In my line of work I have often been asked if there is a difference between pepper spray and mace.
The answer is yes there is. Mace is very much like tear gas and will vaporize whereas the other is in fact more of a liquid. Mace is a man made chemical and pepper spray derives from exactly that, peppers. Both of these defensive sprays illicit a burning sensation of the membranes (eyes, throat, nose and lungs). Mace’s effects take longer to dissipate then pepper spray.
Pepper spray’s effects can be felt more rapidly. Usually within 3-5 seconds whereas Mace can take up to 30 seconds to begin eliciting a response. Mace is often used as a general term to describe all self defense sprays but it is also a brand name of Mace Security International. This company now makes a wide array of pepper sprays however. They also provide an array of products that are actually a combination of the two.
Both are unrestricted in most states however some states do have restrictions. For example, in New York and Massachusetts residents may only purchase defense sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists in that state. In Michigan, OC Pepperspray can be no stronger then a 2% concentrate (Different companies can sell different concentrations.) CS is the only Tear Gas accepted and can be no larger then 35 grams per can. No combination spray allowed.
So there you have it. There is in fact a difference between the two sprays. I hope this has helped to shed some light on a question many people have regarding the difference between pepper spray and mace.
A very useful protection hold that is very affective in disarming an assailant is the neck-pressure method of breaking front or back grip. The ability to effectively break and assailant’s grip for a few seconds will give you sufficient time to get away from your attacker and scurry to safety. The attacker’s grip can come from anywhere. They may have grabbed you from the front by your clothing, or they could be holding on a door or rail and refuse to let go. In either case you want to force them to relax their grip.
If attacked from the front, to get them to break their grip grasp their outer garment collar by the neck with your fingers only. Allow your two thumbs to come forward and rest on your attackers neck one on each side of his Adam’s Apple as if you are getting ready to choke them.
Now your fingers will give you leverage while your thumbs force inward toward each other. Your assailant will not be able to endure the intense pain of the pressure you exert on their Adam’s Apple with your thumbs and will give up.
If your assailant has positioned themselves so you cannot get in front of them, work to position yourself to get as close to the back of your attacker and place your left forearm across their throat. At the same time place the edge of your right hand (the finger extended) up under the cartilage of their nose or into their nostrils. Force their head backward as hard and far back as you possibly can. Next drag their head away. It will take a little additional strength to force them to break their grip and you will be able to get away.
Taking charge of your own personal safety is an important step to protecting yourself from danger. This point cannot be overly emphasized. If you know what to do to defend yourself and what not to do, you will be able to handle most emergencies that jeopardize your personal safety. Follow your instincts when it comes to personal safety and protection. If your gut is telling you something is wrong, you personal safety could be in danger, be prepared.
There are many different methods of personal self defense, some of which require licensing or special training. Hand to hand combat techniques, such as the one discussed here, requires neither. Use of your hands as weapons is the oldest and most effective self protection method there is. They provide protection just where and right when you need it. This method emphasizes pro active strategies that can provide a lifetime of benefits learning, safety and protection. Isn’t this something you should know?
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- Always get your own drink when possible, if you absolutely cannot get your own drink, watch it being poured and never leave it unattended, and don’t drink anyone else’s drink or accept drinks from anyone else.
- Dispose of your drink if you think it tastes odd.
- Remember that it’s safest to drink only from closed containers that you open yourself.
- Don’t drink from open punch bowls, pitchers, tubs, or other tamper-able containers. Drugs used to spike drinks are usually colorless, odorless and tasteless.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your friends near. Pay attention to your friends behaviors. If they become too intoxicated for the amount of drugs or alcohol they have consumed, leave the party immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Encourage your friends who are drunk to stop drinking alcohol, to eat something, and to drink plenty of water. Keep an eye on them to make sure they are okay, and watch for signs of alcohol poisoning including: mental confusion, stupor, coma, or inability to be roused, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute) irregular breathing (10 seconds or more between breaths), hypothermia (low body temperature), bluish skin color, and unusual paleness.
- Don’t accept a ride home with anyone except for the predetermined designated driver selected before the party. date rape often happens when even the most respectable people are intoxicated and lose their sense of judgment.
When You’re the Host, Keep Your Guests Safe:
- Know everyone who you have invited so you can recognize any party crashers.
- Provide food and non-alcoholic beverages(water, soda, juice sprinters, etc) to help pace the alcohol consumption.
- Keep an eye on your guests; make sure they are having a good time but not overindulging to the point of putting their personal safety in jeopardy.
- Offer to organize taxis for your inebriated guests.
- Create a safe atmosphere. If anyone is being harassed, approach the harasser and let them know you are watching, tell them to stop, ask them to leave, and take care of the victim. Don’t be afraid to call the police if it seems necessary.