensure your safety and help you fight off your attacker, you’ll need to understand how its essential features works.

Two Zaps at the Same Time
This product has two discharge points, situated at each end of its U-shaped structure. These dual discharge points allow you to release a dual slap at a single instance. Think of it as a combo punch that can knock your attacker out in half a second, given the perfect aim.

Rubber Coated Housing
This self defense product is designed to stay in your hand as long as necessary. Other self-defense weapons prove to be ineffective because they keep slipping past your hold. That, however, won’t happen with your Double Trouble Stun Gun thanks to its rubber-coated housing. Rubber, as we all know, provides us with a slip-proof texture for a tight, reliable grip.

Hand Straps
For better security, hand straps are also included with the Double Trouble Stun Gun. Make sure you use them, of course!

Battery-Powered
This product uses a pair of lithium batteries, which means you can enjoy longer life than what you would normally get from nickel metal hydride batteries. This would save you both time and money as it requires fewer replacements.

Safety Features
Stun guns are powerful, especially if they come with a 1.2 million voltage power like the Double Trouble Stun Gun, but also potentially dangerous to the user. Safety features are, therefore, quite necessary.

A carrying case to minimize the effects of accidental discharges and prevent accidental contact with discharge points is just the start. Safety switches and indicator lights must also be incorporated with its design. This device would not be activated unless the LED lights and safety switch are both on.

Understanding the Effects of Stun Guns
Using this product for half a second can cause slight pain and will definitely startle your attacker. Make it last a second or two more and that would cause mental confusion and muscle spasm. If it lasts three to five seconds, that would lead to mental disorientation and confusion. Now, with the Double Trouble Stun Gun, imagine having the effect doubled!

How To Use Multi Function Stun Gun

A multi function stun gun has high voltage but low ampere. This give you the means of delivering a powerful, immobilizing attack without causing serious harm.

Why settle for a basic stun gun when you don’t have to? When your life is in danger, you usually have a single chance alone to save yourself. Make the most out of that chance by protecting yourself with a multi function stun gun.

How Does the Multi Function Stun Gun Work?
There are two essential characteristics that make diversified function stun guns the most powerful but also the least lethal self-defense weapon you can use.

Firstly, it comes with high voltage power: a multi function gun releases 2.7 million volts per discharge. Just imagine what kind of jolt that could give to your assailant.

Secondly, a multi function stun gun also uses low ampere, which means there’d be no permanent or serious damage resulting from the release of electricity.

The Nature of Attack
The nervous system of your assailant is the primary target of the multi function stun gun. The release of electricity is backed by a high pulse frequency and causes an enormous amount of energy to hit the muscles of your ass

Once used, an enormous amount of energy blasts the muscles of your assailant. This causes the muscles to make fast, jerky, but uncontrolled and inefficient movements. All these movements cause the blood sugar in his body to fall alarmingly low because it’s being converted into lactic acid. Naturally, loss of blood sugar is equivalent to energy loss, and this causes your assailant to make slower and less coordinated attacks if he still chooses to pursue you.

That, however, is just one of the effects of the multi function stun gun. While all that is happening, neurological impulses that are responsible for directing muscle movement are also being attacked. Since no direction is forthcoming, your assailant will gradually lose his balance and become mentally confused and even passive.

The severity of the effect of using your multi function stun gun will depend on how long the prongs of the gun remain in contact with your assailant. A half-second contact only causes a twinge of pain.

One to two seconds’ contact will have your assailant confused and suffer uncontrollable muscle spasms. If that doesn’t seem enough, you can lengthen the duration of the contact to three to five seconds. With that kind of attack, your assailant will curl up in the ground, completely immobilized.

More Features from the Stun Multi Function Gun
This advanced stun gun also comes with a LED flashlight to help you better ward off an attack. There is also a pin wrist strap to provide you a more secure grip.

Stun Batons For Self Defense The Scary Electric Stick

20 years ago very few people worried about being mugged or attacked with a cattle prod, the thought of electricity as a weapon was still new. Now, across the United States and abroad it is happening. Maybe it is because stun guns and stuns batons are nonlethal or cheap. Maybe it is because they are available where guns are not or it could just be a combination of all of those. In an odd sort of way, it is a very strong endorsement as to its effectiveness.

Stun guns and stun batons both work on the same principal; 800,000 volts will get your attention. That sounds like it is enough electricity to turn you into charcoal but it is not and here is why. Electricity has volts and amps. You can raise the volts by lowering the amps. In the case of stun guns and stun batons they have only the tiniest of amps because the volts are so high. There is an old electricians’ adage that says “Volts don’t kill you, amps do”.

Both stun guns and stun batons have a place in law enforcement, but the stun baton has some advantages.

