Living Your Life Safely Without a Gun

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Kind of Blued

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This is not to say that you don't need a CCW or a HD weapon, or that anyone is trying to make up for poor safety habits by carrying. I am simply of the mindset that preventing your own victimization is as important, or more, than being prepared for the moment of truth.

This is gun-related in that these "Strategies and Tactics" are, in my opinion, the pre-requisite to owning a firearm for self-defense.

I am also convinced that if this thread is understood for what it is and it endures for a few well-thought responses, I will learn something, and that's what it's all about (clap clap).

P.S. Think "from bad guys", because while keeping the clock radio away from the bathtub is important, it has little to do with self-defense unless you are, in fact, schizophrenic.

LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE CAR!

If you are a smoker, wait until the highway or a known stoplight-free stretch to light up and drop the window.

Replace basement well windows with glass block (let me know if you don't know what I mean, for I have surely butchered the terminology).

The last time I checked, you can get a sort of "home security checklist" put out by your local police department that was compiled by way of cliches found in B&E cases. Find out if this is true with your local department, run through the checklist, find your home's weak points, fix them, and sleep better at night.

One I can't stress enough for everyday life; Col. Jeff Cooper's Color Codes.

Share with me if you would.
 
I like Marc MacYoung's website about this issue http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/ He says that a lot of self-defense sources teach you how to fight, not self-defense, which can get you into legal trouble. He says that many of these places don't teach you how to avoid the situation in the first place or don't spend much time in that area.
 
I firmly believe that awareness and confidence are the best starting point to being safe.
If you have those and your brain is turned on you should never be surprised by anything.
The concept of the designated drive applies here as well. Someone has to be manning the paying attention post. I am the designated person in my family.
 
You're right, of course.

Carrying a handgun and being clueless are not a good combination, so paying attention to your surroundings is important. That's a biggie right there, most folks don't see beyond a ten or fifteen foot span in front of them.

Locking doors, hardening your home (hard to burglarize, not armoring), trusting your gut (we've been conditioned in modern society to ignore it), and a willingness to fight if you're pushed into it are things that will often preclude you ever having to.

1) When you open a door, quickly scan before you step through.
2) Become a people watcher in public. You'll see behavior you've never noticed before, BG's will see you watching. They prefer clueless victims.
3) Don't smoke in public, nobody will ask you for a light. Read SM's posts on being "interviewed".
4) Don't be afraid to be rude to strangers who make you nervous. You'll never see them again anyway. Tell 'em to shove off.
5) Make "seeing" a habit. Most people don't actually see beyond a few paces. 10 to 15 feet. Make a layered scan a habit. Even done quickly but with an effort to notice things, you'll "see" more than 90 percent of the population.
 
"Become a people watcher in public. You'll see behavior you've never noticed before, BG's will see you watching. They prefer clueless victims."

I like all of your advise 1911GUY, especially this one. One thing to be aware of though is this. When you train yourself to be a 'people watcher', others may notice and be uncomfortable. I must not be too good at hiding it. At times I suspect I've been thought of as a perv or a stalker! Hey, protecting your own ass versus looking at others', can be confusing to some! I've gotten better the last few years as I teach in an inner-city HS with much of the gang/shootings/drug BS. One gets callous to the sensitivity of others eventually.
 
Being safe-

#1- Lifestyle- If you drink in bad bars, hang with questionable folk, frequent prostitutes, deal drugs, etc, your risk catagory goes through the roof.

#2- Awareness- Some people walk around with their awareness envelope extending only as far as their earphones or cellphone- these folk are called "prey". You can spot them in any grocery store parking lot- they are the ones who do not bother to turn their heads to check if the cars are REALLY going to stop- they assume.

#3- confidence- Alert, strong willed people are not easy to take down.

#4- training- Both in awareness, what to look for and places to avoid, and physical, to enable a response to attack.
 
It all boils down to just paying attention. Most people really are clueless. I watched a woman turn her back on a panhandler to put her kid in the car at the grocery store. Thats just dumb.

Anthony
 
+1 to all of these posts! Good points to live by. Might I add that there is alot of talk about carrying a walking cane for self defense. Though I had scoffed the idea, a serious carbon cane can do the trick against a knife attack or even against more than one thug if trained properly.

Just my 2-\cents now that I have taken some time to look into the subject futher.

:)
 
Being "In the moment", when you are around other people, is very important. It's easy when you're just running to the store to pick up a gallon of milk to forget that, yes, bad things do happen to people who just need to buy some milk, too. Even people who are normally alert let their guard down at times, especially in a familiar place, doing a mundane activity.

