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Pepper Spray

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of carrying a potentially lethal weapon for self-defense - it' s perfectly natural to have a strong aversion to harming someone, even if they intend to harm you. For this reason many carry less-lethal alternatives such as pepper spray, which is designed to incapacitate an attacker and allow the potential victim time to escape.

Pepper spray is also called OC spray, and it causes temporary irritation to the eyes and skin as well as interfering with breathing.  When sprayed, a person' s eyes will reflexively close, and their larynx will contract, making vision and breathing difficult. This works regardless of the person' s size or mental state - unlike tear gas, which does not affect those under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It also affects animals, including dogs, although there are specialized variants made to be particularly effective against dogs or bears.

Remember that pepper spray is a weapon and should be treated as one would any other. Learn how to safely store and use it if you are considering carrying a defensive spray. Threatening or spraying someone without cause is a crime.

 

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