- Stun batons are a better close quarters weapon. In places with crowds the stun gun becomes ineffective. In a place like a crowed street, a short little tap can encourage two men about to fight to step down. Also places like jail and prison the stun baton is a better choice.

- Its easier to control the amount of charge used. Many times it just takes a quick bump to get someone’s attention and make them not want to find out what the stun baton can really do.

- It is more intimidating. A stun gun does not look that scary. Any baton, stun or otherwise, is still basically a big scary stick. It is always better to intimidate someone into submission than to have to resort to violence.

- It can be used on multiple assailants. Rather than being attached to one person, the office can “correct” multiple people. In a near riot situation that ability is crucial.

Electric weapons such as stun guns and stun batons are starting to play a larger role in law enforcement because they are not only effective but nonlethal. Used properly and in the right situation they protect both the officer and the suspect buy reducing the need to use more violent and dangerous options.

Enjoy Being Physically Fit and Physically Safe with Mace Walking Weights

Mace walking weights have a secret, built-in pepper spray canister to give you a means of self-defense. Take your attacker by surprise by swinging your walking weight up and taking aim!

There are many reasons why you’d rather not work out at home or in a gym just as there are various reasons why you and a lot others prefer to exercise outdoors. Whether it’s walking, jogging, or playing a certain sport, outdoor exercises give you the added benefit of enjoying the sun and the beautiful scenery. But working out alone, whatever the time of the day is, comes with certain risks to your safety. Protect yourself by carrying Mace walking weights.

Important Features of Mace Walking Weights
Mace walking weights are designed to help you get and stay fit while providing you with an efficient means of self-defense at the same time. Here are a number of features that you can look forward to enjoying with Mace walking weights.

Built-in 10% Pepper Spray for Self-Defense
Inside your Mace walking weights is a built-in pepper spray canister which works just like any other pepper spray can. One well-aimed squeeze is all it takes to fight off your attacker, call for help, and run for safety.

1-Pound Weights
Too heavy weights are not good for women as they could lead to undesirable muscle buildup. One-pound weights, which are provided by your Mace walking weights, are the best choice for women of all sizes. Constant repetitions are all you need to do to have your arms perfectly toned.

Storage Compartment
There are many kinds of potential threat you face when you work out alone outdoors. Besides threats to your personal safety, some will also attempt theft of your personal belongings. Their first move would no doubt to check your pockets for any valuables you may have with you. Jewelry on display will also be taken. What they certainly won’t do is steal your Mace walking weights, not knowing that it has a secret, built-in compartment for your car keys, cash, and valuables.

Elastic Hand Strap for Support
Moving quickly and efficiently is difficult when you’re under attack. It’s easy to lose hold of your Mace walking weights as you scramble to get your pepper spray to work. Thankfully, that’s a possibility Mace is already well-aware of and it’s the reason why they’ve also provided elastic hand straps. When strapped in place, there’s no way for you to lose hold of your weights!

Low Maintenance
Many “cool” self-defense weapons turn out to be more trouble than they’re worth because of their high maintenance requirements. Mace walking weights, however, are the opposite. You can clean them with just soap and water and their pepper spray canister is easily replaceable.

What You Need to Know About Self-Defense Knives

Self-defense knives are not created equal.  Learn how to find one that fits your needs and keep you safe.

There are several factors you need to keep in mind when buying and using self-defense knives. Here are some of the most important things for you to consider:

Choose the right design and make
Self-defense knives come in a wide variety of designs. When buying or choosing one, first consider its use. Look at the shape, length and width of the blade, the design of the handle and its weight. Basically, you’ll find two major types of self-defense knives: one is the fixed blade type and the other is the folded type.

The fixed blade has a permanently set blade onto the handle while a folded type has a blade that folds into a sheath hidden in the handle itself. Either one has its own pros and cons and can be quite effective, depending on your skills and preferences.

The type of steel used will also matter, although there’s no need to purchase the most expensive alloy you can find. A solid, sharp and corrosion-resistant steel should suffice. Look for a sturdy handle that’s comfortable to grip along with a no-slip handle and a solid connection to the blade.

Self-defense knives do not make you safe
But the knowledge and skills you have to defend yourself will. Many people purchase self-defense knives thinking it will automatically keep them from danger. Do not make this assumption. Just because you’re carrying a self-defense weapon does not mean you’re safe. Self-defense knives do not work by magic; you still have to know how to use them properly, particularly during an attack.

For your own safety, it’s best that you practice using self-defense knives. Do not wait for the moment when you actually need to use them to learn what your self-defense knife can do. You will be putting yourself in danger if you do. Instead, get to know your knife — how it’s designed, how to open it (important if it’s a folding knife or if it comes with a sheath), which side of the blade is sharp, how heavy it is and how much force you need for an effective strike.

