Taking A Closer Look At OC Pepper

The most popular non-lethal, self-defense product available to the average citizen today is Oleoresin Capsicum Pepper Spray, commonly known as, “OC Pepper Spray.” In the last few years pepper spray has become the leading weapon of choice for more law-abiding citizens than any other protective device.

Just what is OC spray and how does it work? Pepper spray is made from the naturally occurring, nontoxic chemical called Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) found in hot pepper plants. This is where the name “OC Pepper Spray” comes from. OC is the active ingredient in the hot peppers. The effectiveness or hotness of pepper spray is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). SHU is a scale that was developed in 1912 by the American chemist, Wilbur Scoville, used to measure the hotness or piquancy of various peppers. The number of SHU indicates the amount of capsaicin present. For example, a standard bell pepper is rated at 0 SHU, Jalapeno’s are at 5000 and a Habanero is 250,000-300,000 SHU. For a pepper spray to have an effect on people it should be rated at 2 million SHU, however, some police grade pepper sprays are rated as high as 5 million SHU.

OC spray is an inflammatory agent, that when sprayed in the face of an assailant, will force the eyes to close immediately, it also causes temporary blindness, difficulty in breathing, a runny nose and an irrepressible cough that will send him to his knees. OC is also very effective on perpetrators who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or experiencing any kind of psychotic episode. The duration of the OC effects depend on the strength of the spray, but the average full effect lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, with diminished effects lasting for hours. The assailant will usually make a full recovery once the effects completely wear off and, other than embarrassment, will not suffer any lasting adverse aftereffects.

OC is an oily substance. It cannot be washed away with water despite how much is used. The best way to reduce the consequences of pepper spray in the eyes is to briskly blink it way with tears. This will aid in cleansing the irritant from the eyes. Additionally, to prevent the burning sensation from spreading to other parts of the body it is best to avoid touching the affected spots. Massaging ointments onto the affected areas will only serve to trap the capsaicin in the skin resulting in a heightened burning sensation and possibly even cause blistering to occur.

Pepper spray normally comes in canisters, which are often miniature enough in size to be carried or hidden away inside a pocket or purse. Pepper spray can also be bought disguised as ordinary items such as rings, lipstick, or some other everyday object such as a pager or pen. Additionally, pepper spray will expire after about 3-4 years due to the aerosol propellant escaping from the container. If used after the expiration date, it might not spray as expected. The expiration date of some models can be found on the label.

Overall OC defense sprays are considered by civilians to be the best non-lethal self-defense devices available. Their use is not considered deadly force, the sprays are legal in most states and usually no special permit to own or dispense the chemical is required. However, there are some states that do restrict the purchase and use of pepper spray. In New York, for example, the pepper spray must be purchased from with-in the state, from a licensed pharmacist or firearms dealer. Massachusetts also requires the spray to be purchased from a licensed firearms dealer. In Michigan, “OC” pepper spray cannot be stronger than 2%, and in Wisconsin, the spray cannot exceed 10%. In California and Florida pepper spray is legal up to a 2oz. unit. When traveling, OC cannot be taken on board any airplane for obvious security reasons. Before purchasing pepper spray it would be wise to check with the police department for local and state laws on its’ use or restrictions.

Learn more about OC pepper spray and other self-defense products. Stop by www.a1selfdefenseproducts.com where you can find out all about defense sprays and what it can do for you.

A Wonderful Gift to Yourself and Loved Ones is Crime Prevention

The winter holiday season is a very busy time of year for everyone, especially for criminals. With the holiday season upon us, most people are preoccupied with the details of holiday planning and shopping. Many shoppers are out and about running errands, carrying more money and packages than during other times of the year. Unfortunately criminals view the holiday season as a time of opportunity. This is not a time to forget that criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets to make a big score. Nothing can ruin your Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.

