M.D. CREEKMORE

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Archives for October 2019

Essential Body Armor for TEOTWAWKI

The Top 50 Things to Disappear from Store Shelves during an EmergencyBy J. Robinson

During TEOTWAWKI, long-term survivability will depend upon more than adequate firepower from a diverse gun collection. Historically, men and women who faced violence, conflict, and war did so not just with arms of swords, but also with armor. In dire times of combat having the ability to protect oneself and loved ones from injury may make the difference between life and death. Many preppers have invested substantial sums of money into firearms; surprisingly most have not acquired body armor. This is partly because many believe body armor to be cumbersome to wear and difficult to acquire. Luckily today’s armor is technologically advanced, comfortable to wear and easily obtainable.

Since the rise of civilization warriors have wielded swords, axes, and spears while relying on armor for protection. King Arthur and his fellow knights wore infamous suits of shiny plate armor; Vikings and Romans wore quilted fabric and hardened leather into battle for protection. Today’s common man wields firearms, but it’s vital that he also bears armor.

Armor was widely used primarily because of its simple design of using a wearable hard dense material to stop the penetration of projectiles and edged weapons into the body, while also absorbing the impact of blunt force trauma. Primarily this hard material has traditionally been leather, iron or steel. Around the mid-twentieth century, synthetic materials such as woven Kevlar started to be used for protection against small-caliber munitions like handguns but remained ineffective against larger caliber firearms like military rifles. In more recent decades, the use of special formulated ceramic has been substituted for ballistic rated steel in some applications. This is especially the case in regards to armor plates, which are very effective against stopping military rifle fire. Both steel plates and ceramic plates share the same heavy cumbersome characteristics of medieval armor. Thanks to the ongoing scientific advancements of plastics in recent years, high-density polyethylene can effectively take the place of steel and ceramic plates.

There are many different grades of high-density polyethylene. It’s very likely that several plastic bottles in your home have an HDPE label on the bottom, which is an acronym for high-density polyethylene. The toughest HDPE is ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or UHMWPE.

UHMWPE offers several impressive innovative advantages, the first and most important being weight. A UHMWPE 10 by 12-inch level III NIJ rated ballistic plate weighs about 3 pounds! This is considerably less than a comparable level III rated steel or ceramic plate. Personally, I have 2 AR500 steel 10 by 12-inch curved plates with an anti-spall base coating. Each plate weighs slightly over 9 pounds. I am in relatively decent shape and wearing 2 separate 9-pound plates for any extended period of time is exhausting and running a full sprint while wearing them is near impossible.

Having owned AR500 steel plates for some time now, I’ve come to realize that I will hardly ever wear them even during TEOTWAWKI simply because they are way too heavy and body armor is only effective if you’re wearing it. It’s probable that every day during TEOTWAWKI will be physically demanding due to the increased amount of labor required around your home to keep a functioning homestead running. Never mind trying to accomplish that increased workload while having an extra 18 pounds strapped your torso. I see no need for the additional burden of heavy armor when a lightweight option is readily available.

Be honest in regards to your physical condition, TEOTWAWKI will not be a time to start going to the gym. If you can’t successfully accomplish yard work or walk a short patrol of your property now while wearing a heavy plate carrier how will you ever be able to do so during TEOTWAWKI? It’s also important to remember how precious calories will be during a TEOTWAWKI scenario. Wearing heavy armor plates that equate to wearing a weighted workout vest will surely work up an appetite.

Please keep in mind whether you have steel or ceramic plates in your plate carrier, you must also factor in the weight of additional gear that will be on your plate carrier as well, including loaded magazines, first aid materials, a 2-way radio, and a water bladder. That’s why you must consider UHMWPE armor plates. 2 standard sizes 10 by 12 inch UHMWPE plates will weigh about 6 pounds, which makes all the difference in the world. With only 6 pounds of armor in my plate carrier I can wear it all day if need be and walking a patrol around the property is a breeze. Another precious attribute that made me decide to switch to UHMWPE plates is because steel and ceramic plates sink in water like concrete blocks, UHMWPE plates on the other hand actually float!

UHMWPE is actually neutrally buoyant and even though a typical size plate weighs 3 pounds they are still light enough to float on the surface of the water. It’s important to note that UHMWPE is a hydrophobic material and does not absorb any water and plates will retain their original weight no matter how long the plates are exposed to moisture. This is a huge advantage if you plan on being anywhere near water. If you happen to take a plunge while you have 18 pounds of steel or ceramic strapped to your torso you better remove your armor quickly because you will be sinking like a boat anchor. This is why the U.S. Navy was one of the first military branches to start the shift from steel and ceramic plates to UHMWPE plates. The UHMWPE plates will partially act as a life preserver and help keep you afloat. As lightweight and buoyant as UHMWPE plates are they are also drop safe, prevent spall and are capable of sustaining multiple hits.

UHMWPE plates are tough, tough enough to be dropped on the ground and not be a cause for alarm that you just turned your plates into paperweights. It’s nice to know that if you have butter fingers on occasion and drop your plates on the ground when you attempt to correctly position them in your plate carrier that no damage will come to the plate. This is not the case with ceramic plates. Dropping a ceramic plate from waist height can cause cracks to form within the plate, which will significantly degrade the ballistic resistance of the plate. The only way to confirm if a ceramic plate has cracks in it after a drop is to pay the price and run it through an x-ray machine. This is not the case with steel plates, however, if you drop a 9-pound steel plate from waist height make sure your wearing steel toed shoes otherwise you might have to get an x-ray for a different reason.

Steel armor plates could be lighter if it wasn’t for the concern of spall and fragmentation. Spall and fragmentation happen when a bullet impacts an armor plate at high-speed causing the bullet to defect into a different direction or to break up into pieces. For this reason, steel armor plates must have some sort of a material that acts as a shield to catch the impacted bullet, without it, a bullet or piece of it could easily bounce off the armor plate into a vital part of your body like your neck.

This is a concern and the reason why an anti-spall base coat build up is necessary with AR500 steel plates, but this additional base coat build up can add up to an extra pound in weight to the already heavy steel. Even with a standard amount of anti-spall material applied to a steel plate, it’s possible to have some bullet fragmentation leave the safety of the base coat material and enter another part of your body that is not protected with armor. Spall and fragmentation are not a concern in regards to ceramic and UHMWPE plates. UHMWPE and ceramic plates are designed to expand and hold the impacting bullet within the armor plate. These plates will actually increase in thickness after taking rounds. Of course, UHMWPE can do it at a fraction of the weight compared to ceramic.

