Pepper Spray and Self Defense Blog

Pepper Spray, mace & Tear Gas – What are they?

2012-01-13T12:52:00.000-08:00

Since ancient times the idea of chemical agents to disrupt and incapacitate attackers has existed. Over the past 60 years, chemical agents used in military and law enforcement has rapidly evolved. CN Tear Gas, CS Tear Gas & Oleoresin Capsicum are highlighted below.

CN Tear Gas (aka mace)

CN is a powerful lacrimator (tear-producing substance) & respiratory irritant. Common effects when exposed to CN include: uncontrollable tearing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nausea & stinging sensation of the skin. It may also induce psychological effects such as panic & fear.

CN Tear Gas relies on pain compliance and is therefore, most effective on individuals who are coherent and have a normal pain threshold. Those who are intoxicated, mentally disturbed or extremely agitated generally are less affected by CN.

CS Tear Gas (Military Tear Gas)

In the 1960’s, the US Army replaced CN with CS Tear Gas. Officials believed CS was far less toxic and more effective than CN. CS, also a lacrimating irritant, immediately affects the mucous membranes, causing perfuse tearing, runny rose and persistent coughing/sneezing. Also accompanied with CS is nausea, tightness of chest and burning sensation of the skin along with fear & panic. Like CN, CS relies on pain compliance.

Oleoresin Capsicum (aka OC or Pepper Spray)

OC is a natural substance produced from concentrated red peppers. OC is an inflammatory agent and upon contact, the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose & throat will become inflamed & swollen. Furthermore, OC produces involuntary eye closure, loss of breathe sensation, nasal/sinus discharge & redness/burning sensation of the skin. Fear, panic & anxiety may also be accompanied.

Due to OC’s inflammatory principles, it is more effective than CN or CS on those who cannot not feel pain (emotionally disturbed, intoxicated, drugged and mentally ill individuals). OC’s inflammatory effects have also proven very effective against animals comparatively speaking. OC is actually the active ingredient in bear sprays.

In short , OC is an inflammatory agent and unlike CS & CN Tear Gas, OC does not require the attacker/subject to feel pain in order to be effective. OC’s inflammatory effects are more effective on those are who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, emotionally disturbed or goal oriented. Because of these reasons, law enforcement agencies worldwide trust & rely upon OC sprays.

Non law enforcement should also consider a defense spray which contains OC/Red Pepper (SABRE RED) or a blend of OC/Red Pepper with CS Tear Gas and Ultra Violet Marking Dye (SABRE Advanced 3-In-1 Formulation). The SABRE Advanced 3-In-1 Formulation is not legal in MI, NY & WI.

SABRE RED Pepper Spray on "The Doctors" this Friday 1/6/12

2012-01-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

Great News - David Nance will discuss SABRE RED and Pepper Spray Performance & Safety Advantages this Friday on the National TV Show “The Doctors”. Pepper Spray (aka mace) has been in the news recently with the UC Davis & Occupy Protests. David addresses the myths and questions regarding pepper spray.

“The Doctors” The Emmy Award-winning show The Doctors: ER physician Dr. Travis Stork, OB/GYN Lisa Masterson, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Drew Ordon, and pediatrician Dr. Jim Sears. This groundbreaking show, launched in 2008, does for health care what Dr. Phil has done for psychology – provides frank discussions in a fascinating, off-the-cuff manner. Expect these experts to weigh in on compelling guest issues and dispense valuable information about health topics du jour.

Click Here for your local listing.

“The Doctors” chose SABRE RED because we are the industry leader. This will be fantastic exposure for SABRE RED.

Pepper Spray - Best New Packaging Winner

2011-12-28T12:02:00.000-08:00

Security Equipment Corporation (SEC), manufacturers of SABRE pepper sprays and SABRE personal safety products, has been named by the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) as a 2011 New Packaging Showcase Winner in the marketing category. The win comes as a result of SEC’s redesigned packaging for their popular pink pepper spray unit benefitting The National Breast Cancer Foundation (model # HC-NBCF-01 & KR-NBCF-02). The SABRE RED packaging was redesigned to showcase SEC’s commitment to safety and education through their support of the NBCF as well as through the SABRE’s Personal Safety Academy (PSA).

