| If you are currently weighing your choices for self | | | | Although this may not be as big of a factor when |
| defense weapons, undoubtedly you have seen | | | | an attacker is clearly coming after you, it can be |
| various weapons disguised to look like everyday | | | | invaluable in situations where you may have |
| objects. This is particularly popular in the case of | | | | realize that the person was dangerous after |
| pepper spray canisters. | | | | already beginning a conversation, getting into a |
| There are, of course, many good reasons to | | | | car, or placing yourself in any other situation |
| consider carrying a canister of pepper spray, a | | | | where you are likely to get harmed. The person |
| stun gun, or another weapon to defend yourself | | | | won't realize that when you are reaching for a |
| against an attacker. Violent crimes are said to | | | | tube of lipstick, you are really pulling out a can of |
| occur across the United States at a rate of one | | | | pepper spray. |
| every 20 seconds. These could be prevented with | | | | Many people, especially women, choose such |
| a small investment in a pepper spray canister. | | | | designs because it makes them feel more |
| When choosing such a canister, look for one that | | | | comfortable to be carrying such a device. Self |
| you would feel comfortable carrying around. | | | | defense items can feel awkward to carry around |
| Consider one that does not look like a pepper | | | | in your purse or pocket if you are not used to |
| spray canister at all, giving you the element of | | | | them. Carrying an object shaped like a pen or |
| surprise even though you're the one being | | | | keychain, instead, can help you feel me confident. |
| attacked. Disguised weapons hold several | | | | This is definitely a good thing; after all, you'll need |
| advantages over those that are not disguised. | | | | to feel confident enough to use it if you feel you |
| First, you will have the element of surprise. When | | | | have to. |
| concealed in an object shaped like a pen or | | | | Disguised spray canisters are often so well done |
| another everyday object, your attacker will not | | | | that you can leave them in plain sight. For |
| expect the blast of pepper spray. Ordinary | | | | example, pepper spray disguised as a pager or cell |
| canisters look exactly like a spray paint can, and | | | | phone with a side clip can be attached to your car |
| will be immediately recognizable to any attacker. | | | | visor or your belt loop. Stun guns can even be |
| Grabbing a regular can of pepper spray gives the | | | | found in disguised packages such as these. Pepper |
| attacker time to cover his eyes and face, and will | | | | spray in a pen can be placed innocuously in the |
| make the shot of spray less effective. Those | | | | center console or cup holder in your car. This |
| extra few seconds before he realizes what you | | | | way, they will be much easier to grab than |
| are doing are crucial to aiming the spray directly in | | | | fumbling around in your purse or pocket, should |
| your attacker's face, where it will blind him long | | | | you need to get to them quickly. |
| enough for you to get away. | | | | |