Self defense and personal safety

Go to a store that sells hiking equipment and buy the pepper spray they use on bears. That should be small enough to keep onhand since hikers usually pack light, and no one knows when they will be attacked by a bear, so its probly small enough to fit into a pocket. If your worried buy an alarm like this one http://www.safetyenforcer.com/alarm.htm . The KC-45 combines the two best deterrents against attack--a 125db alarm and a flashing light. A hidden disarm switch ensures that only the owner can deactivate the alarm. Can be used as a flashlight without activating the alarm to provide additional night time safety. Keychain. Battery included. Its only 15 dollars and if you are attacked you can just turn it on. When I move to Vancouver I am going to get one.

BE careful to follow local rules in regards to pepper spray. In some states and municipalities it is illegal to posess without a permit (Massachusetts, for instance)

When purchasing pepper spray be sure you use a name brand with a high OC content. Most pepper sprays sold in stores is 2 percent. The stronger the better. 8 to 15 percent is best. Try a name brand like Mace Muzzle to protect yourself from other dogs. It will also will work on an individual should you need to protect yourself.