The partnership between Security Equipment and the National Breast Cancer Foundation enables consumers throughout the United States to support an excellent charity while equipping themselves or a loved one with the increased safety provided by SABRE RED pepper spray. Since 2009, SEC has provided the NBCF with incredible support donating over $350,000 to become a Platinum Level Sponsor. Look for the new pink packaging and join the fight against both cancer and crime.

“We are very honored and excited to win this award, especially since the show was sold out with nearly 5,000 booths”, said David Nance, SEC’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. The Best Packaging award was decided upon by The Institue of Packaging Professionals. Excellent packaging, outstanding product reliability and smart branding strategies are top reasons why SABRE RED is the number one selling pepper spray worldwide.

Personal Safety: How to Start a Life-Saving Habit

2011-12-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

What’s the one thing you can’t leave home without? Maybe your wallet or your keys or your children. What about your phone? We live in an age of 24/7 contact where absence of technology can literally bring people anxiety. But how often are you prepared to protect yourself when heading outdoors?

There’s probably not a day goes by when we don’t buy something or communicate via phone. Therefore, remembering our credit card and cell becomes second nature. It’s common to relegate personal safety because we aren’t confronted daily by that uneasiness of not being prepared like we are with money or ability to reach people. At the end of the day though, we face potentially greater consequences for not being ready to protect ourselves than for being stranded at the counter with no means of paying, no matter how embarrassing that is.

We need to train ourselves to consistently think about safety. Just like getting fit, safety is all about the routine, but less painful. There will be those days when you think, “I’ll just skip today. One day doesn’t matter.” Anyone who’s failed a diet or workout plan will tell you that’s the start of a slippery slope. When it comes to your safety, that one day could be the day you become the target of an attack. So, we might as well get into the habit earlier than later.

To help kick start the habit, SABRE is introducing a great solution for iPhones users - just in time for the New Year! The new SABRE SmartGuard includes a compact pepper spray baton built into the iPhone hard case. Now your pepper spray goes wherever your iPhone goes, which is probably wherever you are. And the integrated safety tab will help ensure that the spray doesn’t go off in your purse or pocket. And for the extremely cautious, rest assured knowing you have to remove the baton to deploy the spray even when it’s up to your ear. You always have your phone in case of emergency. So, why not have added back-up that’s just as accessible, but more effective in any instance when you are forced to protect yourself immediately?

Is Pepper Spray Reliable?

2011-12-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know pepper sprays have been proven to fail 30% of the time due to inconsistent levels? CLICK HERE for the University of Utah Study confirming this statement.

As you could probably guess, pepper sprays (aka mace or personal safety sprays) come from naturally grown peppers. The strength of these peppers are affected by climatic factors such as sunlight, rainfall, temperature. As the climate changes, so does the strength of red pepper harvests and pepper sprays. Wine makers experience the same challenges as a good grape harvest will produce higher quality wine and vice versa.

Here’s the good news! Security Equipment Corporation (SEC), manufacture of SABRE pepper sprays, operates an in-house High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Laboratory to eliminate failures which would occur due to inconsistent heat levels. SABRE’s HPLC laboratory measures and helps SEC ensure its capsaicinoid levels are met in every SABRE batch. (Capsaicinoids by the way are the only proven method measure pepper spray strength.) Additionally, SEC is the only manufacture in the industry to operate an HPLC Laboratory. Because of this, SEC is the only company that guarantees they will NEVER have an OC failure due to inconsistent heat levels.

When protecting yourself or your family, you want Reliability, not Variability. You want SABRE’s HPLC Guarantee, the pepper spray industry’s #1 Advantage!

Pepper Spray Strength: How Hot Is It Really?

2011-12-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

The topic of pepper spray or mace strength is often a confusing and misinterpreted subject. This may be because potency levels are often purposely misconstrued by some manufacturers to seem stronger (Hint: 5.3 Million Scoville Heat Units) or other times due to misinformation. There are two common inaccurate measures of pepper spray strength and one true indicator of strength.