When researching armor plates also take into consideration the multi-hit capability of the plate. The manufacturers listed in the next paragraph are producing plates that are rated to take a minimum of 6 rounds from a .308 caliber rifle. Not that you would necessarily still be standing in the same position after taking just a few of those hits, but it’s nice to know the level of abuse the plates are capable of taking.

The National Institute of Justice or NIJ is the U.S. Department of Justice regulatory agency that has established what constitutes different levels of ballistic resistance. Never buy body armor that is not NIJ rated! Level III NIJ rated plates have the ballistic resistance to stop at least 1 rifle round of 7.62 x 51 mm (.308) full metal jacket with a specified mass of 147 grains traveling at a velocity of 2,780 feet per second. Level III armor will stop rounds from a vast majority of military rifles including M-4s and AK-47 type rifles.

With that said, keep in mind that level III plates will not stop armor piercing rounds; if you believe you will be facing the threat of armor-piercing rounds during TEOTWAWKI, you will have to opt for steel or ceramic level IV NIJ certified plates and cope with bringing the weight back up to 9-10 pounds per plate, there are no manufacturers that are offering 100% UHMWPE level IV plates. Weigh your priorities! Having the advantage of being able to wear your plates all day long and even run with them far outweighs the concern of armor piercing rounds. Again, it’s likely that even if I had level IV plates I would hardly ever wear them because they are so heavy.

Several different companies offer UHMWPE plates including Spartan Armor Systems, RMA Armament, and DKX Max Armor, all of which offer NIJ certified ballistic grade plates. After significant research, I decided on 2 DKX Max UHMWPE plates. One being a 10 by 12-inch curved shooters cut plate designed for protecting the front of your torso and the second being a 10 by 12-inch curved square cut plate designed for protecting your back. The shooters cut weighs only 2.9 pounds and the square cut weighs 3.2 pounds.

The shooters cut has the top corners removed so the plate doesn’t interfere when raising your side arm or shouldering your rifle. You don’t have to worry about the rear plate interfering with your movements so having a square cut plate, which offers greater coverage just makes sense. Both plates are curved to hug your torso, which significantly increases comfort and makes wearing a plate carrier with plates for an extended period of time much easier. DKX plates are constructed of a premium type of patented UHMWPE called Dyneema.

On a weight-by-weight comparison basis, Dyneema is 15 times stronger than steel. Given the fact that armor plates are used to save lives it’s necessary to consider where the plates were constructed and the source of the raw materials. I feel more comfortable knowing that if a life may be on the line the product was manufactured in the USA from material in the USA and this is the case with DKX plates. So consider picking up a pair for yourself!

Currently, the majority of all law-abiding citizens in the US can legally buy body armor as long as you don’t have a criminal record. The only state that does not allow its citizens to purchase body armor is Connecticut. That is until the house and senate pass a bill outlawing civilian ownership of body armor.

There have already been steps taken by elected officials to ban civilians from owning body armor. For several years Representative Michael Honda of California with 7 bill co-sponsors backing him have been attempting to push H.R.378 the Responsible Body Armor Possession Act through the house and senate.

If passed this act would prohibit the possession, ownership or purchase of enhanced body armor by civilians with a few exceptions. The exceptions consist of allowing those who have owned armor prior to the date of the act passing to maintain ownership, also known as being grandfathered in. Additional exceptions would be granted for civilian personnel who work under a federal or state agency where the possession of body armor is necessary. This proposed act should serve as proper motivation to acquire body armor plates now while you still have the legal opportunity to do so.

If you too are a prepper, who has invested money in firearms that may be used to defend the lives of your loved ones during TEOTWAWKI, I urge you to acquire light weight UHMWPE armor plates for your protection, one day they might make the difference between life and death. Please remember, a knight that walks onto the battlefield with a sword and no armor is not ready for the battlefield.

Botulism and canning – the whys and wherefores

Preserved foods in mason jars on a counter

by OhioPrepper

I’ve been thinking about writing this article for a while, since I’ve explained all of this numerous times over the years, both here and elsewhere; but, when a recent comment on this forum mentioned canning Kale and the response was asking if it could be water bath canned, I knew that folks did not understand some very basic things about canning and botulism. This article will attempt to explain the why of water bath vs. pressure canning; all based on the life cycle of the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum (Cl .Botulinum).

Let’s start with something that everyone probably understands: the common yeast. Yeast is a living organism and like all organisms, it requires food that it digests after which it then excretes waste. In the case of the yeast, the food is sugar and the excrement is alcohol. It’s a simple process that we use to make beer, wine, and distilled spirits.

The bacteria Clostridium Botulinum has a similar life cycle; but, the excrement is one of the most potent and deadly neurotoxins known to exist. To grow, the bacteria requires an anaerobic (low or no oxygen) and a low acid to alkaline (pH greater than 4.6) environment. Since the bacteria covers itself in a spore for protection, it can only be killed by subjecting it to a temperature of 121°C/270°F for 3 minutes.

This leaves us with two options to keep from fatally poisoning ourselves or others.

Kill the Cl .Botulinum, even in its spore form.
This requires the high-temperature pasteurization treatment (121°C/270°F), and since water boils at 100°C / 212°F, a boiling water bath cannot achieve the high temperature required; therefore, pressure canning is required.

Create an environment in which Cl.Botulinum cannot reproduce.
That environment is an acidic environment with a pH of 4.6 or less. This is pretty easy to do when canning most fruits since they have a natural pH that is that low or lower.

Vegetables like corn, beans, and kale, as well as meats, do not naturally have a pH that low, so water bath canning these food items creates a perfect environment for Cl .Botulinum to grow.

This is done by water bath canning fruits with a naturally low pH or by adding acidifiers to the recipe. It’s the reason you may water bath can pickled beets, cabbage, or even meat. While it can be a bit odd to those who haven’t tried it, the German Sauerbraten can be canned this way.

