Stay Safe: 10 Self-Defense Weapons for Everyday

Hey there! In today's world, staying safe is super important, especially for women. That said, look no further than your purse and your person. Purses are intended to carry essentials. Myriad items that you may already carry can give you peace of mind and keep you prepared. Let's empower ourselves by digging into that linty haven we often get teased about! 

First up is a favorite, though not typically owned.

1. Pepper spray is a classic choice for self-defense. It's small, easy to carry, and can temporarily disable an attacker. This little spray packs a burning punch so use with caution and purpose. As I've stated in previous blogs, self-defense is about surviving, so it's critical to overcome any squeamishness when it comes to fighting for your life. Those are the stakes in such scenarios.

But always, always check local laws regarding pepper spray or any other item you may want to use to defend yourself. Not all states are equal. 

2. Pens and pencils are not just for writing. These sharp objects can also be a handy weapon if you ever need to defend yourself discreetly. A sharp poke under a table, for example. No does mean no. That said, if you have nothing else at your disposal, either of these items applied to an attacker's eyes can give you those precious moments needed to get away to safety! Once again, exercise caution and good judgement. 

3. A loud personal alarm can startle an attacker and grab attention, possibly stopping further harm. Noise makers are also good for defending oneself against an unruly dog. I love our furry friends but have been chased by Cujo types. Only once, thankfully. The owner, a snot of a child, was surrounded by his fellows and thought siccing his dog on me would be fun. Not so. 

That was the first time I realized that I could run very, very fast if properly motivated. I doubt that's true today but never say never. 

4. A sturdy flashlight is great for finding things in the dark, but it can also be used to blind someone if you shine it in their eyes. I prefer military issue, tactical flashlights myself. There's no messing around and the lovely little cylinder glides nicely into any purse. 

5. Keys can do more than unlock doors. Hold them between your fingers for a makeshift weapon to make your strikes more effective. Once again, go for the eyes when fighting for your life. 

6. Scarves & belts! You can quickly turn either into a whip-like tool for self-defense, giving you some distance from an attacker. Choking out one's opponent is also possible with these lovelies. Channel Indiana Jones and go for it!

7. Umbrellas are handy in a downpour but can also be used to strike and create space between you and someone threatening.

8. A whistle is a simple yet effective way to call for help and let others know you're in trouble. These work much like sound blasters but may be preferred for your own purposes. 

9. High-alcohol hand sanitizer or perfume can temporarily blind an attacker if you spray it directly into their eyes. Notice the theme here. When fighting for your life, and assaults of all kinds can and do morph into mortal encounters, go for whatever weak point you can find. The more squeamish it makes you to think about a particular target often correlates to the effectiveness of attacking whatever it is. 

10. HAIR SPRAY! For those of you who were chuckled at for carrying Aqua net to maintain your 80's big hair, you may well have the last laugh. Similar to pepper spray, hairspray directed straight into the eye can be an effective deterrent.  Anyone who has accidentally blasted themselves with hairspray when constructing the above-mentioned masterpieces can tell you that. 

So, be resourceful. Don't be squeamish. And make your personal safety a top priority. Your loved ones will thank you! Being prepared when things get dicey is the only way to fly!