The one correct indicator of pepper spray potency, as recognized by the EPA & US Federal Government, is Major Capsaicinoids (MC). MC represents the strength of the entire formulation within your pepper spray. Typical sprays range from 0.18 to 1.33% MC. The higher the MC of the pepper spray the greater the potency. Sprays with higher MC are more effective as well. A good example, Gasoline, is typically 87, 89 or 91 Octane. The higher gasoline’s octane rating, the greater the fuels performance. Proof, another example, is the measure of liquor strength. The higher the proof, the stronger the liquor.

Bear Attack Deterrent Sprays measure between 1.0% to 2.0% Major Capsaicinoids.

The two inaccurate measures of pepper spray strength are Oleoresin Capsicum percentages (OC%) & Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). Pepper sprays contains anywhere from 2-10% OC, but OC% only measures the amount of raw pepper or Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) within the pepper spray formulation. The OC% does not take into account the actual potency of that OC. SHUs are an inaccurate measure because they only measure the strength of the previously mentioned raw OC, which is then diluted from 90 to 98% because OC only measures between 2-10% of the formulation. Here is an example of how SHU can be misleading: a 5.3 Million SHU spray with 2% OC measures only 0.71% MC. while a 2 Million SHU spray with 10% OC measures 1.33% MC. Which spray is more potent? The 1.33 MC pepper spray is nearly twice the strength.

So when purchasing pepper spray, remember major capsaicinoids equals strength! If you’re currently in need of your own defense spray, Security Equipment Corporation (manufacturer of SABRE & SABRE RED personal safety sprays, aka pepper spray or mace) has proven time again to produce the best. CLICK HERE to purchase your own!

What makes pepper spray so effective?

2011-11-20T20:24:00.000-08:00

Commonly known as OC sprays, pepper spray is a personal safety device, when used properly, aids in deterring the most aggressive attackers and subjects. Known for its inflammatory effects, pepper spray can cause temporary loss of vision, shortness/loss of breath and a burning sensation of the skin.

It is also relied upon daily by over 40,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide. The reason being and the great thing about pepper spray, is it does not necessarily rely on pain to incapacitate. So whether an individual is on drugs or alcohol or emotionally disturbed, the aforementioned inflammatory effects go to work no matter the situation causing the eyes to slam shut.

If ever in a position where you are forced to use your pepper spray, make sure you aim for the eyes. When instructing law enforcement we typically recommend spraying ear to ear across the eyes (stream delivery).

So whether you’re a police officer, college student or anything in between be prepared! Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer or SABRE personal safety sprays (aka pepper spray or mace), urges all to have a plan. Be a hard target, and keep your SABRE pepper spray accessible and you’ll become far less vulnerable!

Bear Defense? Experts Recommend Pepper Spray!

2011-11-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

After two fatal grizzly attacks this summer wildlife professionals are urging bear safety and awareness. While knowledge is paramount in preventing an attack, experts also highly recommend bear spray over firearms.

- According to one source, Steve Cain, the Grand Teton's chief biologist, “bear spray is the ‘one device proven most effective for repelling bears.’” It doesn’t stop there: “the Sierra Club and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks say, ‘Unlike a gun, bear pepper spray does not have to be aimed precisely to stop a charging bear. The bear pepper spray makes a fog in the air, and when the spray hits the bear, it causes irritation in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs, temporarily disabling the bear. According to experts, there is no better way to stop an attack by an aggressive grizzly.’”Elsewhere the Idaho Fish and Game Department recommends hunters only "use a weapon on bears only if bear spray is unavailable”.

Security Equipment Corporation, manufacture of Frontiersman Bear Attack Deterrent and SABRE personal safety sprays, better known as pepper spray and mace, urge all to be very careful when entering bear country! Be prepared! Pick up your own can of FRONTIERSMAN, the only brand with the industry maximum, 35 foot range!

3 Reminders to Carry Pepper Spray!

2011-11-02T21:08:00.000-07:00

In three separate and very dangerous incidents taking place in Kansas, Pennsylvania & Alabama individuals were able to thwart attacks using pepper spray.

According to the Wichita Eagle, a would be rapist entered a young woman’s home around 1am over the weekend. He then placed a towel over her face and began assualting her. At some point during the struggle, the girl was able access her pepper spray and spray the man. The suspect quickly fled her home.

In the second incident, WHTM ABC 27 reports that a women was grabbed by a hooded individual while jogging. She initially broke free, but the man chased after her. Only after spraying him with pepper spray was she able to drive the assailant off.

