To the Editor,

A common concern with the Safe Firearm Storage Bill (S-2202) & (H-7373) making its way through the General Assembly pertains to having immediate access to a gun for self-defense.  I’d like to propose an alternative: Pepper or bear spray, effective to 20’.

Safely place these canisters around your home in various accessible locations to quickly disable your assailant. If needed, unlock your weapon, and address the threat. Unlike firearms, if you accidentally spray a family member, they won’t be killed. Tragically, a Missouri man recently shot and killed his mother by mistake. 

If a child gets their curious hands on one and discharges it, unlike a firearm… they or a friend will NOT be dead. However, they will have learned some valuable lessons.

I am a Marine Corps Viet Nam combat veteran. I will not have a firearm in my home and have not since my discharge over 50 years ago. However, we DO have pepper spray readily available.

The Senate version has already been passed. I urge the Speaker to quickly move the House version for passage.

Ramsey Davis

Cranston