It's hard to be constantly alert, and what it really comes down to is practicing until you don't have to think about it. Remind yourself to be aware of your surroundings so often that it's second nature to be aware. And not to sound paranoid or encourage paranoia, but a healthy dose of fear is actually a good thing. Not "quiver-in-your-boots" fear, the kind that keeps you up at night. Just a small, rational, informed fear of what can happen if you aren't careful and alert. The kind of fear that's nearly synonymous with caution.

I've discussed this with a few people, now and then. One thing that strikes me is that some people look at a thread like this and say, "Ugh, who wants to live in fear all the time? Who wants to be constantly suspecting everybody, and watching for danger all the time?" It sounds so harsh, sounds like hard work.

It really isn't. We don't need to memorize everyone's license plates. Nobody's going to quiz us, "How many people were in that parking lot, what were they wearing?" etc. There's nothing superhuman or "Uber-tacticool" about basic situational awareness. It's as easy as looking around and trying to notice a few things, and maybe keeping a part of your conscious thought set aside for thinking about those things.
 
Quote:
Replace basement well windows with glass block

You can't/shouldn't do that if it is a bedroom window. As a matter of fact, some contractors make a specialty of digging out, sawing concrete, and installing "legal" windows (exits) in older homes.
Click to expand...

Funny you guys mention that. I just saw on TV last night, a demo with this plastic window laminate that you can use on well windows. I'd heard of it before but had never seen how strong it actually it is. I would guess it would be cheaper than glass block.
 
I've noticed that the old saying of "nothing good happens after midnight" is true. Many assaults, robberies and other crimes happen between the late night hours and dawn. Especially in or around bars.

Since I work evenings, when I leave work, I'll go home through 'good' areas of town, won't stop off for anything at the store, and still am watchful.

The best way to handle a bad situation is to not be there when it happens.
 
Here's one.
Stay in shape.
You don't have to be at the fitness level of an ultimate fighter, but being 40 lbs overweight and unable to run a city block without having a heart attack is a good way to look like an easy target to a lot of bad guys.
And, in the unlikely event you do get stuck in the middle of a bad event, you won't try to run, grab your left arm, and fall like a sack of potatoes.

And, if you ever need to protect your children, loved ones, or the odd stranger, you'll be more able to- firearm or not.
 
Good advice from trainer John Farnam:

Layers of response:

Years ago, Jeff Cooper delineated the "Color Code" and the "Principles of Personal Defense" in an effort to provide us with a logical model for one's thinking on the subject of mental preparedness. I'd like now to go to the next step and apply the same logic to the issue of personal appearance and demeanor, as we all agree that, in the domestic defensive environment, avoiding a fight is preferable to winning one.

Layer One: Nonattendance. The best way to handle any potentially injurious encounter is: Don't be there. Arrange to be somewhere else. Don't go to stupid places. Don't associate with stupid people. Don't do stupid things. This is the advice I give to all students of defensive firearms. Winning a gunfight, or any other potentially injurious encounter, is financially and emotionally burdensome. The aftermath will become your full-time job for weeks or months afterward, and you will quickly grow weary of writing checks to lawyer(s). It is, of course, better than being dead or suffering a permanently disfiguring or disabling injury, but the "penalty" for successfully fighting for your life is still formidable.

Crowds of any kind, particularly those with an agenda, such as political rallies, demonstrations, picket lines, etc are good examples of "stupid places." Any crowd with a high collective energy level harbors potential catastrophe. To a lesser degree, bank buildings, hospital emergency rooms, airports, government buildings, and bars (particularly crowded ones) fall into the same category. All should be avoided. When they can't be avoided, we should make it a practice to spend only the minimum time necessary there and then quickly get out.

"A superior gunman is best defined as one who uses his superior judgment in order to keep himself out of situations that would require the use of his superior skills."

Layer Two: Functional invisibility. We all need to practice to art of "being invisible." It is in our best interest to go our way unnoticed, both by potential predators and by the criminal justice system alike.

Whenever I travel, particularly to foreign countries, I endeavor to be the one that no one notices; no one recalls; no one remembers. I silently slip through the radar, leaving no trace, a nameless, faceless tourist. When in any public place, I try to be clean and well groomed, but I never wear bright colors, any kind of jewelry, or anything shiny. I smile a lot, but talk softly and as little as possible. As we say in the law enforcement business, "Courteous to everyone. Friendly to no one."

