Self defense products

[steph96]

Does anyone carry any type of self defense product (pepper spray, taser, etc)? Any specific ones you recommend? Any pros/cons to each? Is it okay to take this type of product into work with you?

[minzy]

I have a whistle on my keyring that I've never used... and also took a RAD self defense course in my early twenties.

[EmilieMadison]

No. I do have a "rescue whistle" (it's for wilderness survival) though. It's not for self defense, but more of a startle tactic and to attract attention.

[Brie]

In college, my mom bought me a "personal safety alarm," which was essentially this thing that made a shitton of really loud, high pitched noise if you pulled a pin.

Once, I was in class and reached into my bag to get a pen, and accidentally set it off. The entire class got up and started evacuating the room because they thought it was a fire alarm. I was like, "um, wait! No! It's just my personal safety alarm!" and everyone was like, "WTF?" and it was thoroughly embarrassing.

So, don't get one of those.

[CloudBee]

May 18, 2012 13:44:51 GMT -5 Brie said:

In college, my mom bought me a "personal safety alarm," which was essentially this thing that made a shitton of really loud, high pitched noise if you pulled a pin.

Once, I was in class and reached into my bag to get a pen, and accidentally set it off. The entire class got up and started evacuating the room because they thought it was a fire alarm. I was like, "um, wait! No! It's just my personal safety alarm!" and everyone was like, "WTF?" and it was thoroughly embarrassing.

So, don't get one of those.

LOLOL

[iamali]

I used to carry pepper spray, but the reality is that if you're not trained to use that stuff (i.e. by taking an actual self defense course) then it's very easy for your attacker to disarm you and use it against you.

[brit1017]

May 18, 2012 13:52:32 GMT -5 iamali said:

the reality is that if you're not trained to use that stuff (i.e. by taking an actual self defense course) then it's very easy for your attacker to disarm you and use it against you.

I agree. If you are really worried about defending yourslef, take a self defense class- any weapons you carry can be used against you. Tasers and mace can also be illegal depending on where you live.

[steph96]

My mom is the one pushing for me to get something. Personally, I'm not sure it would be a good idea. I would end up doing like Brie did (imagine if it was pepper spray and they had to clear out the office!), or I would end up leaving it in my purse where it wouldn't help. I'm just interested to see how many people actually carry something like that.

[Deleted]

No. If I ever take a cruise I want a whistle though, a la Titanic.

[juris11]

In his law enforcement training, H had to be sprayed with both mace and pepper spray. He said pepper spray is worse.

I live in a very tame area, so I don't carry anything. We have a gun at home though. H purchased his old duty weapon when they bought new ones. I realize this is also possibly flameful depending on your gun stance, but I would like a smaller one for me that I can actually shoot. I'm not strong enough to pull back the clip on his.

[rex]

I don't, but considering I've been stalked in the middle of the day, I probably should. At the very least I think a whistle is a good idea.

[NachoProblem]

I heard a rumor that even better than pepper spray is the spray you use for wasps or hornets.... not sure if that's true though. And another rumor, I think in some states it's illegal to have mace. I think my cousin got in trouble for it once, don't ask me how.

But no, I don't have any and I probably don't need any. If I'm nervous walking to my car at night I will hold my keys through my fingers (think: wolverine) in case someone really did try to attack me.

[mlvmd]

I agree with being aware of your surroundings. Also, mace(or its substitutes) doesn't work the same on everyone. I had to be sprayed as part of a training and while it stung it in no way disabled me while the person next to me was on his knees. Running and screaming, particularly the screaming, has been my plan.

[MadamePresident]

If I feel the need to carry something, it would probably be a firearm. Because if I get attacked, I want to be able to defend myself. I'm sure there are other self defense tools and tactics that could be helpful, but why not use the strongest you can?

[psyck]

May 18, 2012 15:42:54 GMT -5 NachoProblem said:

I heard a rumor that even better than pepper spray is the spray you use for wasps or hornets.... not sure if that's true though. And another rumor, I think in some states it's illegal to have mace. I think my cousin got in trouble for it once, don't ask me how.

But no, I don't have any and I probably don't need any. If I'm nervous walking to my car at night I will hold my keys through my fingers (think: wolverine) in case someone really did try to attack me.

I carry my keys like that, too.

[audry80]

I have a kubotan Keychain. My husband hates it and thinks it looks like a dildo. I have it in case I need to break a window rather than for self defense. I have a weird fear of my car sinking in a river with me trapped in it....

[heygrey]

May 18, 2012 15:42:54 GMT -5 NachoProblem said:

If I'm nervous walking to my car at night I will hold my keys through my fingers (think: wolverine) in case someone really did try to attack me.

i do this at night if i'm alone. otherwise i try to be smart about where i am and don't go shady places alone at night.

i have a window pick (to break glass if i end up in water) in my car that could be a weapon if someone was really close. i wouldn't count on it being that effective though.