The botulinum toxin itself is inactivated (denatured) rapidly at temperatures greater than 80°C/180°F , so vigorously cooking/boiling may denature/deactivate the toxin in food; but, except in an absolute starvation situation, I would simply discard any suspect food items.

We have probably all heard that we should not give raw honey to infants under 1 year old, and once you understand the life cycle as described above, it becomes obvious. Infants under 1-year-old are generally being fed either mother’s milk or formula and generally have not started eating solid food. The solid food is fed to the child as it develops the Gastrointestinal ability to digest that food, which required stomach acid with a low enough pH to dissolve that food. Prior to this stage of development Cl .Botulinum spores that may be found in raw honey, along with pollen and other things, would find a perfect environment in the GI tract of the young child and would propagate, grow and excrete it’s toxic waste, into that GI tract.

Finally, we have all probably heard of people who talk about water bath canning beans for years with no ill effects, and there are surely people like that who have just been very lucky. Botulism outbreaks still occur with the most recent one I know of being right here in Ohio in April 2015. Here’s the CDC report:

Notes from the Field: Large Outbreak of Botulism Associated with a Church Potluck Meal — Ohio, 2015

Note the table at the bottom of this report that shows numerous outbreaks over the years 1977-2015 all over the country, and perhaps I only knew about this one because it was relatively local here in Ohio.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6429a6.htm

Here’s an excerpt from that CDC report:

“The attendee who prepared the potato salad with home-canned potatoes reported using a boiling water canner, which does not kill C. botulinum spores, rather than a pressure canner, which does eliminate spores. In addition, the potatoes were not heated after removal from the can, a step that can inactivate botulinum toxin. The combined evidence implicated potato salad prepared with improperly home-canned potatoes, a known vehicle for botulism.”

The underlined word above is my emphasis since this step is not guaranteed to make the food safe.

Following good practices found in places like documentation from your local county extension agency or the Ball Blue Book should always be done; but, for water bath canning of anything questionable, I suggest a kitchen food pH meter that can be purchased from places like Amazon for around $20.00.

So the basic rules are:

Food with a pH less than 4.6 can be safely water bath canned; but, you should still use proven methods for packing and time from the Ball Blue Book or another reliable source.
Food with a pH greater than 4.6 must be pressure canned to kill the Cl.Botulinum, again using the Ball Blue Book or another reliable source
Any questions, ask away because we all want to be safe.

How to Prepare Your Home Prior to a Bug-Out

by Randy W

One topic that I have not seen a lot of coverage on in recent years is the topic of getting one’s home prepared just prior to running out the door due to a forced evacuation or a “Bug Out” scenario.

If you live in an area susceptible to Hurricanes, tropical storms tidal waves, Wild fires and the like there will certainly be public service announcements, and News programs contain many of the things I am discussing here but in a situation where you do not have a large “ time budget”, due to impending disaster, there are several things that should be addressed (if there is time to do so) prior to evacuating your home. (Please note all of these procedures should be followed if sufficient warning allows for the time to do so).

Personal property and belongings can always be replaced, take care of your loved ones and their safety as the first priority, then if there is time address these measure to prevent your home from sustaining additional non-storm related damaged caused by a compromised utility or system in your home.

First of all, I believe it is essential to leave you home as secure as possible being certain to remove, or secure any pets, cash, jewelry, valuable papers, documents firearms and ammunition. If possible, rare antiques, and valuable should be wrapped, boxed or protected, where they will be out of harm’s way. In case of potential flooding any and all household items that can be moved, should be placed on upper floors of the home rather than left in the basement or on the first floor if applicable. Valuable Items that cannot be moved or taken away should be left out of sight. If valuable electronics or furniture can be seen from an open window then cover all windows and doors with the blinds, or curtains so no one has the ability to see the contents of your home.

If you live in areas where storm evacuations occur such as along the east coast, it is a good Idea to have functional storm shutters installed on windows that face the prevailing direction a storm will usually come from and have plywood (at least ½ inch thick) pre-cut to size to fit all other doors or windows not so equipped. Having plywood precut to size, and properly labeled in advance, can save valuable time and ensure protection is afforded if sufficient warning for such measures is given. If you are forced to leave your home for long periods of time, this practice that will not only protect your windows from windblown objects, wind compression damage, and hail, it will also offer some additional security, protection should the area be overrun by vandals, looters or marauders.

Another good Idea to protect your home prior to evacuation is to learn where the main water shut off is in order to prevent non storm related, water damage. Once the water main has been shut off, it is a good practice to test a low lying faucet to see if the water is off prior to departure (if the is sufficient time to do so). More than one home owner has returned from vacation or a short evacuation to find the exterior of their home in good condition but flooded from a damaged washing machine hose, ice maker water line or other non-storm related, water damage that could have been prevented if water to the home had been shut off.

In rare instances if you should be forced to evacuate your home in winter conditions or for extended periods of time, the water meter should be disconnected and capped, the supply lines should be drained, pressured cleared, and all drains filled with a few cups of RV anti-freeze. This will prevent pipes from bursting in colder climates. While this would be rare in most evacuation scenarios weather related steps should be taken. In most cases of short term evacuations the possibility of frozen water lines would be small, but it is of course weather dependent.

In an event of a possible Forced evacuation there may not be time to drain and winterize the lines but be aware there are conditions where this could be warranted.

One of the scariest cases of having to evacuate your home would be due to a possible wild fire looming in your area. The Local Fire Marshal may ask to have home owners leave their water on with garden hoses at the ready (should the home owner be forced to leave, at least the fire department would be able to douse the roof or siding should here be a save opportunity to do so). Each forced evacuation may be different and the Local authorities will announce their methodology for such an evacuation. This is by no means a comprehensive guide and is just mentioned for educational purposes.

In addition to shutting off water flow to the home in case of a Bug-out, the natural or LP gas supply to the home should be shut off at the meter or the LP tank dome.

