As I write about characters surviving after society breaks down, I’ve been thinking about weapons and their uses in close-quarter attacks.

They can be game changers in a confrontation and can range anywhere from something improvised like a heavy handbag to an actual gun or knife.

But what should you consider before you carry one?

I decided to split this topic into a 3-segment piece and discuss pepper spray first, knives second and finally handguns.

Should you carry pepper spray for self-defense?

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Small and easy to keep with you.
• Non-lethal.
• Could deter a potential attacker to leave you alone without attacking.
• Can be used at a distance of up to 10 feet.

Cons:

• Might be slow to deploy without practice (if it’s buried in the bottom of your purse)
• Requires good aim.
• Can hurt you if you spray upwind so it hits you, giving the attacker an advantage.
• As with all weapons, it can be used against you.

So what should you do if you decide to carry pepper spray?

#1 rule about weapons: Practice before you actually need it!!

In this case, buy an extra pepper spray and set up something as your dummy target – a tree trunk in the backyard can work. Then visualize a scenario and act it out.

Example:

1. To prepare, pick out a tree or side of a shed, etc. Mark a face with eyes and nose at a man’s height – chalk comes off easy. On the ground mark out 10 feet – the max distance for most pepper spray to work.

Scenario: Go-Time

1. Standing twenty feet from the tree trunk, you sense danger and dig in your bag for the spray, all the while walking toward the tree to simulate the approach of a belligerent attacker – because the tree/shed can’t walk toward you 🙂
2. Get the spray out and aim – keep walking.
3. Bring out the confidence and attitude and order the tree – um, I mean attacker – to “Back off!”
4. He ignores you and once you’re within 10 feet – you cross the mark on the ground – spray, aiming at the face.

Evaluate how you did with your aim, the blowing wind, how fast you got the spray out, etc., and make adjustments. Repeat until you’re comfortable and skilled with your weapon. Remember that stress and adrenaline make fine motor movements difficult, so no zippers, snaps, etc., to get to your weapon.

Let me know if I missed anything!

And if any of you have used pepper spray in an altercation before, how did it go? Good or bad? I’d love to hear from you.

Stay safe out there!

______________________ 

Misty’s Writing Update:

(If you have a second to click on any of the books and deals above, it helps this newsletter – no purchase necessary)

As you might guess from the topic above, I just geared up to write a fight scene involving weapons today. I decided to equip my main character with a folding knife and two sticks she’s picked out of the storm debris.

She’s a survivor of an abusive relationship and trained up to a brown belt in Kenpo Karate to help give her some confidence again – hey, I like writing what I know. 🙂

She’s just about to head in to help her friends who are confronting some bad guys. Guns are involved, but I’m planning a way for her actions to be crucial to the victory without having a handgun herself.

Fun stuff!

What do you think? How could a daring 20-something lady tip the balance in a gun battle if she’s armed with two sticks, a folding knife, and brown belt skills?

Send me something creative, and I’ll weave it in. 🙂

Happy reading this week,

— Misty 🙂