•Step 1 Keep your pepper spray handy. Special canisters are made to fit on key chains or belt loops. Designate a convenient place to store your pepper spray so you won't have to waste time looking for it during a date rape situation.
•Step 2 Practice firing your pepper spray before going on a date. Find an open field and practice aiming your pepper-spray stream. Avoid blowback by paying attention to the wind before spraying.
•Step 3 Hold the pepper spray at eye level while spraying an attacker. For best results, you'll want to spray your attacker in and around his eyes.
•Step 4 Use the "fanning" technique while squirting pepper spray. It's likely that your attacker will try to evade the stream. By spraying the stream back and forth, you'll be able to hit your target even if he's moving.
•Step 5 Fire in short bursts of two or three seconds.
•Step 6 Back away while spraying an attacker. This will make it more difficult for him to strike you or swipe the pepper spray container out of your hand.
•Step 7 Yell "stop" or "no" as you spray. Loud sounds will disorient your attacker and draw attention to the date rape in process.
•Step 8 Wave your free hand while spraying. This can be a good way to further confuse your attacker.
•Step 9 Keep your own eyes open while spraying. It's important that you hit your target, so you'll have to resist the temptation to close your own eyes.
•Step 10 Run and call for help once your attacker is incapacitated. Because the pepper spray is temporarily blinding, he'll be unable to chase after you
•Optional If the attacker has his hands over his eyes in pain, a really good swift kick to his balls will be the coup de grâce to end the date and leave no question in his mind that you no longer desire to see him again.