There are certain appliances that rely on pilot lights to start the flame when they are placed in use (water heater, gas log, etc.). These appliances will need to be re-lit once the home can be re-occupied. Most modern stoves/ovens, furnaces, and fire places have electronic ignition or igniters and do not need to be relit prior to use. Learn were the shut offs to you gas supply is located (Meter or tank) and educate yourself and others in your family how to shut them off. For most homes the gray colored gas meter will have a pipe coming from the curb (buried at least 2 ft.) carrying the gas to the meter and a pipe running to the ground that will enter the home on one of the exterior walls. Once located, the gas line shut off will generally be on the pipe line coming to the meter from the curb. This valve will look like a brass spool valve with a tab standing out from the spool. This should be turned 90 degrees from vertical or in the horizontal position to shut off gas to the home. In situation where the home is fueled by an LP tank the shut off valve will be in the tank dome and may be a ¼ turn ball valve or a screw valve similar to an outdoor hose bib (water faucet). Each valve application may be different so familiarize yourself with safe and proper procedures prior to performing these precautions. A trained professional, utility employee or contractor may need to be contacted in order to familiarize you with your own home system and how it functions, but do not wait until an emergency to find someone to show you the ropes.

In the event of a storm surge, flood, or even earth quake such precautions could prevent further damage to your home caused by a gas leak and resultant fire. It might even prevent being overcome by gas fumes as you reenter your home. Advanced training in systems functionality may prevent additional non-related storm damage to your home.

One additional potential for non-storm related damage to your home would be your electrical system. It might be possible for it to sustain damage from severe weather. While it takes a Utility employee to shut current off to the home at the Mast head (Location where the lines come into the home). Most new homes do have the ability to shut off the circuit panel using the main shutoff, located in the circuit panel (many times this is the first breaker at the top or bottom of the panel, this will appear at least twice the size other circuit breakers in many cases). In some regions, building codes may also call for an exterior, electrical, main, shutoff, breakers, between the circuit board and the meter.

This is very convenient for the Local fire department in case of a home fire, but unless secured by a seal or padlock can also allow a thief to shut off power to the home in order to bypass security. While contriversial, cutting power to the home at the circuit panel, during extended evacuations, may be a viable option. It is probably lower in priority that the other utilities, but if there is a large windblown objects that strikes the exterior wall or you home an electrical line can be damaged in the wall, causing an ark and resultant fire at this location, especially if the object happens to be metal. In most cases of flood, the utility company will shut electricity off as a main distribution switch to prevent emergency workers from coming in contact with live lines. But do not assume this is the case without first contacting the utility prior to entering your home, after a natural or manmade disaster

Extreme caution should be used when reenergizing the main circuit to your home after a natural disaster due to potential damage to your wiring. Never stand in front of the main circuit panel when activating the main shut-off to the on position. Use a protected stance, off to one side of the panel with as much of your body away from any potential electrical fire ball that may form if a large ark occurs due to a power surge in the panel.

Please consult your utility or a professional electrician if you have any questions about shutting your power off to your entire home and prior to re-energizing the home if you have any concerns, this article is for educational purposes and is by no means an all-encompassing manual.

Many people have returned home to a natural disaster to see their home in ruins due to damage that occurred from non-related storm damage that could have been prevented by following a few simple steps to insure that damage to the systems of their home that we take for granted in normal times. Please do your homework so this.

We have taken time today to explore 3 of the systems in your home that may fail or cause potential damage to your home due to a natural or manmade disaster but this is not all inclusive as there may be other sources that I may have over looked that may be unique to our own situation such as solar array and batteries, Exterior wood furnaces, water or steam heat to your home just to mention a few. Making all of the systems of your home as inert as possible prior to bugging out may prevent additional non-storm related damage occurring to your home in your absence.

In summary, it is prudent to be knowledgeable about the main utility systems of your home and how they can be de-energized or shut off in case of an emergency. The main systems we have discussed today all allow us to live in relative ease and comfort compared to our ancestors of less than 100 years ago, but they also have the potential to cause harm to our property or loved ones if they are not properly shut down in times of emergency evacuations. Electricity, Gas, and water when properly controlled are truly a blessing but when they are not contained or controlled in their proper infrastructure, can lead to additional damage to our home should they be left unchecked during a disaster. With proper knowledge these modern conveniences can be shut off or disconnected in such a way that they will remain in a contained and controlled manner that will allow our homes escape unintended damage that can easily be contained with proper education.

How to find a “Prepper Job” that’s right for you

by Oldalaskan

What kind of jobs are available for “Preppers?” This is a very broad statement but I will narrow this down to some of the small business I have created in the years past and maybe you can adapt them towards your needs or likes.

One of the first businesses that I done was when my children were little and that was as a neighborhood ice cream vendor. We started with a 3 wheeled bike with a freezer on the front and sold popsicles in various neighborhoods in town and at special events. I found a website called www.worksman.com there they sell all manner of cycles and carts for street vending. Like I said you could do the neighborhood routes by loading it onto a trailer and transport it and you can get into special events. Here I needed a business license, a “commissary” (this is a pace to store your product and clean the cart) and the blessings of the local health department. In the 1980’s regulations weren’t very strict and I used my garage for my commissary you may get away with it now it depends on your health department.

I had 2 large freezers to store the product that I bought from local wholesalers. Then I could buy an ice cream sandwich for 12 ½ cents and sell it for 75 cents. Otter Pops I bought at a Costco type store for 2 cents and sold them for a quarter. There was a need for an inexpensive item in lower rent neighborhoods. Remember I said I started this when my children were small LOCK the ice cream up. From this I graduated to an old mail truck that I converted by painting the inside white and cutting a hole in the side of it on the curb side of the truck to vend from. I had a wooden door that was on hinges that I could tie back and had pictures and prices of my product on it.

I worked these part-time since I had a full time job and worked the night shift. With the bike setup I had about $4,000.00 invested and it took 2 month’s to recoup my investment, the truck I had about $5,000.00 invested and that took one month to recoup my investment. With the truck I could get around faster and cover more territory.

My next venture was a mobile food truck and for this I converted an old class C motor home which is something I wouldn’t do today but a 20 foot or larger step van is more suitable for this. It will take time and many trips to the health Department to get it licensed but the expense of a commercial truck $50,000.00 or more you might get want to weigh the pro’s and con’s of making your own.

This took me and my 2 sons to operate and we sold Coffee, store bought donuts, nacho’s, hot dogs and it had a small freezer for some ice cream. We worked mostly special events. All of the transactions were in cash nuff said.

