Tips on Staying Prepared
05 26 2010
It doesn't make sense to carry a self-defense spray if you don't intend to use it. Neither does it make sense to carry a self-defense spray if you don't have much of a clue as to how best to use it. That's why today's safety tips are in regards to being ready BEFORE the time comes to protect yourself.
A Berkeley Campus Safety guide published for the benefit of students by the University of California Police Department (https://police.berkeley.edu/documents/campus-safety/maceandpepper.pdf) offers an emphatic safety tip about the use of pepper spray advising that those who carry it for self-defense:
"... BE PREPARED TO USE IT. HAVE THE CANISTER OUT OF YOUR BACK-PACK AND IN
YOUR HAND, WITH YOUR FINGER ON THE TRIGGER, WHILE WALKING."
This may be easy to implement in theory, however, it's rare that people are prepared for attacks when they happen. That's why a best practice approach is to associate the pulling out of your pepper spray defense at the same time you pull out your keys; or having your hand in your purse while walking with your hand on the spray for comfort. Chances are that by simply appearing to have something to hide, you actually make your would-be attacker reconsider going through with their plans. In addition, never appear to fumble around in your pockets or purse while walking, as this is a sure sign that you're not prepared for an attack.
No one understands this better than SABRE that you can't leave your safety to chance in this area. That's also another reason why we highly recommend you take Pepper Spray Training Classes similarly to those that are a part of our Civilian Safety Awareness Program (https://www.sabrered.com/servlet/the-template/Pepper-Spray-Training-Class/Page). Don't kid yourself by relying on your cell phone to call for help, or that your pepper spray will be available when you need it most. Our firm belief is that when you stay prepared, you also stay safe.