One of the keys to effective use of pepper spray is timing and recognizing a potential threat and knowing when it becomes an assault!
Exactly when you bring a pepper spray to bear on an attacker can be critical to the outcome of a situation. First you have to make sure the pepper spray is readily available and, second, through practice you can bring it to bear on the attacker quickly and accurately.
When you’re ready to shoot the pepper spray, go into a slight crouch with your weight evenly balanced on both feet, if you have the chance. Thrust your non-shooting hand straight out in front of you.
At the same time, yell “STOP” as loud as you can. As you’re doing this raise your shooting hand with the pepper spray to eye level approximately 6 inches in front of your chin, aim over your outstretched arm and hand, and fire toward the attacker’s face and head area.
There’s much more to using pepper spray than point and shoot! Remember, don’t raise, point, and shoot the spray until you’re in a position to fire. Wait until the attacker is in range and you know the spray will hit him full in the face area and incapacitate him! The objective is to surprise him or her before they can have a chance to react or think.
Shout STOP When You Use Pepper Spray Shouting “STOP” creates a slight diversion, and can get the attention of others who may be in the near by area. Raising your arm outstretched toward the attacker may cause his immediate attention to be focused on that hand, not the one with the pepper spray.
On the Otherhand, when used by surprise, pepper spray is an excellent distraction, allowing you time to get away. This gives you time to shoot the spray before the attacker can react.
Don’t ever shut your eyes! If your attacker moves, you may have to correct your aim slightly. You should shoot the spray for 2 to 3 seconds, neither a short squirt nor a long drenching.
After shooting your pepper spray, the attacker will normally stop within seconds, blinded and virtually helpless due to uncontrollable coughing spasms. Once the attacker disables, stop spraying. Continue backing and concentrate on getting away!
Never thrust your shooting hand out in front of you towards the attacker. He or she may react quickly and hit your hand aside or grab it! As you shoot, back up and continue backing up away from the attacker. This gives you a little more time and draws the attacker into the pepper spray or pepper foam.
If someone is attempting to attack you, always move off the line of force before spraying. This means stepping to the side of where you are. Deliver the pepper spray by in a few short bursts of a second or so each in an “X” or “Z” pattern.
Fanning is also pepper spray technique for hitting your mark. You spray the stream then move your dispersions path from side to to side until yon hit your mark! The stream also provides the heaviest blast of pepper (cans will empty faster).
You cannot always count on your target staying still and spraying in a pattern will help you hit the target. Then get out of there, and once you are safe, contact the police and report the attack. You want your description of the attack to be the first one they hear.
Practice, Practice, Practice is the Best Pepper Spray Technique
It is vital that you give some thought in advance to how you will carry your pepper spray canister. Consider carrying the device in the same place whenever possible. That way, you won’t have to think, “Where is it today?” in the heat of the moment.
Try various carrying methods and practice drawing the device. Make sure you can draw your pepper spray quickly from wherever you’re keeping it. Good, accessible locations include inside a pants pocket, especially for the models with a clip.
Some of the best models include a key ring so that you can attach your car or dorm keys to it and always have it handy. If you have an old canister you can practice with that one. UBackOff.com recommends that you replace your pepper spray every two years.
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