Quick answer

Get to a safe, well-lit place and call emergency services first. Then report the incident to police, write down what happened while it's fresh, and replace any gear you used—pepper spray canisters and alarms are single-use in practice. Follow the seven steps below in order; skipping the report is the most common mistake.

Why the first ten minutes matter most

Your priority after any defensive tool use is distance and help. Pepper spray residue can affect you too, especially in enclosed spaces, so move upwind and outdoors if possible. An alarm that's still blaring draws attention—good for witnesses, bad for your ears—so silence it once you're safe. The Go Guarded kit's alarm and pepper spray share the same Hand-Held unit, which means after an incident you'll need to decide which component to replace or recharge first.

What to say when you call 911

Give the dispatcher your exact location, a one-sentence description of what happened, and whether anyone is injured. Mention that you used a defensive tool—pepper spray, an alarm, or a knife—so responding officers know what to expect. Don't speculate about the other person's condition or intent; stick to what you saw and did. If you used the 130-decibel alarm, tell them it may still be sounding nearby.

Documenting without compromising your account

Write your statement once, in chronological order, before talking to anyone else about details. Note the time, lighting, witnesses, and which tool you deployed. Photograph any injuries, damaged clothing, or spent canister. Keep the used pepper spray canister—even empty—in a bag; it's evidence and also a reminder of what needs replacing. Avoid posting about the incident on social media until you've spoken with police.

Post-incident self defense checklist: 7 ordered steps

  1. 1. Move to safety and assess yourself: Get indoors or to a crowded, well-lit area. Check for injuries and pepper spray blowback on your skin or clothes. If you used the alarm, push the pin back in to silence it once you're clear. Checkpoint: are you away from the threat and able to breathe without irritation?
  2. 2. Call emergency services: Dial 911 (or local emergency number). State your location, that you defended yourself, and which tool you used. Ask for medical help if anyone is injured. Common mistake: waiting to 'see if it's necessary'—call first, decide later.
  3. 3. Report to police on scene: When officers arrive, give a brief factual account and hand over the used canister or knife if asked. Request a report number and an officer's name. Checkpoint: get the report number before you leave.
  4. 4. Write your own record: Within an hour, write down times, locations, witnesses, and exactly what you did. Photograph injuries and spent gear. Keep this separate from any social media. Common mistake: discussing details with others before writing your account.
  5. 5. Secure and inspect your gear: Bag the used pepper spray canister and set the knife aside safely. For the alarm, reinsert the pin and test that it still sounds; replace batteries if weak. Checkpoint: is the pepper spray canister empty or damaged? If so, it must be replaced.
  6. 6. Replace what was used: Pepper spray canisters are not refillable—replace with a fresh 1/2 oz. Streetwise 18 or a new canister for your Go Guarded Hand-Held. If the alarm was deployed, verify the pin and battery are intact; replace if the sound is weak. Common mistake: assuming a partially used canister will still spray reliably.
  7. 7. Follow up on your own wellbeing: Check in with someone you trust, monitor for delayed injuries, and consider a debrief with a counselor if you feel shaken. Review what worked and what you'd change. Checkpoint: do you have a working, fully stocked kit ready for next time?

Gear that needs attention after an incident

  • Self Defense Kit - Knife, Alarm & Pepper Spray - Go Guarded: Includes a bladed Go Guarded Hand-Held, a 1/2 ounce pepper spray canister, and a 130-decibel personal alarm with LED light; the pepper spray and alarm are interchangeable in the Hand-Held unit. After use, you can swap in a fresh canister or alarm rather than replacing the whole kit—check which component was deployed.
  • Self Defense Streetwise Pepper Spray: 1/2 oz. Streetwise 18 pepper spray canister with a locking mechanism; twist to unlock and press to spray. A discharged canister loses pressure and should be replaced; the lock prevents accidental spraying during storage or transport.
  • Personal Safety Self Defense Alarm Keychain: 130-decibel personal alarm keychain with LED light; pull pin to activate, push pin back in to silence; 2 AAA batteries included. After an incident, reinsert the pin, check the battery tab was removed, and test the alarm monthly so it's ready next time.