Lastly, according to WHNT-TV out of Alabama, Mark Anthony Gray walked into a downtown Florence, AL business armed with a box-cutter demanding money. The clerk bent down as if going for cash, but instead grabbed pepper spray and sprayed the individual in the face. Gray quickly fled and was later arrested displaying noticeable effects from the pepper spray.

Like these incidents, some vulnerable situations cannot be avoided. Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays (also known as pepper spray or mace), therefore encourages all to have a safety plan. Be a hard target, and keep your SABRE pepper spray accessible and you’ll become far less vulnerable!

Halloween Safety: The biggest dangers!

2011-10-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treating can be the really fun, but it can also be really scary (not in a thrilling way). Check out this link to Personal Safety Expert for some critical Halloween safety tips. If you follow these guidelines, the only thing you'll have to worry about is how much chocolate your little ghoul or goblin eats in one sitting.

http://www.personalsafetyexpert.com/_blog/Safety_Expert/post/Halloween_Safety_The_Biggest_Dangers!/

Hiker Deters Bear with Pepper Spray

2011-10-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Be prepared! According to Montana’s Daily Inter Lake, Dan Kotter encounter and deterred a charging grizzly bear while in the midst of a research project. Kotter, hiking alone, heard rustling in the brush of what he thought was a bear cub. Instead, however, a large bear came out displaying signs of aggression.

Kotter, with his bear spray in hand, slowly backing away managed to trip on some brush and fall to the ground. Kotter recalled the bear stepping on his thigh. At that moment he rolled away and fired off his protective bear spray. According to Kotter the incident is very blurry but the spray definitely helped save his life.

Security Equipment Corporation, manufacture of Frontiersman Bear Attack Deterrent and SABRE personal safety sprays, better known as pepper spray and mace, urge all to be very careful when entering bear country! Bear spray is a proven tool recommended and used by wildlife professionals across North America and FRONTIERSMAN is the only brand with the industry maximum, 35 foot range!

Pepper Spray Aids RCMP!

2011-10-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Saskatchewan, Canada: According to CTV Canada, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will be filing charges against multiple subjects after a wild & drunken mob attacked RCMP officers. In the process, a hospital, police vehicle and ambulance were all damaged.

The incident occurred last Saturday following two RCMP officers attempted traffic stop of two ATV riders. In the process, one driver rolled his ATV into a ditch and was injured. A nearby party of 70 witnessed the action and soon after, violently engaged the officers. The mob pursued police all the way to the hospital causing a wake of destruction. The RCMP was even forced to use pepper spray to prevent the attackers from entering the hospital. In the end no officers were seriously injured.

The RCMP, Canada’s National Police Force, was founded in 1920. As of 2010, the RCMP has approximately 20,000 sworn members. Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays (aka pepper spray or mace) salutes the RCMP and their courageous actions.

Woman Fights Attacker with Pepper Spray!

2011-10-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Rockford, Illinois – According to the Rockford Register Star, A woman walking to work in the Thursday morning hours was confronted by a man demanding money. After giving the man some money, the white male, in a blue hooded sweat shirt, pulled a hand gun insisting she hand over her wallet.

She calmly searched through her purse for what he thought was her wallet. To his surprise, her hand emerged gripping a canister of pepper spray as she blasted him in his face! The man fled on foot leaving the woman’s wallet behind.

Some situations are unavoidable. Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE and SABRE RED personal safety sprays (commonly known as pepper or mace) encourages you too to be proactive regarding your personal safety. Have SABRE pepper spray in hand and you’ll become far less vulnerable!

SABRE Pepper Spray: Safety Requires Knowledge First

2011-09-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Become a “Hard Target”! Being proactive and prepared is the most important and crucial step in staying safe. Knowledge is where this starts! There are many things one can to do to reduce the odds of becoming a victim. Ultimately you want to develop a plan which incorporates the following elements:

- Adopt a Safety Mindset

- Learn how to Discourage Dangerous Threats

- Know the Dangers of Unfamiliar Situations & Acknowledge Vulnerabilities & Threats

- Have a means to Protect Yourself

- Learn how to Escape an Attacker

An attacker looks for an easy or “soft” target. Do not become one! Should you be faced with a dangerous situation have a way to protect yourself! Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays (aka pepper spray & mace) wants you to be a hard target! SABRE’s Personal Safety Academy will give you knowledge, confidence & plan you desire! CLICK HERE

Mailman Pepper Sprays Robber!

