What you need to know about pepperspray: what is it, how is works, how to use it properly

1. Pepperspray
720.277.9516

2. Benefit vs Disadvantage
Understand the tools you carry
Benefits Disadvantages
▶ Small handheld canister that’s easy to store
and handle
▶ Provides protection from a safe distance (up
to 16ft with your Damsel in Defense
pepperspray)
▶ Acts as reminder to stay aware of your
surroundings
▶ More than 1 shot so you can protect yourself
from multiple attackers if need be
▶ Does not require size or strength to use
▶ You do not need to justify lethal force before
using product
▶ Not lethal if it gets into the hands of a child
▶ Easily lost in handbag… must keep
accessible or in hand
▶ Risk of splash back in windy conditions
▶ Does expire…make sure you store your
product properly and exchange it
regularly
▶ Legal restrictions (state to state, can not
carry on plane or in federal buildings)

3. You’re doing it wrong

4. ▶ Under stress the simplest task can become a
challenge.
◦ You may struggle to find or grab your pepperspray
◦ You may be unable to engage the switch for the pepperspray
◦ You may have the incorrect hold which will cause a misfire
⚫A misfire is ineffective and you will risk splash back or missing the
attacker all together
What can go wrong…and why

5. ▶ Practice makes Perfect
◦ It can take up to 100 reps for muscle memory or “automated
response”
⚫These practice reps must be purposeful and thoughtful
⚫Practicing while watching tv doesn’t count!
▶ Keep your pepperspray where it is easily accessible
◦ Consider a Breakaway key chain on the outside of your
purse…. You don’t want your pepperspray lost in your bag if
you need it in an emergency
Engage & Deploy…Spray & Get Away

7. How do you hold a pepperspray
Wrong!! RIGHT
•Use thumb to arm
•Maintain control of canister
•Enough strength to depress
switch
•Secure grip and can strike attacker
with “fist” around canister
•Keep opposite hand up ready to push
away attacker

8. ▶ You know the correct grip and you’ve practiced engaging and deploying
what else do you need to know….
▶ Your first level of self defense is situational awareness
◦ Be able to predict the attack before it happens: scan the area, keep
your head up and eyes out for potential threats
◦ Respond to suspicious persons
⚫ Make eye contact and respond verbally
⚫ Shout “leave me alone”, “go away”, “I have pepperspray”
▶ Spray: ear to ear, saturate eye area
▶ Side step: You’re taking away the attackers vision but they’ll
remember where you’re standing…move, then get away safely
Now What

9. What happens when you get sprayed?

10. ▶ Don’t panic
▶ Maintain control of the situation
◦ If you’re taken to the ground…fall on your back while
protecting your head (tuck your chin)
⚫Keep the attacker close to prevent full blown hits
⚫You can use your pepperspray canister as a striking tool
⚫Turn your face away from attacker and spray again
⚫If it misfires and sprays your hand- rub your sprayed hand in the
attackers face
It went wrong…now what

11. Why Damsel in Defense

12. UV Dye

13. Stay Safe and Sassy!!