Depending on the event you can get one or more turkey fryers, 20lb. propane tanks a 10X10 pop-up tent or a 10X20 carport tent and go to Sam’s club and buy peanut oil, a funnel and funnel cake mix and make funnel cakes or several cans of “Johnny’s” Potato soup mix and add bacon and chopped clams for a very good Clam Chowder and of course a griddle for hot dogs, sausages or other items. Sliced onions and green peppers frying are people magnets.

Another thing to consider if you are doing events or flea markets is to attend the “ASD” Show (do a computer search of ASD SHOW for more information). Here you can buy all kinds of merchandise to re-sell at events or flea markets or contact local crafts people to sell their items at event for a commission.

If you want to really tie yourself down open a thrift store. For this go to your local goodwill store and look around, where are all the women at, in the clothing section. You could buy new clothing and jewelry at the ASD show or go to storage and estate auctions. This second part you could loose a lot of money real fast or make money. The trick is there is none, as in gold mining you must move a lot of dirt to get a nugget of gold and so to in storage auctions. About 50% or more will go into the dumpster but what is left should be saleable. You will have to wash the clothing and make sure it’s in saleable condition. Also you will soon know your market and know what people are buying. I personally know several people who are making a very good living at this. One person has 4 large 5th. Wheel enclosed trailers, 3 full time employees and his wife and him. They have been doing this for over 10 year’s and seem to be doing quite well but like I said they work real hard at it. You could also buy storage and hit the Flea Market circuit. Once again it’s all cash.

If you do the auction thing read up on Commercial Code 2-328 here is just a small excerpt from it and all states have this regulation:

§ 2-328. Sale by Auction.

(1) In a sale by auction if goods are put up in lots each lot is the subject of a separate sale.

(2) A sale by auction is complete when the auctioneer so announces by the fall of the hammer or in other customary manner. Where a bid is made while the hammer is falling in acceptance of a prior bid the auctioneer may in his discretion reopen the bidding or declare the goods sold under the bid on which the hammer was falling.

(3) Such a sale is with reserve unless the goods are in explicit terms put up without reserve. In an auction with reserve the auctioneer may withdraw the goods at any time until he announces completion of the sale. In an auction without reserve, after the auctioneer calls for bids on an article or lot, that article or lot cannot be withdrawn unless no bid is made within a reasonable time. In either case a bidder may retract his bid until the auctioneer’s announcement of completion of the sale, but a bidder’s retraction does not revive any previous bid.

(4) If the auctioneer knowingly receives a bid on the seller’s behalf or the seller makes or procures such a bid, and notice has not been given that liberty for such bidding is reserved, the buyer may at his option avoid the sale or take the goods at the price of the last good faith bid prior to the completion of the sale. This subsection shall not apply to any bid at a forced sale.

Not all auctioneers are alike there are many good honest ones and there are some real crooks be careful. With storage some auctioneers will “Cherry Pick or Stage” the unit. Cherry picking the auctioneer or manager or owner take out high dollar items for later sale and stageing means the good items are set in front where people can see them or EMPTY tool cases or gun cases are made visiable to get higher bids. ALWAYS bid as if the case is empty.

Now for all of you who are thinking of retiring and traveling around the states following the sun, “Snow Birding”, there are several websites for “Work Camping” AKA the Gorkies in the movie RV. You work part-time jobs as campground host’s, maintenance (cutting grass and cleaning the shower rooms) to working at amusement parks and a whole host of other jobs. Some websites for this are; www.workampers.com, www.happyvagabounds.com, www.work-for-rvers-and-campers.com or just do a search for work camping.

My wife & I plan in about 2 years to get a big 5th wheel toy hauler camper and travel around the states helping auctioneers as needed as support staff, Clerks, Cashiers, Ringmen (there is a school for this called the professional ringman institute, look it up PRI.com) and maybe buying at storage auctions and hitting flea markets to sell what we find. Look up www.fleamarketfinder.com for locations all over the US. There are over 20 different auctioneer schools but to get established it will take you several years. Do a search for auctioneer schools, Repperts auction school in Indianapolis is one.

There are also several websites where you can set up your own “timed” auction like E-Bay does look up www.maxanet.com for a good easy one. You can do this on the road or at home with a computer, a digital camera and a credit card service or Pay Pal. The post office will give you FREE flat rate boxes for shipping.

I have been mentioning storage auctions a lot REMEMBER you can loose your shirt at these if you don’t know what you are doing. Go to a few and just watch and listen to the people talk before you pull the trigger and buy one. What are some of the items you can find at storage auctions? Well it depends a lot on your area. In Indianapolis you will find a lot of antiques and glassware, here we find a lot of outdoor gear, camping, ammo, tools, guns, military (2 military bases here) and a LOT OF JUNK. I plan to have one or two areas in my camper to for storing my firearms, ammo and 30rd. magazines out of sight and hidden. We also don’t plan on going into California, New York and a few other anti-gun states.

For a TEOTWAWKI event, if you have some wood, one-inch chicken wire, hardware wire and other supplies stockpiled then growing chickens and rabbits could be very lucrative. Rabbits breed well and you don’t have to worry too much about inbreeding. Having 2 or more does and a buck will within 3 months supply you with 10 or more rabbits (30-32 days gestation and 8 to 12 weeks food ready or for breeding with an average of 5-6 kits per litter or more) and within 10 months by eating only the excess males you will have rabbits to sell or barter as meat or if you like the people or you are in a community setting for breeding. The same can be said for chickens but you will need a rooster and one rooster for about 10 hens will work otherwise the roosters will try to kill each other. You can sell or barter eggs and meat chickens or as layers. If OPSEC is a problem Rabbits are quite and Roosters crow. I mention these since they breed and get to market weight quite quickly as compared to Sheep, goats, pigs or the larger animals.

You could grow excess vegetables in your garden by “stacking or layering” the grow boxes. 32 gal. trash cans or excess automotive tires can be used for growing potato’s, read up on the “rain gutter grow system” RGGS.com, grow seedlings to barter for transplanting and you can grow a host of items in your house during the winter with a south facing window or windows. Many plants are self-pollinating and don’t require insects for pollination or as with carrots, lettuce, beets, turnips and such no pollination unless you need the seeds.

If things look like it ill last for years then set up a part of your garden to produce extra seeds for barter for the next growing season that’s if anyone will be around. Our ancestors here in the country did this.

