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Pepper Spray Information
Pepper
spray (also known as OC spray from "Oleoresin
Capsicum", OC gas, or capsicum spray) is a lachrymatory agent (a
chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause tears, pain, and
even temporary blindness) that is used in riot control, crowd control
and personal self-defense, including defense against dogs. The active
ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which is a chemical derived
from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, including
chillis.
The
HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) method is used to measure
the amount of capsaicin within pepper sprays. Scoville Heat Unit (SHU)
testing is also used to measure the hotness of pepper spray, but this
is a subjective test which changes from person to person and does not
measure the actual chemical percentage within the product.
Pepper
spray typically comes in canisters, which are
often small enough to be carried or concealed in a pocket or purse.
Pepper spray can also be bought concealed in items such as rings.
Pepper spray is an inflammatory agent, not an irritant like Mace. It
causes immediate closing of the eyes and coughing. The length of the
effects depend on the strength of the spray but the average full effect
lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with mitigated effects
lasting for hours.
Run
For Your Life
Jogging
or walking can be fun, healthful, & safe when you take
precautions. In view of recent attacks on joggers, everyone that is
currently enjoying that sport needs to be aware of certain crime
prevention tips geared exclusively to them. The safety tips in this
article can apply to anyone that is on the street walking, jogging, or
running.
With the number of joggers in the United States, it is not surprising
when we read in our local newspaper that a man was attacked and beaten
by a gang of young thugs, and that a woman was raped as she jogged by
herself in a fashionable neighborhood.
One thing we need to remember is that none of us is immune to crime.
Crime doesn't always happen to the other guy. It could happen to you.
By "being aware" the jogger can reduce the likelihood of becoming a
victim of an attack.
Many joggers have the mistaken idea that because they usually do not
carry large sums of money with them as they jog, they are not likely
candidates for an attack. Unfortunately, that is not true. They must
always be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate action to
protect themselves.
One of the most serious problems for joggers is not paying attention.
They become so preoccupied with the physical act of jogging that they
lose touch with the moment. They are so busy concentrating on how much
further they have to go and on putting one foot in front of the next,
that they don't pay attention to what is happening right here, right
now.
When they allow themselves to become preoccupied, they have jeopardized
their security. When they are not paying attention, it gives the
would-be attacker the opportunity to surprise them. Being alert and
being aware is vital at all times. Use common sense when jogging and
walking and follow some simple safety tips. Jog and walk with a known
companion and always Jog and walk in familiar areas.
Do not jog or walk in a secluded area or jog or walk after dark, which
increases your chance of becoming a victim of criminal activity. You
should always jog and walk facing traffic, which eliminates surprise
attacks by passing motorists.
If followed, go to the nearest house and call the police.
Wear bright colored clothing to improve your visibility. Carry a
whistle or shrill alarm to summon help, if needed. Vary your route and
pattern of running.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep Alert! Jog and walk away
from bushes where someone could hide. Take a key with you when you jog,
which eliminates having to leave the house unlocked.
Someone might be watching you and your house to see when it will be
empty or unlocked. As more and more people jog and walk for fitness the
need for self-defense increases.
Unless you are 100 percent sure you want be a victim of an attack you
must carry some sort of weapon during your walk or jog. Some weapons
will give you a fighting chance and can be legally and visibly carried
on any street.
These include walking/hiking sticks and sharp objects such as a fistful
of keys, a pen, a comb or a flashlight. You need the will to use them
to slash or bop an attacker if you are restrained from running away.
Handy weapons must be handy if you plan to use them, not buried in your
hip pack or pocket.
A keychain with a plastic ice-scraper and a finger hole in the middle
makes a simple but effective weapon. With your middle finger in the
hole, you have "plastic knuckles" that become a slashing/poking weapon.
You can carry it legally on any street in the hemisphere. As a bonus,
You can and do use it to scrape ice off your windshield in winter.
Carrying a cell phone is a good idea - you can call 911 in case of a
medical emergency.
When accosted, don't waste a split second with a phone, you need to be
screaming and running. Even if you got a call off and the police
responded immediately, most attacks take less than five minutes to
complete, and your attacker will be long gone before help arrives. Far
better to use it to report to the police after you have effectively
stopped the attack by screaming, running, and fighting as necessary.
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