2011-09-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Don’t mess with the mailman! Wichita, Kansas - According to the Wichita Eagle, a United States Postal Service employee on his daily rounds was approached by an individual flashing a knife. Prepared and quickly thinking, the postal employee pulled out his pepper spray and sprayed the man. The suspect quickly fled leaving in a vehicle. The mailman was unharmed.

Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays, commonly referred to as pepper spray or mace, offers a complete line of sprays for professionals. The new SABRE Gel spray is equipped with a holster for ease of carry - CLICK HERE

Women Fend Off Attackers with Pepper Spray!

2011-09-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

Ladies attacked but were prepared! Greenport, NY – Two 26 year old women fought off two male attackers this past weekend. The two girls were walking down the Long Island town’s main street, when two men who had been walking ahead, attacked them! Carrying pepper spray in hand at the ready, the women were able to spray the men and escape to safety! We came across the information via The Suffolk Times, NY.

Some vulnerable situations cannot be avoided. Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays (also known as pepper spray or mace), therefore encourages all to have a safety plan. Be a hard target, have SABRE pepper spray in hand and you’ll become far less vulnerable!

FOX News College Safety & Lipstick Pepper Spray

2011-09-06T22:04:00.000-07:00

With Labor Day officially passed, college students across the country have headed off to school beginning the new 2011 year. In fact, most of the students will be heading back to the dorms! And while these times are often exciting they can also be uncertain. Here are some handy tools and tips Fox News suggests to keep you and your belongings safe this semester:

- Keep armed and alert at all times: The SABRE Red Pink Lipstick Pepper Spray is the perfect item for discreet personal safety. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and know how to use the product!

- Personal Safety System Via a Smartphone: The MyForce security app keeps your screen from timing out so with one touch you can send an alert out to a live security monitoring team. The app supplies emergency response units with a individuals exact location, physical description and any medical conditions they may have.

- Multipurpose Alarms: The SABRE Doorstop Alarm not only stops an intruder from entering your room but also sounds a 120 decibolt starting him or her and alerting you.

- Lock Up: Investing in a safe is always a wise decision. You can even purchase “The Hidden Closest Safe” turning an ordinary piece clothing hanging in your closet into a great place to store expensive valuables.

- Don’t Fall Victim to Identity Theft: The Prey Project App is a free app that keeps track of your laptop and helps recover it if stolen. It will remotely lock down your PC to prevent further access to your private files.

Fox News even quoted David Nance, VP of Security Equipment Corporation, concerning the door stop alarm. David said “they prevent intruder entries through inward opening doors. They will startle and scare off intruders and wake you to take action.”

These tech safety tools will certainly assist in projecting both yourself and your belongings. However, the onus is on us to ultimately be prepared.

Security Equipment Corporation, in operation since 1975 and manufacturer of SABRE OC sprays (commonly known as pepper spray or mace) encourage all to be aware and prepared. CLICK HERE to find simple solutions you can adopt to protect you and your family.

Pepper Spray - What's In Your Bag?

2011-08-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

Cellphone, camera, planner, wallet, phone and keys. Do you have everything you need? I think your forgetting something!

Often times our own personal safety is the furthest thing from our mind. Times are busy and we are constantly distracted by life, technology and much more. Want a quick reminder to slow down and pay attention? Personal safety sprays are the ideal tool! Commonly referred to as pepper spray or mace, personal safety sprays provide protection at a safe distance and aid in reminding you to be aware of your surroundings! Follow these basic guidelines and you’ll become a much harder target:

- Have your pepper spray in hand at the ready in vulnerable situations (you will be more alert).

- Know now to use it (some sprays even come with a practice canister).

- If you feel threatened you are justified to use,

Security Equipment Corporation manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays encourages all to a have a plan. CLICK HERE to purchase your own personal safety spray or to find simple solutions you can adopt to protect you and your family!