I could go on with ideas like this for another two or more pages, but if you have a little imagination these few suggestions could make you a very good side income or supplement your retirement income and remember if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life.

Pepper Spray Laws by State: A Simple Cheat Sheet With All You Need To Know

Pepper Spray Laws by State
Pepper Spray Laws by State – Woman Uses Pepper Spray on Attacker

Pepper spray is a non-lethal chemical compound that works by causing temporary blindness and is primarily used in self-defense (including animals) and for crowd or riot control. But is it legal in your state?

The quick answer is that pepper spray is legal in all 50 states although there are a few conditions and restrictions in some areas. Pepper spray is a great self-defense tool when a firearm, or lethal weapon, is not needed, not allowed, or if you just don’t like to use firearms. Whether you are jogging in the evening on a dark street or hiking in the mountains, there are numerous reasons for needing and choosing pepper spray, and consistently carrying it on your person.

It is easy to conceal and carry

Because of its small size, pepper spray is easy to carry and conceal. Common devices include (but are certainly not limited to) hip holsters or key chains that give you the ability to access and use pepper spray almost instantly. And it can easily be disguised.

It is affordable

Though prices will range, you can easily purchase pepper spray for under $10, making it an affordable self-defense option for anyone.

You can make pepper spray at home

In the event of a situation where you can no longer purchase pepper spray, here is a helpful guide on making pepper spray at home.

It is legal in all 50 states

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, though there are some conditions in place in certain states.

Pepper Spray Laws

Carrying and using pepper spray for self-defense is recognized and legal in all 50 states. But before entering a state, it is important to understand the varying laws in each respective state.

That is because possession or use of pepper spray may be limited or restricted in some jurisdictions. Some states have limitations that include:

  • The size of the pepper spray container;
  • The concentration of the pepper spray;
  • The age you must be to possess or purchase pepper spray;
  • Prohibitions against felons or others with a criminal history from possessing or purchasing pepper spray.

While many states may have restrictions, no state requires training or a permit to possess or purchase pepper spray, whether it is concealed or not.

A large number of states make no mention of pepper spray or similar chemicals and therefore have no restriction on their legal use. And there are some commonsense laws that are on the books in a number of states, such as a prohibition against using pepper spray on law enforcement officers.

Pepper spray is for self-defense purposes only regardless of the state and whether or not they make mention of pepper spray in their state statutes.

Disclaimer: These laws are subject to change at any time, and certain municipalities may have additional restrictions. Therefore you should check with your local law enforcement office to verify current statutes. See our full disclaimer here.

Here is a rundown of the laws in each, with the applicable legal statute (if available).

Pepper spray laws Alabama

Alabama has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Alabama. The only restrictions in Alabama concerning the use of pepper spray is in the commission of a crime.

“The crime of criminal use of a defense spray is committed if the perpetrator uses a defense spray including, but not limited to pepper spray, foam and any other self-defense chemical spray against another person in the commission of a crime or against a law enforcement officer while the law enforcement officer is performing his or her official duties.”

Read the Alabama statute here

Pepper spray laws Alaska

Pepper spray is legal in Alaska, with certain restrictions. State law prohibits the sale of a defensive weapon, including pepper spray, to a person under 18 years old. It is also illegal to possess in a school without the permission of school authorities.

“A person is justified in using nondeadly force upon another when and to the extent, the person reasonably believes it is necessary for self-defense against what the person reasonably believes to be the use of unlawful force by the other person.”

Read the Alaska statute here

Pepper spray laws Arizona

Arizona has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Arizona. The use of pepper spray is not allowed in response to verbal provocation alone or to resist arrest.

“A person is justified in threatening or using physical force against another when and to the extent a reasonable person would believe that physical force is immediately necessary to protect himself against the other’s use or attempted use of unlawful physical force.”

Read the Arizona statute here

Pepper spray laws Arkansas

It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship pepper spray to Arkansas, yet the container cannot exceed 150 cubic centimeters (150 cc).

“Except as otherwise provided in this section, any person who carries or has in his or her possession any tear gas or pepper spray in any form, or any person who knowingly carries or has in his or her possession any gun, bomb, grenade, cartridge, or other weapon designed for the discharge of tear gas or pepper spray, upon conviction is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. It is lawful for a person to possess or carry, and use, a container of tear gas or pepper spray to be used for self-defense purposes only. However, the capacity of the container shall not exceed one hundred fifty cubic centimeters (150 cc).”

Read the Arkansas statute here

Pepper spray laws California

It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship pepper spray to California. The pepper spray container must be less than 2.5 ounces. There is a prohibition against minors possessing pepper spray and selling to a minor. Also, there is a prohibition against individuals who have been convicted of a felony or are addicted to a narcotic.

“Notwithstanding any other law, any person may purchase, possess, or use tear gas and tear gas weapons (pepper spray) for the projection or release of tear gas if the tear gas and tear gas weapons are used solely for self-defense purposes, subject to the following requirements: No person convicted of a felony or any crime involving an assault under the laws of the United States, the State of California, or any other state, government, or country or convicted of misuse of tear gas shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.

No person who is addicted to any narcotic drug shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons. No person shall sell or furnish any tear gas or tear gas weapon to a minor. No person who is a minor shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.”

Read the California statute

Pepper spray laws Colorado

Colorado has no specific statute prohibiting or limiting pepper spray, or similar products. Therefore, it is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Colorado.

“A person is justified in using physical force upon another person in order to defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose.”

Read the Colorado statute concerning self-defense

Pepper spray laws Connecticut

It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship pepper spray to Connecticut. There is no specific statute concerning pepper spray.

Pepper spray laws Delaware

It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship pepper spray to Delaware, however, you must be at least 18 years old to possess pepper spray.

Read the Delaware statute

Pepper spray laws Florida

It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship pepper spray to Florida, but the pepper spray containers cannot be more than 2 ounces. Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing pepper spray.

“Self-defense chemical spray means a device carried solely for purposes of lawful self-defense that is compact in size, designed to be carried on or about the person, and contains not more than two ounces of chemical.”

Read the Florida statute

Pepper spray laws Georgia

Georgia has no specific statute prohibiting or limiting pepper spray, or similar products. Therefore, it is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Georgia.

