If you are not in the habit of carrying a concealed handgun daily, I recommend that you consider doing so wherever it is legal. Recent shootings in the US highlight the fact that shootings can occur at any place, at any time.
During the last year, shootings have occurred in schools, shopping malls (Salt Lake City’s Trolley Square & Omaha, NE), churches, the workplace, etc. If you have a means to protect yourself and your family, you are less likely to panic during such an event because now you have options. You should have the mindset that you “refuse to be a victim.”Your “mindset” is your biggest variable in your survival. Condition yourself to prevail regardless of the circumstances (multiple assailants, you are injured, etc.). The biggest problem is letting panic rule your judgement.
Your state of situational awareness can help you avoid a potential conflict. See below for the various levels of situational awareness:
CONDITION WHITE –> Unaware:
- Oblivious to your surroundings
- Suitable for sheep and children
CONDITION YELLOW –> Aware:
- Heightened level of awareness
- Radar ON – aware of those around you & your environment
- “I may have to defend myself and my family today”
- Give corners some birth
- Use shop windows to casually monitor those behind you
DINING OUT
CONDITION ORANGE –> Alert:
- You are aware of a potential threat
- “If they do ______, I will do ______.”
- Have a plan
- Avoid the threat if possible
CONDITION RED –> Action:
- The decision has been made that action is imminent
- The state of readiness to fight or flight (freezing, submitting or posturing are not viable options)
Suggestions to enhance your daily situational awareness
DRIVING
- Do not stop at a red light or stop sign too close to the vehicle in front of you that you cannot see their rear tires. Some criminals will box you in and rob you since you will not have enough room to pull away.
- Your vehicle is a potential weapon if you are attacked (from front or rear)
- Keep your doors locked and windows up if in a potentially dangerous area
WALKING
- Be aware of locations people can hide and surprise you
- Sit facing the entrance and most of the customers
- Be aware of all potential exits (including entrance to the kitchen)
- Do not get trapped by sitting on the inside of a booth
Summary
If you are not conditioned to doing these things, it may sound like someone who is paranoid. On the contrary, it will become second nature, enhances your situational awareness, and gives you reaction time if something happens. It is not being paranoid, rather prepared. Remember the saying, “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” In a short period of time, you will learn to enhance your situational awareness without others noticing. Don’t forget: if you see a potential conflict, AVOID IT.