In the eyes of a predator, senior citizens make easy targets. This is a frightening fact to think about, but one that must be taken into consideration. If you ever find yourself in a confrontation with a criminal, you may be forced to defend yourself. A personal self defense weapon could make the difference between being OK or becoming a victim.

There are several types of weapons available, and it's a good idea to find out about them all to determine which one works best for you. Three of the most commonly used are stun guns, pepper spray and TASERS.

Stun Guns
A stun gun is a very potent device for senior safety. The gun emits a tremendous electrical shock, and touching the tip of the weapon to an assailant will send the electricity coursing throughout their body.

As soon as the stun gun makes physical contact, the criminal will be down for the count. The weapon can temporarily disable any person, and will usually leave them incapacitated for several minutes. These devices must be used in close proximity to an attacker, but they are very effective when a predator is close to you.

Pepper Spray
A can of pepper spray contains several blasts of blazing hot mist that will take down even the biggest bully. All you do is point the canister at a predator's face and press the trigger to release a powerful cloud of debilitating spray.

Once the pepper spray touches the criminal, it will get into their eyes, ears and nasal passages. The spray will cause their throat to constrict, eyes to sting and water, and nose to run. It makes it difficult for your assailant to breathe, and will completely stop them in their tracks so you can get away.

TASER
TASERS are another family of stun weapons. They shoot two electrical prongs that attach to the criminal and take them out with a severe jolt of power.

Most TASERS have a range of several feet, so they can be used from a safe distance. This allows you to utilize the weapon before an attacker has a chance to get close enough to physically harm you.

All of these weapons are non lethal, and will not do any permanent damage. They are an ideal method of providing a potent way to stay safe without the risk of seriously endangering anyone.

Important Notes
Before you carry any type of weapon, take a self defense class that will train you on how to properly handle and fire the device you are planning to use should the need arise.