CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Too much recent violence against women in areas of Cleveland's southeast side has prompted Councilman Zack Reed to arm some of his female constituents with pepper spray and portable panic alarms.

Reed who represents Mt. Pleasant and Union/Miles neighborhoods, is expected to announce today he has received a $2,500 grant from Walmart to buy the personal defense devices.

The money will go to a neighborhood nonprofit organization, which will distribute the devices and train women how to use them.

"We're giving notice to women in Cleveland that you have to watch out for yourselves," said Reed. "I'm trying to arm them with tools to keep them safe."

Since March, the bodies of three women have been found along East 93rd Street in Reed's ward. Police Chief Michael McGrath has said the homicides, along with an attempted rape of a woman in that area, are not connected.

Still, Reed said he wants to be prepared. Through the grant he will be able to buy 180 panic alarms and 70 pepper sprays.

Pepper spray comes in aerosol containers that can be stored in purses or attached to key chains. When sprayed in an attacker's face, the pepper irritates skin, eyes and mucous membranes, causing coughing, choking and temporary incapacitation.

Panic alarms come in various types. Women can wear them or store them in purses.

Reed said he plans to buy a variety that "when you pull it -- like a hand grenade -- it makes a loud screeching noise that can alert neighbors or passing motorists."

To receive the free devices, along with training, women must attend one of Reed's safety and community policing meetings at the Mt. Pleasant Community Zone, a nonprofit neighborhood group at 11019 Kinsman Road. The phone number is 216-752-3492.