It’s a sad fact of life but anyone of us, at any time, can fall victim to assault, harassment, robbery or physical attack. And women in particular.
Everyday activities like driving, going to work, or walking down the street present an element of risk to your personal safety. You may commute long distances alone or have mobile jobs making contact with the general public.
“It’s really not possible to avoid all risk but it’s wise to take some precautions,” said Angela Kanner, a co-owner of Personal Safety Outlet Inc.
Originally from New York, Kanner came to Florida in 1991 and established the company that specializes in the distribution of personal safety products.
“At first, I just sold pepper spray but then I got more and more requests for other self defense products, so now we have an extensive range of items,” said Kanner. “Pepper spray is still our best selling product, even after 22 years,” she said.
Kanner explained that pepper spray was first developed by the military and police to control riots and large crowds. Now it is one of the most popular self defense products that women carry.
Pepper spray is derived from Capsaicin, the potent ingredient that makes peppers hot. Wilbur Scoville, a pharmacist, invented the scale called Scoville Heat Units (SHU) to measure the spicy heat of chilli peppers.
“We carry pepper spray in lipstick tubes, ballpoint pens, rings or pendants,” said Kanner. We also have canisters that can fit into your pocket or purse but I recommend hooking it directly on to your belt or keychain so it’s readily available should you have to use it,” she said. 
Pepper spray, also known as OC spray (from “oleoresin capsicum”) causes immediate stinging, burning and redness in the eyes and will deter your attacker instantly.
In the U.S. there are strict regulations about purchasing or carrying self defense products. In some states, only licensed dealers can sell the products and some states, like Wisconsin, don’t allow it at all.
“Be sure to verify before you purchase,” she said. And remember, it is illegal to carry something like pepper spray on an aircraft either in your checked baggage and definitely not in your carry on bag,” she said.
“Our second most popular product favored by women is a stun gun,” Kanner said. It’s small so it’s easy to conceal,” she said. “We have several styles and sizes but the most popular is one that looks like a little flashlight and can hang from a keychain.”
Again, stun guns are legal in most states but several states like Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Rhode Island and Wisconsin have special restrictions.
You must be 18 years or older to carry a stun gun.
“We sell to distributors all over the world,” said Kanner, “but we always stress how important it is to check first what the laws are in your area.”
During the past few years, Kanner stated that she has seen a rise in the sale of personal alarms. These are alarms that emit a very loud, shrill, high-pitched sound at 120 decibels or more.
“They’re inexpensive, legal everywhere in the US and what I like about them is that schoolchildren are allowed to carry them,” she said. “Some of the kids like the personal alarms that have strobe lights when activated.”
Most of the products marketed by Personal Safety Outlet, Inc., come with a strong reminder about liability. Use pepper spray irresponsibly and you can be charged with battery or assault.
Kanner says that most women feel a measure of safety when carrying pepper spray or a stun gun but the most important component in staying safe is to remain vigilant and aware: aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times. She encourages everyone to be be alert at all times, take precautions, and report any crimes or suspicious activities.
“It’s important to stay well-informed and taking preventive action will help you stay safe,” she said.
For more information or to inquire about a particular safety product, call Angela at 1.800.575.5535