According to the FBI, crime incidents become more frequent during this particular time of the year. Burglaries, muggings, car thefts, robberies, pick pocketing, credit card scams and crimes at ATMs all increase during the month of December. Often the safety precautions we may normally take are forgotten as the anticipation and excitement of the Yuletide season causes us to let our guard down. Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, remember to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Criminals will often target those who are distracted and aren’t paying attention.

The day after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the shopping season for the holidays. As you begin that holiday shopping, you might want some advice on how to avoid becoming an easy mark for criminals. Remember this advice is helpful year round as well.

PARKING LOT SAFETY TIPS

Trying to stay safe while you are shopping for Christmas can be a little difficult. Mainly because there are fewer daylight hours in the day at this season of the year. Often shoppers arrive at a mall when it is day and find that it has gotten dark outside by the time they are ready to leave. Anxious to get inside and make their purchases, many shoppers don’t consider this when they park.

Because parking lots fill up quickly this time of year, it might be harder to find a good parking spot. Look for one that has plenty of light and lots of pedestrian traffic around. Avoid parking in remote areas if at all possible and don’t forget to lock your vehicle when you leave. Become familiar with the area where you parked. Take a mental note of the row and number so you can easily find your car when you return.

Take a friend along when you go shopping. Using the buddy system reduces your chances of being mugged or attacked. If you are shopping alone, consider walking near other shoppers in the parking lot. Walk in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid areas where people are loitering. Walk with a purpose and authority in your stride.

SHOPPING MALL SAFETY TIPS

While shopping inside it is a good idea to avoid dark hallways and stockrooms, especially at closing time. Be sure to only use bathrooms that are located in high traffic areas of the mall such as the food court.

Be careful and on guard when walking in crowds. Look out for people you do not know who deliberately bumps, jostles or gets too close as these may be diversions for pickpockets who try to steal your wallet. While you are at it, you might want to keep a close eye on your shipping bags and other personal property too. Keep your purse close to your body and never leave it unwatched in the shopping cart. It’s not a good idea to keep your wallet, credit cards, or cash in your back pocket or a backpack. Pickpockets can swiftly with easy get at these items without being caught. As an alternative, carry them in your front pockets.

It’s not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash around. Whenever you can, try to pay for your purchases with checks, credit cards, or debit cards. When you do have to pay with cash only pull out what is needed. Keep the rest of your money hidden from view. Make your most expensive purchases last so you can head straight home afterwards.

When you are ready to go back to your car, don’t be overloaded with packages. Combine as many of them as you can into fewer packages or make several trips to your car. Carrying too many packages will hinder your view and you won’t be able to move quickly to avoid being attacked.

It’s best to have your car keys ready and in hand when you reach your vehicle to prevent having to search for them. You may also want to check if you are being followed to your car too. When you approach your car wait until you get closer to use your remote to unlock it. Unlocking your car from a distance could alert a would-be attacker which vehicle is yours. He could then race ahead and be waiting for you arrive. Before you get into your car scan the back seat and other areas where an attacker might hide to make sure it is safe to do so.

Place your packages in the trunk out of sight. Do this when you first get to your car, rather than waiting until you park at your next stop. Gifts and other valuables should never be left in clear view this would provide thieves a reason to break into your vehicle while you are shopping.

When you get into your vehicle lock your doors immediately and drive off. Don’t wait around sitting there to check off your shopping list, jot purchases down in your checkbook ledger or whatever it is that may cause you to delay your departure. This creates the perfect opportunity for an attacker to approach you and force his way into your car, especially if you didn’t lock the doors.

An additional precaution you may to consider is to carry a personal alarm. A personal alarm is great for getting the attention of witnesses if you ever need it. They are easily carried on your wrist or key chain and will emit a loud annoying noise when activated. An attacker will not like that kind of attention. He will stop his assault and go away.

Following the safety advice outlined above will help your holiday to be a merry one.

Visit www.a1selfdefenseproducts.com for self defense products, personal alarms and other security devices.

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