DIY Security Systems
Nothing can be better than using a pepper spray in protecting yourself from attackers without engaging in a bloodbath. Because of its handiness and ease of use, it has become one of the most preferred devices for self-protection, especially amongst women. It’s useful in warding off aggressors in a non-violent manner compared to the use of armed weapons, which only results in a more traumatic experience. But it’s never enough to just tuck one of these pepper sprays in your purse or hung it in your home. Thus, you must know how to respond to your attacker by knowing how to use a pepper gel quickly and correctly. A pepper spray can only become useful when you know how to engage it. Bear in mind that the assailants will not wait until you’re ready before they attack. But before that, let’s get to know the two kinds of pepper sprays you can choose from.
Pepper Spray vs. Pepper Gel
We only often hear about a pepper spray but not much about the pepper gel spray. There are differences between the two, and those who are familiar with the latter have given better reviews of the product as compared to the plain pepper spray. Look closely at the glaring differences and decide for yourself.
Range: When it comes to the range of use, the plain pepper spray can only reach up to 20 feet from your position, whereas the pepper gel spray can go as far as 30 feet, providing a 20% advantage.
Wind blowback: The gel version of the pepper spray is more effective in eliminating wind blowback. The non-gel version of the pepper spray can quickly disperse when sprayed in a windy environment, and you’ll end up inhaling the particles instead of your attackers. But the gel-type can spray directly to your assailant with minimal dispersion, ensuring you get your target right where you want them to get hit.
Dispersion: The gel-type does not spread through the ventilation system at home or in an enclosed space, which keeps other family members safe if you have to use it at home.
Handiness: Both products are handy and can be mounted on the wall.
Qualities to Look for in a Pepper Gel Spray
When looking for a pepper gel spray, make sure to consider the following before purchasing to get the best value from your money.
Shelf-life: You certainly would not want to keep buying pepper sprays because it has a short shelf-life, so make sure to purchase the brand with a longer lifespan. The best ones can last up to 4 years.
Responsiveness: Some brands require shaking the canisters before dispersing the gel, which can take away precious time. Anything can happen in a split of a second, so make sure you get a product that does not waste time and is ready to go any moment needed.
Heat-resistance: One common cause of pepper gel failing to go off is due to the canisters being exposed to heat. When choosing a pepper gel brand, make sure to buy an HPLC guaranteed product as you can be sure their products bypass heat-related sensitivities.
What Comes with a Pepper Gel Spray
You will notice two canisters of different colors in a single package when you buy a pepper gel spray. The first canister is the one you use when engaging with actual assailants while the other is used for practice. You can refer to the manual to identify the actual spray from the practice spray. Also provided in the package is a spray target that you can use to practice and familiarize yourself with the process. It’s also necessary to orient yourself with the parts of the pepper spray. The spray button is covered to prevent accidental charging, so make sure you know where the button is lest you’ll find yourself panicking in front of your attacker as you search for that button.
- Place your fingers on the grove with the thumb behind the lid of the firing button. Use your thumb to open the cover and slide it in to access the button and charge. Do not press on the cover as it will prevent the pepper gel from dispersing.
- Focus on your aim, which is the eye area, so you can temporarily blind your attacker, giving you enough time to run away and call for help.
- Using your kit, you can practice firing the spray to an image of an attacker from various distances. Start with a 6-foot range going farther. This will give you confidence should the actual need to protect yourself arise.
- It would help if you also prepare yourself for the possible reaction of an attacker. By blinding them with your spray, their usual response would be to run to your direction, so be prepared to move sideways. It can all happen so fast, you will need to have a great deal of presence mind to know how to use pepper gel in times of danger.
Wrap Up
With the rampant crimes happening even in residential places, there should be no room for complacency. Thieves and burglars are ever-present in the neighborhood, and you’ll never know when they will attack. Therefore, it is sensible to prepare by equipping your family with a simple safety device they can use to protect themselves while at home or elsewhere. With the right product and the knowledge on how to use pepper gel, you can rest with some degree of comfort knowing you won’t turn a helpless victim when any form of home intrusion happens. Find out more about Pepper Gels.