| When purchasing self defense items like stun guns | | | | picking up the gun after using it on an attacker, |
| and pepper spray, it is important to learn how to | | | | so that you do not stun yourself. However, when |
| carry and use them safely. Although the media | | | | used correctly it is extremely difficult to shock |
| often focuses on the dangers of guns and knives, | | | | yourself; even if the attacker is touching you, |
| lesser-known self defense weapons like pepper | | | | using the stun device will not cause the current to |
| spray and stun guns can also pose a danger if | | | | pass through to your body. Although a permit is |
| you are not educated on their use. If you have | | | | usually not necessary for carrying a stun device, |
| any questions about their use, ask your local | | | | you should still consider training if you plan to |
| police department; if they do not offer training, | | | | carry one. Training can ensure that you know |
| they will know where such training is offered. | | | | how to use it if the time comes. |
| Pepper spray comes in a can, like spray paint. | | | | If you opt for a stun gun, look for models with |
| Unlike spray paint, it has a safety mechanism that | | | | disposable pins. If the attacker tries to grab your |
| must be turned so that the contents can be | | | | stun gun away from you, the disposable pin will |
| sprayed. Always carry your spray with the | | | | pull out, and the stun device cannot be used |
| safety mechanism engaged. However, examine it | | | | against you. |
| carefully so that you know how to turn off the | | | | After using pepper spray or a stun gun, do not |
| safety quickly while it's in your purse or pocket, in | | | | wait to watch your attacker's reaction to it. |
| case you ever need to use it. Otherwise you'll | | | | Instead, flee the area quickly, while the assailant is |
| have to pull it out, look at it, and turn off the | | | | temporarily incapacitated. Pepper spray's effects |
| safety, all while your attacker is coming closer. | | | | last at least 45 seconds, while stun guns may last |
| Once the safety is off, it can be sprayed just like | | | | from 5 to 10 minutes for full recovery. |
| spray paint into your attacker's face. | | | | Always remember that stun guns and pepper |
| Keep pepper spray at room temperature, and | | | | spray can cause pain, even though they are very |
| never leave it in your car during the summer. | | | | unlikely to cause permanent damage. For this |
| Otherwise, the high temperatures can cause the | | | | reason, keep them out of the reach of children, |
| canister to leak. If you do come in contact with | | | | and teach your children that they are not toys. |
| pepper spray, flush the area with cool water, and | | | | To a child, your pepper spray and stun gun may |
| take off any clothing that has been sprayed. Do | | | | look like spray paint and a toy gun. Never use |
| not use warm water or touch your face. | | | | these items if there is no emergency, as misuse |
| Stun guns must be pressed directly to the skin of | | | | may be a crime. Although using stun guns and |
| your attacker in order to be effective. Keep in | | | | pepper spray for self defense is legal, using them |
| mind that it is possible to use the gun multiple | | | | when there is no threat is not. |
| times on one charge, so be very careful when | | | | |