Self-defense knives require self-discipline
Self-defense knives are designed to ensure your safety but they are still weapons. They can cut, stab, slice and sever. If you are inexperienced and unsure, you could even end up hurting yourself

There are also laws that cover the use and ownership of self-defense knives. Make sure you are aware of your state’s regulations. There are certain types of knives that are restricted, such as the balisong and the karambit. If you own or are planning to buy any of these, make sure you understand what the laws in your region allow you to do.

Mini Stun Gun – Enjoy the Protection of a Tiny but Powerful Bodyguard 24/7

Mini stun guns used to be limited to low voltage power because their compact size only allow the use of a single battery. Thankfully, the emergence of lithium batteries today allows mini stun guns to have twice as much voltage power than before with the same, if not longer, battery power.

What to Look for in a Mini Stun Gun
Because mini stun guns are your weapon for self-defense, do not let price be a determining factor for you. Instead, look for a mini stun gun that you know will be able to effectively protect you in any circumstance.

Voltage Power
Generally speaking, more batteries mean more voltage power and, of course, longer life. But as mentioned earlier on, the use of lithium batteries has allowed mini stun guns to retain their size while increasing both their voltage and battery power.

Now, mini stun guns can release up to 1,000,000 volts in a single blast. Batteries may also be rechargeable and capable of blasting your attacker approximately one hundred times before running out of power.

Safety Button
Never buy any kind of stun gun without a safety button. This will prevent accidental activation and unintentionally injuring yourself or someone else, which is considered criminal by law. If you don’t want to risk being sued for negligence, buy stun guns with safety buttons.

Warranty
Lifetime warranty is best, but at the very least, look for a mini stun gun with a 1-year warranty.

Self-Defense Tips for Stun Gun Use
Stun guns may be powerful, but they won’t be able to protect you if you don’t know how to use them effectively.

Practice
Unlike pepper sprays, you don’t need to practice your aim because stun guns require physical contact with your attacker to work. What you do need to practice, however, is taking your stun gun out as quickly as possible and having the presence of mind to switch the safety button on before putting it to use. In most cases, you’ll have only one chance to hurt your attacker; make the most out of it!

Easy Access, Hidden Location
Place them inside your pockets at all times. They have to be somewhere you can easily and quickly reach for at times of need. Concealing them, however, is also ideal because it gives you the advantage of taking your attacker by surprise.

Nevertheless, if you already feel uneasy, listen to your guts and take your mini stun gun out. It’s better to be safe than sorry, as they say.

Know What to Target
Finally, know what you can and can’t target. The best points of contact are a person’s torso, particularly the upper shoulders, below the rib cage, and the upper hip. All these can effectively immobilize your attacker. Also, remember that while stun guns can work on clothing, it won’t be much of an attack if used on rubber clothing, which is not conducive to electricity.

No Need to Get Physical with Self-Defense Whistle

You only need a glimpse of crime statistics from the FBI to realize just how dangerous the outside world can be. Every time you leave your home, every time you walk the streets alone, every time you find yourself in a dark place – all these represent a risk on your life that you’re taking. Do yourself a favor and protect yourself with a self-defense whistle.

The self-defense whistle is ideal for individuals who strongly prefer not to engage in a physical fight with their assailant. It could be due to your personal principles or because you believe that you are seriously disadvantaged in such fights. Whatever the case may be, a self-defense whistle is your best weapon against criminal attacks.

Indeed, many a crime could have been prevented and lives could have been saved even if only would-be victims had been able to successfully call for help. But of course, screaming loud enough takes time and energy – two things that you may not have the luxury of when you’re running for your life.

Calling for help, however, need not require the use of your voice if you have a self-defense whistle.

Loud and Clear
Self-defense whistles in the market today emit a very loud and shrill whistling sound with a minimum of a 100 decibel alarm. You may even find some models using a 120-decibel alarm.
Such volume is imperative for your life’s safety: one little blow and you’re sure to get people’s attention. Just one clear look on your situation is all you need and help is sure to come immediately.

Compact Design
Self-defense whistles are small and handy. They often come in the form of key chains and as such, they won’t look out of place if you have them in your hands all the time or chained to your belt strap or pocket. You may even attach them to a necklace for quicker access. What’s important here is that self-defense whistles are small enough to bring with you at all times. That way, you’ll have 24/7 protection wherever you are.

Flashing Lights
A whistle in a silent night may be an effective signal for help, but darkness can prevent you from enjoying a timely rescue. Using a self-defense whistle – and not just whistling yourself – will, however, changes things. Self-defense whistles today also come with flashing lights to help your would-be rescuer pinpoint your exact location.

With self-defense whistles, there is no need to get close enough to hit your attacker. Just blow away and help will come running.