By Denamarie Ercolani
At Safety Girl, we want women to be ready for any situation, whether it’s a ripped blouse or an uninviting man who just keeps pushing his luck. Recently, we introduced you to our latest product, Safety Girl’s Maximum Strength Pepper Spray. This small yet powerful canister projects a ballistic stream of maximum strength pepper spray into the eyes of any aggressor. If you miss him the first time, have no fear because the canister contains 25 potent shots.
So you’re probably sitting there reading this blog and thinking, “Okay, so you already encouraged me to buy the pepper spray, which I did, but how does it work? What does it really do to the attacker? How do I use it effectively? What happens if it gets into my eyes?”
Well, we have the answers for you.
The active ingredient in pepper spray, or mace, is Oleoresin of Capsicum (OC). This is an inflammatory agent that causes temporary blindness, due to intense pain, causing the automatic closing of the eyes. The effects last from 30 minutes to two hours. OC may cause permanent damage if sprayed from less than six feet. For attackers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may feel minimal effects which may require you to continuously spray them in the eye. Before putting your pepper spray to use, practice utilizing it to avoid getting a face full yourself- which can be very counterproductive. When using the spray, make sure to aim for the attacker’s eyes, duck away to dodge any back spray, then, of course, run.
If the pepper spray inadvertently lands into your eyes, remain calm. Refrain from rubbing or touching the area affected. Pepper spray antidotes include milk, baking soda paste, or honey. Soap or detergent can help wash it away. To reduce the burning sensation, ice, cold water or a fan are most effective. Avoid applying oils to the irritated skin as this can trap the capsicum and lead to worsening burns and blistering.
When it comes to self-defense weapons such as pepper spray, they are most effective if already in hand and ready to use. It doesn’t help you if you have to rummage through your chaos of a purse when caught in a emergency situation. When walking alone in a parking lot, waiting for a train or bus on a dimly lit street corner or station, walking to your apartment, dormitory, or house, have it in your hand for quick and effective use.
Did you know that a woman is raped every 46 seconds in America? That’s 78 rapes each hour! Also, 75 percent of every rape is committed by a man that the victim knows. 25 percent of rapes take place in a public area or a parking garage. So be prepared with Safety Girl’s Maximum Strength Pink Pepper Spray.
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