Loud talking, bright colors, Rolex watches, etc will consistently accumulate unwanted attention. On the other end of the spectrum, tattoos, poor grooming, loud and offensive language, a slovenly appearance, etc will also garner unwelcome notice.

Layer Three: Deselection. Any successful predator has the ability to quickly screen potential victims, focusing in on the ones who look as if they will make good victims and rejecting those who either (1) look too strong for expedient victimization or (2) don't conveniently fall into any particular category.

When invisibility fails, we need endeavor to be consistently deselected for victimization. We do this by making it a habit to appear alert, uninviting, self-confident, and strong. At the same time, we never loiter or appear indecisive. We are always in motion.

"Weakness perceived is weakness exploited!"

Layer Four: Disengagement: Our best interests are not served by any kind of engagement with potential predators. Successful disengagement involves posturing, bearing, verbalizations, and movement. It is in our best interest to disengage at the lowest reasonable force level, but we must simultaneously be prepared to instantly respond to unlawful force with superior force.

Potential predators, as they attempt verbal engagement, should be politely dismissed. Bearing and eye contact should always project strength and confidence. We should continuously be moving off the "line of force." We should be observant in every direction, giving potential predator duos and trios the distinct impression that they will not be able to sneak up on us.

When predators are confused, they are unable to focus sufficiently to carry off their victimization. Therefore, never let a potential predator seize the agenda. Don't answer his questions, and don't stay in any one place very long.

Disengagement, separation, and exit are our immediate goals when we have been selected or are being seriously evaluated by predators. However, if there is to be a fight, the best one is a short one. If a predator menaces me with a gun or a knife, I know that, before it is all over, there is a good chance that I will be shot or cut. However, within that prison of circumstance, I also know that the faster I can end the fight, the less hurt I'm going to get! If there must be a fight, I must explode into action, moving smoothly and quickly, in an effort to confuse and overwhelm my opponent before he has a chance to process all the information I'm throwing at him.

Ultimately, we must "have a plan." Potentially dangerous encounters must be thought about in advance. Decisions must be made. Skills must be practiced. Confusion, hesitation, and vacillation will always attract the attention of predators and simultaneously stimulate predator behavior.

ETA- Link: http://www.defense-training.com/quips/2003/19Mar03.html
 
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You can't/shouldn't do that if it is a bedroom window. As a matter of fact, some contractors make a specialty of digging out, sawing concrete, and installing "legal" windows (exits) in older homes.
Click to expand...

That's right. When I looked over the home security checklist made by the local police, the glass block was in regard to ground level windows near the side of the house, especially those surrounded by shrubbery (cover for the "breaking") and glass windows being convenient for entry. The glass block certainly hardens that specific spot.
 
The advice from John Farnam......

should be required reading for ANYONE considering a concealed carry license. I'll go one further, It should probably be read by everyone.....period.

Thanks for posting it.
 
I used to waste time arguing with people in other forums, people from Europe and other general anti-gunners. I would explain to them that carrying isn't just something you do, it must become a lifestyle and discipline. Your life must be lived with the intention of doing everything you can to prevent yourself from getting killed. If you are serious about self-protection, you do this no matter where you are, whether you have a gun or not. This is the difference between someone who takes control of their own destiny and someone who is resigned to the idea that they have no control over anything.

I try to keep my wife in the game, explaining to her things like, every time you walk into a store or restaurant, you have to make an assessment. How many people are in here, how many fit a criminal profile, are they between you and the door, does this place have a back door or where would you look for one, etc. Be courteous to everyone, but have a plan in place to kill every single person you meet. A gun is the best option, but don't let it be your ONLY option.

When you have accustomed yourself to watching people for a while, changes happen. You notice things you didn't notice before. When you have made yourself aware and defensive in your thinking, you feel bereft when you are deprived. You may have gone without carrying a gun for many years, but when you are used to that layer of security, and you CAN'T for one reason or another, it feels just like not being able to put your seatbelt on.
 
I'd say being alert is a key.
Being willing to fight when cornered is also important. I figure that if I'm attacked, I'm dead already.
If I want the things I love about my life back, I'll have to fight my way back through some A-hole to get them.
Imagine the smallest, weakest, most docile person you know fighting all out for his or her life. I know from experience that it's practically impossible for one person to control another even half their size if that person is just plain not willing to cooperate.
I also figure that even if I do get killed fighting an attacker, well I'd still rather be dead than be sodomized first then dead.

Kind of like "If you're gonna kill me anyhow, I might as go down with my teeth in your throat".
 
