Photo: StatePoint Media
(StatePoint) -- If you’re concerned about the nationwide spike in crime, you’re not alone.
According to a June 2021 SafeWise survey, 41 and 42% of U.S. adults are concerned about property crime and violent crime, up 31 and 24% respectively from the previous year.
"Being prepared means understanding the personal defense devices available and knowing how to use them safely," says David Nance, founder of SABRE Personal Safety Academy and CEO of SABRE, the number one personal safety brand of consumers and law enforcement worldwide.
To help you develop a safety plan and live confidently, SABRE is offering important insights into common crimes today, as well as recommendations for personal defense devices to use in various situations:
• Spray or gel? While most people are familiar with traditional pepper sprays, they may not understand the benefits of pepper gel or even be aware of this option. As effective as traditional pepper spray when sprayed across the eyes in an ear-to-ear pattern, pepper gel deploys 20% farther, providing protection at a greater distance.
Another big advantage of pepper gel is it only affects those it comes in direct contact with, making it safer for users and those they’re with, indoors and outside.
According to an independent University of Utah study, variability rates in the concentration of active ingredients in pepper sprays have a 30% failure rate. Tested in its in-house laboratory, SABRE guarantees its maximum strength formulation in every gel canister, including its Crossfire Pepper Gel with Belt Clip, which can be deployed at any angle, even upside down, making it more effective against moving threats.
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When parking. According to the FBI, more homicides happen in parking garages than at bars, motels, gas stations or in the woods combined. Be extra vigilant in garages. Keep keys handy for quick access to your car and carry additional protection. For example, SABRE Pepper Gel with Finger Grip and Key Ring attaches to keychains and provides 25 bursts of maximum strength protection at 12-foot range, helping put distance between you and would-be attackers.
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In the car. In 2020, Chicago carjackings were up 134%, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau report. This trend continued in 2021, with the Windy City seeing a 44% increase, Washington, D.C. a 45% increase and New York an 81% increase. Multi-use tools can make road trips and commutes safer. For example, SABRE’s Safe Escape 3-In-1 Pepper Gel with Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker helps aid in escape of a vehicle after an accident. For protection, it’s designed to prevent accidental deployment, yet allows the user to immediately deploy in high stress situations.
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Outdoors. Eighty-four percent of women surveyed by "Runners World" have been harassed or attacked on a run. Everyone deserves to feel safe while exercising outdoors. Consider adding the SABRE Runner Pepper Gel with Adjustable Hand Strap to your running gear. It provides immediate access to protection and reduces wind blowback, making it safer for outdoor use. A UV marking dye helps authorities identify the aggressor, so you can focus on getting to safety. Bonus: It’s reflective, increasing your visibility to drivers at night.
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At home. Equip your home to be a safe haven with pepper gel. Because it doesn’t atomize like traditional pepper sprays, pepper gel is less likely to foul indoor air. Be sure to store it in an accessible location out of children’s reach.
When it comes to safety, knowledge is key. Consider enrolling in a self-defense or martial arts course. You can also visit www.sabrered.com for educational materials and demonstration videos, and to learn more about the Civilian Safety Awareness Program and the SABRE College Safety Program.
You never know when you may find yourself in a threatening situation. A personal safety plan can provide everyday peace of mind, and help put distance between you and a threat when it counts.
