7 Items That Everyone Needs for Personal Safety

In today’s world, self defense is a hot topic.

No matter which side of the gun debate spectrum you fall on, it is clear that people need ways to defend themselves from harm, whether those ways are lethal or not. Given that the majority of the public would prefer to defend themselves without causing the kind of harm that haunts you with guilt for the rest of your life, you need a personal defense plan.

You also need these seven items. Everyone, no matter their age, build, gender, or general disposition, can benefit from equipping themselves with these items.

Pepper Spray

Pepper spray (or mace, as it is sometimes called) is one of the most effective tools for self defense. This nondescript can sprays a stream of stinging, burning liquid that you can aim for an assailant’s eyes. It won’t do permanent damage (in fact, police have to be sprayed with pepper spray before they are allowed to use it), but it will buy you time to get away and find help. Make note of that: pepper spray is just a diversionary tactic, not a permanent solution.

Defense Whistle

The term “strength in numbers” holds very true no matter the situation. If someone is threatening you, drawing attention to yourself is the best way to defuse the situation or extract yourself from it. With a defense whistle, often called a rape whistle, all you need to do is blow it as long and as loud as you can and it will draw undue attention to whoever is threatening you.

Smartphone

Your smartphone is one of the most effective tools for self defense, allowing you to call for help or trigger an alarm through apps. One of the most well-known of these apps is the PANIK app, a tool which sends out a distress call through social media and your SMS service with your location.

Tactical Flashlight

A tactical flashlight can serve dual purposes. While you always need a flashlight on you for convenience, a tactical flashlight puts out a beam of 500 lumens which is more than enough to temporarily blind your assailant. When they are blinded and unable to respond, you turn and run and put distance between yourself and them, preferably toward a well-populated area.

Taser

There are risks with a taser, but there is no denying it’s defensive potential. A taser disables an attacker by seizing their muscles in place with a high powered electrical pulse. Tasers can be purchased at any firearm or self defense store, but if the person you tase falls and hits their head, they can be seriously injured. Of course, if you need to use it to defend yourself, your safety is the most important consideration.

Personal Baton

This telescoping baton can be easily kept between the seats of your vehicle or in the glove box. If you’re in an accident and need to escape through the window, it is more than capable of shattering glass. It can also be used to fight off an attacker.

Firearm

There’s no denying it. A gun is one of the best tools for self defense if you know how to use it, and the Colt was once known as “the great equalizer.” It gives everyone the ability to stop another person, no matter how strong they are. If you purchase a gun, do so with care. A weapon as powerful as a gun is a great responsibility that you should not take lightly.

Whether you have a long walk through a sketchy neighborhood or you leave work late in th evening to an abandoned parking lot, it’s a good idea to carry some form of self-protection with you. The person most invested in your safety is always going to be yourself, so take the time to research which of these items best suits you, and then purchase it.