Pepper Spray Drops “Strongest man in the world”

2011-08-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

Evidently strongest doesn’t mean toughest! After resisting Collier County Sheriff’s Deputies during a disorderly intoxication arrest at a Naples, Florida nightclub Saturday evening, Cesar Frometa-Delgado proclaimed he was the “strongest man in the world”.

Numerous attempts were made to subdue and arrest the 23 year old. Unsuccessful in those initial efforts, Police were left with no choice but to use alternative means. The pepper spray that followed quickly deescalated the situation. Frometa-Delgado quickly stopped resisting and was taken into custody.

Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays (also known as pepper spray or mace) applauds the efforts of the Collier County Sheriff’s Department. Pepper spray is an extremely effective tool used by law enforcement officers nationwide. Causing pain, inflammation, temporary loss of vision and shortness of breath, pepper spray provides a tremendous tactical advantage. I bet next time Cesar will think twice before making such lofty proclamations!

SABRE Pepper Spray on Cosmo Web-site!

2011-08-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Cosmopolitan Magazine (Aka: Cosmo) is featuring the national charity RAINN (Rape Awareness Incest National Network) and their annual RAINN Day on September 22^nd. This event takes place nationally across college campuses, helps raise awareness concerning sexual violence.

Security Equipment Corporation (SEC), manufacturer of SABRE Personal Safety Sprays (more commonly known as pepper spray or mace), is listed as the self defense solution within the Cosmo article! SEC, a proud RAINN sponsor, donates a portion of all proceeds from their nationwide SABRE Personal Safety Academy which offers both the SABRE College Safety Program and SABRE Civilian Safety Awareness Program.

Cosmo, first published in 1886, is printed in 36 languages and distributed in over 100 countries. It is the largest selling young woman magazine in the world. RAINN, founded in 1994, is the largest sexual assault organization in the United States.

NBCF Posing with SABRE Pepper Spray!

2011-08-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

The ladies of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) recently received a small but power packed gift, the SABRE RED PINK Personal Safety Spray benefiting the NBCF!

Founded in 1991, the NBCF has become one of the most recognizable charities worldwide. In fact, Charity Navigator ranks the NBCF in the top three percent of charities in America with their highest 4-star rating six years running. Providing free mammograms to women who otherwise are unable to afford them and supporting research programs, the NBCF helps inspire the courage needed to win this excruciating fight.

Since 2008, Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE Personal Safety Sprays (commonly known as pepper spray or mace), has been able to donate nearly $300,000.00 to achieve Platinum Level Sponsorship! David Nance, SEC’s VP of Sales & Marketing, stated “ We are a proud partner. Our strong sales of SABRE NBCF models has generated this tremendous support and we look forward to helping the NBCF achieve their mission for many years to come!”

Campus Safety Comes in Pairs: Who's Your PICP?

2011-08-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

With move-in day just around the corner and the seemingly never ending news stories about assaults on campuses, students now have more critical things to worry about than which posters to hang on the wall. They are probably hearing it from all sides, too: parents, who are emailing them every yahoo news article about the latest campus assault updates, and administrators, whose resounding message during orientation will be “Safety First.” With all of these concerns flying around, students lose some of that joy and excitement of finally embarking on this new, coming-of-age phase in a teen’s life. Of course, parents and admin should take every precaution for the students’ safety and students should feel the weight of responsibility they now assume as a legitimate adult. However, I believe there is a way to enjoy life on campus while staying safe.

There is that crucial moment as a college student when you walk onto campus for the first time and you get to decide what kind of person you want to be. New start, new reputation, new life. And picking the right group of friends is pivotal to the rest of your college career. These new confidantes will serve as your surrogate family, your personal advisors, your shopping buddies, your source of enlightenment, your source of entertainment, your shoulders to cry on. You want to strike the right balance of smart, cool, trustworthy, fun, and serious. But as you weed through those hordes of potential BFF’s, be sure to also keep a look out for someone who can be your PICP (aka Partner in Crime Prevention). This person will be someone you can truly rely on- someone who would never spill the beans about your weird lip gloss obsession or abnormal hiccup problem whenever you talk to a cute co-ed.

