In this day and age, it is critical that everyone carry some pieces of technology to aid in their self protection. Random assaults are simply too common to dispute this idea.
This does not mean you need to run out and buy a handgun. In some cities and states, it is not legal for you to carry anyway without jumping through many hoops.
However, you should carry a couple pieces of cheap technology that can help prevent the vast majority of assaults. These are Pepper Spray and Personal Alarms.
Pepper Spray
During any potential assault, your first order of business is to escape the assault. Pepper spray is an inexpensive bit of technology that can go a long way toward saving your life.
However, pepper spray is not designed to end a fight or struggle. It is just a distraction to allow you to escape a potential assault.
The product I’ve purchased for myself and family is this 3-in-1 product by SABRE
Personal Alarm
The personal alarm is similar to the pepper spray in that it is simply meant as a distraction. By setting off your personal alarm, you will bring panic to your assailant.
Remember, one thing they don’t want to happen when they assault you is they don’t want to get caught.
Personal alarms draw attention with their loud noise.
I like the Meemoo Personal Alarm, Keychain Flashlight, LED Flashlight, 130db Siren, Self Defense Keychain, Personal Alarms (Personal Alarm)
You pull the key chain, then toss the alarm, so that your assailant now has two things to think about…you and the alarm. You don’t want to set the alarm off and then keep it on your body or in your purse…that just gives your assailant a reason to come after you.
When you combine pepper spray and a personal alarm, you will have a pretty effective strategy for escaping an attack.
One other item I also carry is a Tactical Pen.
Tactical Pen
The tactical pen is a mult-tool device that can help you get out of a variety of jams. Yes, tactical pens can actually be used for writing. But, they can also be a useful tool for self protection.
The beauty of these tactical pens is that they are small and easily concealable. Since most of these pens have sharp tips, they can be used as a weapon to injure an assailant, or they can even be used to break glass.
I like this Take Flight Tactical Pen
Tactical pens can be effective in case you find yourself in a position with your attacker close to you or maybe he already has his hands on you.
You can use the pen to strike into the eyes, neck, or other vulnerable locations. Remember, your attacker does not want to be injured, so if you are able to cause some form of injury with your tactical pen, you may give yourself a better opportunity to escape the attack.
Final Thoughts
At the very least, you should always carry Pepper Spray, particularly if you often find yourself walking in areas that are not well lit, or in neighborhoods that are known to be sketchy.
If you do carry pepper spray, don’t bury it inside your purse or your backpack. At the very least, clip it on your belt, but preferably, keep it in your hand if you are walking at night. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
In our self protection curriculum, I teach how to properly deploy pepper spray and personal alarms to allow for the greatest effect.
