Many first-time homeowners are concerned about keeping their families safe from crime, and buying pepper spray is a great way to protect your property and loved ones. Unlike firearms, pepper mace cannot inadvertently permanently injure a family member, although you should always keep mace and other self-defense items out of the reach of children.

Few people who buy pepper spray have to use it, but having it on hand is good planning for your family’s safety. If you keep your device on a key ring, in your bag, or in your glove compartment, always be aware of where it is located and keep younger children away from it. It is also a good idea to inform your children about how dangerous the mace device is and to let them know that they should never touch it.

In addition to practicing pepper spray safety with your kids, you should also keep in mind that the unit itself will need regular yearly maintenance and cartridge replacement. Mace cartridges do expire, and it’s a good idea not to think about the expiration date and make sure to order a new product when it’s expired.

The actual application device will work with new refills and does not need to be replaced. If the applicator is well made, it should last you many years.

Take some time to practice with any new Mace pepper spray device you get, either the actual cartridge or a safe, inert training cartridge. Invite older family members who may need to use the spray to try it out with you, and be sure to help them use the device if you are more experienced.