Pepper spray laws Hawaii

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Hawaii, though you must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess pepper spray. The maximum size of a container that can be mailed is .5 ounces.

“Restrictions on possession, sale, and use of pepper sprays. It is unlawful for any person to use any pepper spray for any purpose except: Self-defense; Defense of another person; or Protection of the property of the person or of another person. It is unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale any pepper spray in the city without a license.

It is unlawful for any person to sell, offer for sale or otherwise furnish any pepper spray to a minor in the city. It is unlawful for a minor to purchase, possess or use any pepper spray in the city. It is unlawful to sell or offer for sale any pepper spray on-premises where liquor or alcoholic beverages are consumed.”

Read the Hawaii statute

Pepper spray laws Idaho

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Idaho.

Read the Idaho statute

Pepper spray laws Illinois

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Illinois, though you must be at least18 years old to purchase or possess pepper spray. Moreover, the city of Chicago has a specific ordinance that prohibits the use of pepper spray in an enclosed room (a bar or restaurant) if more than 20 people are present.

“Carries on or about his person or in any vehicle, a tear gas gun projector or bomb or any object containing noxious liquid gas or substance, other than an object containing a non-lethal noxious liquid gas or substance designed solely for personal defense carried by a person 18 years of age or older.”

Read the Illinois statute

Pepper spray laws Indiana

Indiana has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Indiana.

Pepper spray laws Iowa

Iowa has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Iowa.

Pepper spray laws Kansas

Kansas has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Kansas.

Pepper spray laws Kentucky

Kentucky has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Kentucky.

Pepper spray laws Louisiana

Louisiana has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Louisiana.

Pepper spray laws Maine

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Maine, though the criminal use of disabling chemicals is a violation of the law. As with most states, the use of pepper spray must be in self-defense.

“A person is guilty of criminal use of disabling chemicals if he intentionally sprays or otherwise uses upon any other person chemical mace or any similar substance composed of a mixture of gas and chemicals which has or is designed to have a disabling effect upon human beings.”

Read the Maine statute

Pepper spray laws Maryland

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Maryland. Pepper spray is specifically outlined as a dangerous weapon, according to Maryland code § 4-101, but you also have the right to use pepper spray in self-defense. Also, a minor is prohibited from carrying pepper spray, concealed or not, between one hour after sunset and one house before sunrise.

“An individual who carries the weapon as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger, subject to the right of the court in an action arising under this section to judge the reasonableness of the carrying of the weapon, and the proper occasion for carrying it, under the evidence in the case.”

Read the Maryland statute

Pepper spray laws Massachusetts

It is legal to buy, use, or possess pepper spray in Massachusetts, but there are several restrictions. It is not legal to ship human formula pepper spray to an address in Massachusetts, though animal spray can be legally shipped to the state.

It is illegal to purchase or possess pepper spray if you have been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor punishable by two years imprisonment, a violent crime, or if you have been committed to a hospital or a mental illness institution.

While a firearms identification card was previously required to possess pepper spray, it no longer is, except for purchasers between the ages of 15 and 18.

Read the Massachusetts statute

Pepper spray laws Michigan

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Michigan, but there are several restrictions. In Michigan:

  • Pepper spray cannot be more than 35 grams of any combination of orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile and inert ingredients;
  • Pepper spray cannot be more than 18% oleoresin capsicum;
  • Pepper spray cannot contain an ultraviolet dye and not more than 18% oleoresin capsicum;
  • Minors are prohibited from purchasing pepper spray.

“If a person uses a self-defense spray or foam device during the commission of a crime to eject, release, or emit orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile or oleoresin capsicum or threatens to use a self-defense spray or foam device during the commission of a crime to temporarily or permanently disable another person, the judge who imposes sentence upon a conviction for that crime shall consider the defendant’s use or threatened use of the self-defense spray or foam device as a reason for enhancing the sentence.”

Read the Michigan statute

Pepper spray laws Minnesota

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Minnesota, though you must be 16 years old to possess pepper spray in Minnesota. An individual who is prohibited from possessing a pistol in Minnesota cannot possess pepper spray.

“A person may possess and use an authorized tear gas compound in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person’s property only if it is propelled from an aerosol container, labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use, and dated to indicate its anticipated useful life.

A person may possess and use an electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person’s property only if the electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the dangers involved in its use.”

Read the Minnesota statute

Pepper spray laws Mississippi

Mississippi has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Mississippi.

Pepper spray laws Missouri

Missouri has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Missouri.

“Gas gun, any gas ejection device, weapon, cartridge, container or contrivance other than a gas bomb, that is designed or adapted for the purpose of ejecting any poison gas that will cause death or serious physical injury, but not any device that ejects a repellent or temporary incapacitating substance.”

Read the Missouri statute

Pepper spray laws Montana

Montana has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Montana.

Pepper spray laws Nebraska

Nebraska has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Nebraska.

Pepper spray laws Nevada

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Nevada, though there are restrictions. Minors are not allowed to possess pepper spray and the maximum container is 2 ounces.

“Tear gas includes all liquid, gaseous or solid substances intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispersed in the air. The term does not include a liquid, gaseous or solid substance whose active ingredient is composed of natural substances or products derived from natural substances which cause no permanent injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispersed in the air.”

Read the Nevada statute here

Pepper spray laws New Hampshire

New Hampshire has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to New Hampshire.

Pepper spray laws New Jersey

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to New Jersey, though there are restrictions. You must be at least 18 years old to possess pepper spray. Possession by a convicted felon is prohibited. The device must be pocket-sized and cannot release more than 3/4 of an ounce of pepper spray.

“Nothing shall be construed to prevent any person who is 18 years of age or older and who has not been convicted of a felony, from possession for the purpose of personal self-defense of one pocket-sized device which contains and releases not more than three-quarters of an ounce of chemical substance not ordinarily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury, but rather, is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air. Any person in possession of any device in violation of this subsection shall be deemed and adjudged to be a disorderly person, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00.”

Read the New Jersey statute here

Pepper spray laws New Mexico

New Mexico has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to New Mexico.

Pepper spray laws New York

It is legal to buy, use, or possess pepper spray in New York, but there are several restrictions. In New York:

  • It is not legal to ship human formula pepper spray to an address in New York, though animal spray can be legally shipped to the state;
  • You must be at least 18 years old to possess pepper spray;
  • The pepper spray container must be pocket-sized;
  • You can purchase a maximum of two devices during a single transaction;
  • Those who have been convicted of a felony or assault are prohibited from possessing pepper spray.