After you find your new PICP, you’ll have some initial assignments to complete together. First, make a map of the campus marking the following:

• different places on and off campus that are open late and usually have people hanging around

• the emergency blue lights

• sketchy areas to avoid – including the crime locations whenever your school emails safety alerts

• a meeting place in case of emergencies

• the number for pizza delivery for those late-night-munchies occasions

• aerobics class times for working off all those late-night-munchies occasions

Then, buy matching notepads, like for times when one of you is stuck in the library studying. Write notes telling your PICP where you’ll be, who you’ll be with, and when you expect to return (place the note in an inconspicuous spot, not in plain sight). Next, come up with a code word, like “Robert Pattinson,” for times when you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation. Text it to her if she’s not around, so she can help you get help. Finally, no matter how cute the boy might be at the party, pinky-swear to always go together, leave together. Now, not to get all “dark cloud” on you, it is sobering to think that 1 in 5 college women are sexually assaulted, so make a plan just in case either of you are (or believe to have been) sexually assaulted. The plan should include checking in on RAINN.org’s online support center.

Your PICP will play an important role in the next four (fingers crossed it’s not five) years, so choose wisely. And P.S., if you tell your parents about your new PICP, they will probably stop calling you every five seconds to make sure you’re not out walking alone at night.

WARNING: ATTACKS IN DENVER! PEPPER SPRAY SAVES WOMAN!

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

A White or Hispanic male has been tied to two recent assaults in the Denver area. According to the Denver Police, the man is described as being 5 ft 10 inches tall, in his mid 20’s sporting a black goatee and a large left forearm tattoo.

Last week the suspect approached and choked a woman to the ground. In this case, the woman was able to spray the man with her pepper spray and escape. This past Sunday, the man attempted to drag a woman into alley. This woman too was able to fight, escape and call for help.

Anyone with information about the attacks is asked to contact the Denver Police Department at 720-913-2000 or Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays (also known as pepper spray or mace), encourages all to be prepared and have a safety plan. Be a hard target, have SABRE pepper spray in hand and you’ll become far less vulnerable!

Banff National Park – Bear Spray Deemed Mandatory

2011-07-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

With fears of bear attacks, Parks Canada is taking action. Until Sept. 15^th, hikers on the Lake Minnewanka Trail section will be required to travel in groups of 4, mountain bikes will be outlawed and it will be mandatory for one individual to carry bear spray.

Those who fail to comply are subject to a mandatory court appearance and up to a $25,000 fine. Parks Canada spokesman Mark Merchant stated, “We really need to emphasize how serious we are… This is the first time we’ve required bear spray… By telling people ‘you have to carry bear spray’ we really think we’re going to drive home the point.

Approximately 60 grizzly and 40 to 50 black bears confide within the boundaries of the park. While there have been no attacks this year, there have been close encounters. Taking no chances, Merchant went on to say, “Bear spray probably is the best tool as a last resort. It has proven more effective then firearms or anything else.”

Security Equipment Corporation, manufacture of Frontiersman Bear Attack Deterrent and SABRE personal safety sprays, better known as pepper spray and mace, urge all to have a plan. Bear spray is a proven tool recommended and used by wildlife professionals across North America.

Pepper Spray Deters Attacking Kangaroo

2011-07-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

Kangaroos are far from uncommon in the outback, however ones attacking humans are very rare. While hanging her laundry outside her home, Phyllis Johnson was mauled by a Kangaroo. The aggressive marsupial charged through her clothes line, surprising and knocking Phyllis to the ground. The Kangaroo proceeded to kick her several times.

Fearing for her life, she somehow managed to remain calm, get to her feet, grab a broom and strike the hostile animal. After several blows she was able escape inside to her home and notify authorities.

When officers arrived they were forced to pepper spray the Kangaroo not once but twice in order to avoid being attacked themselves. The Kangaroo proceeded to hop away but not very far as authorities tracked the animal while wildlife professionals trapped it. Officer Perkins, one of the responders, stated “he had never before heard of police using pepper spray against one. ‘It did subdue the animal and drew its attention away for the officers, so it worked.’”

Some situations cannot be avoided, and Phyllis Johnson’s determination and composure were outstanding! Security Equipment Corporation, manufacturer of SABRE personal safety sprays (also known as pepper spray or mace, encourages all to be ready. If you are attacked, remember Phyllis’s story! FIGHT & ESCAPE!