Mace has a short shelf life. It should be replaced every year and tested
after about 6 mo. To test it, spray a bit into a styrofoam cup. If it
'melts' the cup, it's still good. It will usually clear your sinuses too!
After about a year, it both looses some of it's pressure (so it won't spray
as far) & tends to 'evaporate' from the container, so that's probably why
you got nothing when you tried to use yours Detra.
I highly recommend the book "The Gift of Fear - (subtitle- and other
survival signals that protect us from violence)" by Gavin DeBecker! I first
heard of it at a 'street survival' seminar given to law enforcement
personal. Everyone was raving about how good it was, & that everyone should
buy one for everyone they love, so I bought it. They were right! The author
is very insightful and gives you a lot to think about. ISBN: 0-440-22619-8
(no I don't have any financial interest in this book :-) It was a #1
national best seller and says across the cover "This book can save your
life"
I agree that life is no fun if you constantly worry about what is around the
bend (I spent about 9 years of my life feeling like I had a target painted
on me). Rather than worry about it, just know that you are as prepared as
you can be, and then you don't have to worry. If you go through life
thinking "it wouldn't happen to me" or "I'm not in that kind of
neighborhood", then you will just freeze or panic if something does happen -
have a plan. Crime happens to all walks of life, in all neighborhoods, to
all kinds of people. Please be prepared so you don't have to worry and you
are less likely to be a victim.
Again, stepping off my soap box :-)
Scoutdogs
> I carried pepper spray in college and never tried to use it. When
> I was told that it would be nice to "try it out" so I would know how if
> needed nothing sprayed out of the container! I was so glad I had never
needed it.
>
> Detra
> Matt 19:26
> A book entitled The Gift of Fear has made me more
> aware about paying attention to one's animal intuition about
> potentially dangerous situations. I trust my instincts and relish my
> freedom.
> Cat lover/Gardener/Teacher (Elaine)