“Self-defense spray device shall mean a pocket-sized spray device which contains and releases a chemical or organic substance which is intended to produce temporary physical discomfort or disability through being vaporized or otherwise dispensed in the air or any like device containing tear gas, pepper or similar disabling agent.”

Read the New York statute here

Pepper spray laws North Carolina

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to North Carolina, though there are restrictions. You cannot carry a pepper spray container that is larger than 5 ounces.

“It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or association to possess, use, store, sell, or transport within the State of North Carolina, any form of that type of gas generally known as tear gas, or any container or device for holding or releasing that gas; except this section does not apply to the possession, use, storage, sale or transportation of that gas or any container or device for holding or releasing that gas.”

Read the North Carolina statute here

Pepper spray laws North Dakota

North Dakota has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to North Dakota.

“Dangerous weapon does not include a spray or aerosol containing CS, also known as ortho-chlorobenzamalonitrile; CN, also known as alpha-chloroacetophenone; or other irritating agent intended for use in the defense of an individual, nor does the term include a device that uses voltage for the defense of an individual, unless the device uses a projectile and voltage or the device uses a projectile and may be used to apply multiple applications of voltage during a single incident, then the term includes the device for an individual who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under this title.”

Read the North Dakota statute here

Pepper spray laws Ohio

Ohio has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Ohio.

Pepper spray laws Oklahoma

Oklahoma has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Oklahoma.

Pepper spray laws Oregon

Oregon has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Oregon.

Pepper spray laws Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Pennsylvania.

“The chemical mace or any similar substance shall not be considered as lethal weapons for the purposes of this act.”

Read the Pennsylvania statute here

Pepper spray laws Rhode Island

Rhode Island has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray, though you have to be at least 18 years old to possess pepper spray.

“Any person 18 years of age or over may carry on his or her person and use unless otherwise prohibited by law, any non-lethal noxious substance or liquid for his or her protection or the protection of others.”

Read the Rhode Island statute here

Pepper spray laws South Carolina

South Carolina has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to South Carolina.

Pepper spray laws South Dakota

South Dakota has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to South Dakota.

Pepper spray laws Tennessee

Tennessee has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Tennessee.

Pepper spray laws Texas

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Texas, though state law says it must be a “small chemical dispenser.”

“Chemical dispensing device means a device, other than a small chemical dispenser sold commercially for personal protection, that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of dispensing a substance capable of causing an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a human being.”

Read the Texas statute here

Pepper spray laws Utah

Utah has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Utah.

Pepper spray laws Vermont

Vermont has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Vermont.

Pepper spray laws Virginia

Virginia has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Virginia.

“If any person maliciously release or cause or procure to be released in any private home, place of business or place of public gathering any tear gas, mustard gas, phosgene gas or other noxious or nauseating gases or mixtures of chemicals designed to, and capable of, producing vile or injurious or nauseating odors or gases, and bodily injury results to any person from such gas or odor, the offending person shall be guilty of a felony.”

Read the Virginia statute here

Pepper spray laws Washington

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Washington, though you must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess pepper spray. With permission from a parent, you can purchase or possess pepper spray at 14 years old in Washington.

“It is unlawful for a person under eighteen years old, unless the person is at least fourteen years old and has the permission of a parent or guardian to do so, to purchase or possess a personal protection spray device. A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.”

Read the Washington statute here

Pepper spray laws West Virginia

West Virginia has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to West Virginia.

Pepper spray laws Wisconsin

It is legal to buy, use, possess, or ship pepper spray to Wisconsin, though there are several restrictions. In Wisconsin:

  • Pepper spray containers must be less than 2 ounces;
  • Pepper spray must be 10% of less oleoresin capsicum (OC);
  • Pepper spray cannot be disguised or camouflaged;
  • You must be at least 18 years old to purchase or possess pepper spray, though there is an exemption for minors with parental permission.

In 2013, the state of Wisconsin updated and expanded pepper spray regulations.

“The Act removes the limitation that pepper spray be displayed only behind a sales counter and eliminates the requirement for a highlighted caution statement on its packaging. The Act maintains the statutory requirement for pepper spray to be properly labeled and to be sold with written safety instructions.

The Act removes the requirements for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to promulgate specific rules governing pepper spray standards, including the percentage of active ingredients, range of spray, weight, and safety packaging. The Act prohibits DOJ from promulgating or enforcing such rules.”

Read the Wisconsin statute here

Pepper spray laws Wyoming

Wyoming has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. It is legal to buy, carry, use, or ship to Wyoming.

Another important consideration with pepper spray laws is airline travel. As you travel via an airplane there are TSA regulations you must follow. One 4 ounce container of pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. It is not permitted in carry-on bags.

This guideline gives you a better understanding of pepper spray laws throughout the country to help ensure you are within the law as you travel. Fortunately, for most adults without a criminal record, pepper spray is legal to possess, buy, and use (for self-defense purposes) regardless of the state you are in.

Along with the low cost and ease of use, this makes pepper spray a great non-lethal, self-defense option.

Here are some of my favorite prepping gear

Thank you for investing your time in this article, and I sincerely hope it has provided valuable insights to strengthen your survival preparedness. As a survivalist, I make use of a variety of tools and gear, many of which have proven to be indispensable in my journey. Here, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite survival gear, which I believe you will find beneficial as well.

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  1. Long-Term Food Storage: ‘My Patriot Supply‘ is my top choice for emergency food supplies. Their selection caters to long-term storage needs, ensuring you’re always prepared.
  2. Water Filter: Clean, safe drinking water is a priority in any situation. This water filter has served me well, and I trust it will for you too.
  3. Versatile Cooking Solution: The Zoom Versa Cook Stove is a reliable, versatile cooking solution perfect for outdoor and survival scenarios.

I’ve compiled an extensive, frequently updated list of my top survival gear recommendations for your convenience. Equip yourself with the best and latest gear here.

Remember, true survival isn’t merely about making it through – it’s about effectively navigating and thriving in challenging circumstances. Equip yourself well, stay informed, and always be prepared.