Look Scary.

No, I'm serious. Carry yourself in such a manner that anyone without legitimate reason would be leery to approach you. I'm 6'1", but I'm a very thin guy. Lots of length, but it moves real fast. I move quickly when I walk. I wear a big cowboy hat, walk with my arms free of my sides and wear mirrored sunglasses. Very often, dressed as such with a group, I get complaints that I'm "too hard to read." That's precisely the point.

Be confident. Look Mean. Don't stop or slow down. Stay in shape.

If in doubt, growl.
 
You can be The Rock and one or two fools with a head of steam will still jump you for whatever reason even if you see them coming. Situational awareness is 90% of being safe, but not all.
 
If you think your house is secure, pretend to have locked your keys inside and see how long it takes the neighborhood kids to find a way in.

I tried this once and one of the 12 year old monkeys shimmied right up a trellis (it wouldn't have held a full grown adult but held the kid just fine), across a bit of roof, around the corner onto our balcony and had the sliding glass door open in about 2 minutes flat! :what:

I never used to worry about that door but I cut down a broomstick and put it in that sliding glass door's track right away I can tell you!
 
The best way to handle a bad situation is to not be there when it happens.
Click to expand...

Some places are just bad news; you lay with dogs you will get fleas.

I never used to worry about that door but I cut down a broomstick and put it in that sliding glass door's track right away I can tell you!
Click to expand...

Also, screws in the top of the frame/track that protrude sufficiently that the sliding door can't be pried up and off the bottom track (only requires three or four depending on how the sliding panel is constructed).
 
My post may seem a bit off topic... but traveling is when most people are particularly vulnerable.

If you're traveling in a city, especially on foot:

1. Leave the big camera at home! That just screams "I've never been here before... and if attacked, I won't even know which way to run!" Get yourself a nice small camera that will fit in the pocket of a jacket or cargo pants. If you're in a big city, backpacks and man bags will not look out of place... keep your big camera in there.

2. Don't gawk at every building you pass. Sure, this town you're vacationing in looks real pretty... but do you really have to take a picture of every darned building you pass? And stop staring! That statue in the town square ain't gonna get any more interesting, so move along and see something else.

3. Dress like a local... no logos, please. What your wearing can be a dead giveaway that you aren't "from around here." Nike and Reebock logos are only popular in the USA. Wear that in Montreal, and everybody will literally run up to you and ask you where you're from. Likewise, don't wear your "Don't Mess With Texas" shirt in New York City. Just keep it plain, and unadorned.

4. Don't unfold your map on the street corner. If you really need a map to find your way around, copy the relevant sections onto 8.5 X 11 sheets. You'll attract much less attention that way. If you're really concerned, attach the maps to the inside of a really boring news magazine.

5. Make note of where you are. As you travel through an unfamiliar city, make a mental note of each street you pass. If you get turned around, you'll be able to orient yourself much more quickly if you know where you've just been.

6. Pay attention when making stops. If you decide to stop at a restaurant or shop, make a mental note of which direction you'll need to go once you've decided to resume the tour. You don't want to leave a touristy destination, only to look confused once you get back outside. If you need to consult your map, do so before going outside.

7. If someone tells you a riddle, keep walking. The riddle scam was popular in New Orleans. Somebody comes up and says he'll bet you a shoe shine that he can tell you where you got your shoes. (Answer: On your feet). Next thing you know, your new Sketchers are covered in liquid soap, and Mr. Riddle will be happy to wipe them off for $20. Did I mention that Mr. Riddle is a 7 foot tall crack head?

8. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Why anyone keeps their wallet sticking halfway out their back pocket is beyond me. Also, if you're going into an area known for world-class pickpockets (New Orleans), put a think rubber band around your wallet... this will make it really grip the inside of your pocket.

9. Don't wander aimlessly. Plan ahead. Mark what you want to see on the little maps you've folded into last week's US News & World Report. Also mark any housing projects or off-limits areas on your map, so you don't wander into them. If you don't know where the bad areas are, you can ask the concierge at the hotel to go over your maps with you.

10. If you sense trouble, just go. It doesn't matter where you go, just go somewhere where you don't sense trouble.
 
more info on options for basement well windows? i have to replace 2.
Click to expand...
If being able to actually open your basement windows is a concern, you may want to consider metal bars.
eHow: How to Install Security Bars

Remember, installing the bars on your living quarters may be against local fire codes, or may require an outside quick-release catch (making them purlely cosmetic). Stick with the basement windows.
 
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