Share some little things

[Sgt_R]

In another thread in this section, a poster commented on carrying while running. He said even his I-pod bothers him while he runs.

So here's my little thing: I never wear an I-Pod or talk on a cell phone when I'm walking. Situational awareness goes 'way down.

That was me.

I rarely wear headphones outdoors for a variety of reasons, but on the occasions when I do, I keep the volume in the 'barely audible' range - basically just loud enough to hear the music, but still quiet enough to hear traffic, footsteps, and other environmental sounds.

And speaking of iPods, here's a tip: throw the OEM headphones away and replace them with something - anything - else. BG's know exactly what Apple headphones look like, and they know it means you have something worth stealing in your pocket.

This can be more generally extended to: don't look like you have something worth stealing in your pocket. I don't wear jewlery (aside from a fairly plain watch), I don't flash wads of cash (usually I don't even carry cash), my laptop computer rides in a backpack that looks nothing at all like a laptop case (when I take it anywhere, which isn't often), etc, etc. I dress well, but I don't wear or carry anything that screams 'steal me' to the general public.

R

 

[Manco]

Learn to do as many common, useful things with your "weak" hand as you can, allowing you to keep your "strong" hand in reserve to draw and fire when necessary. That's what my user name refers to, although I take the additional step of training to shoot with my weak hand, too.

 

[psyopspec]

-After entering a new establishment, go use the facilities as an excuse to get the lay of the land, exits, cover, etc.

-Adjust sideview mirrors on your vehicle out to the point where the sides of the vehicle are barely visible. This extends your range of visibility.

-When traveling, know the local emergency number and your location. I don't go so far as to carry a map, but pay attention to major land marks, street signs, etc.

-Carry a flashlight.

-I've been self-studying body language recently in a series of books and observations. This is interesting knowledge to have for relationships, business, and working a target audience. It can also be applicable to knowing when someone is about to engage in sudden physical activity, such as a robbery.

 

[uspJ]

i once had a flat tire, i put my spare on and contined down the road, a truck came speeding around the corner mostly on my side of the road and i had to run off the road to keep from being hit. when i pulled back on the road i realized i had run over a beer bottle and blew my spare. after that i keep double of anything i'd need for emergency purposes.

-keep a gps in your car and a spare in your bag when traveling.

-keep at least $200 cash put aside for emergencies.

 

[shockwave]

Call me boring......but I think this is a wise advise. Avoid bad guys by avoiding certain times and places where statistically they are more likely to be found. I try to avoid the "night life"...bars, clubs, etc.

That is excellent advice. It's Rule One of self defense - don't be where trouble is.

 

[loadedround]

All of the above suggestions are both valid and excellent suggestions, but two major cautions have not been mentioned. Be well prepared when entering or exiting a public elevator(hospital or business) especially at odd times. You never know who is joy riding on one, just trolling for victims. My second caution is for anyone living in or traveling into a large city via a public subway system. These systems attract all kinds of critters and gang bangers in the evening. I will not travel into Phila w/o my pistol and a spare mag. I have seen way too much potental problems.

 

[il_10]

"bring friends with long guns"

Backup's always nice, especially if you can't avoid being in a rough area. Or you're a pool player...

 

[wishin]

If somebody approaches you on the street and asks, "What time is it?", look them right in the eye and hold your arm out so they can read the time for themselves off your wristwatch

Good advice - so long as you wear the watch on your weak side arm (right arm if you're a lefty)!

 

[BULLSI]

Quote:
If somebody approaches you on the street and asks, "What time is it?", look them right in the eye and hold your arm out so they can read the time for themselves off your wristwatch

I dont think this a good idea as then they have an opportunity to grab hold of your arm.

I dont wear a watch so for me I would say something general like "I think it is going on 3:00" whatever time I think it is. Even if I had a watch I would just say what time I thought it was.

But yeah dont let someone distract you with senseless questions.

 

[SalchaketJoe]

Everything above is great, much of it I have made a habit.

One thing I do, before I pocket my carry, (most times an LCP) I drop the mag, eject the round, function check and then reload. Now I make it a point to know what condition my weapons are at all times, but you never know. I tell the wife all the time not to move my things......

Carry WHENEVER/WHEREVER YOU CAN. I cant bring mine to work, but when I get home and change, the LCP goes in the pocket. At bedtime I tuck the little tike in and hit the sheets myself.

 

[lions]

A strong wind can be pretty good at un-concealing your pistol, and holding your shirt down isn't exactly discreet. If you put your hand or even your thumb in your pocket you can pin your shirt to your side using your forearm all while looking completely natural.

This is particularly useful in Kansas, but I suppose the wind must occasionally blow somewhere else too.

 

[arkansashillbilly]

When gassing up my car I park pretty close to the pump. My filler is on the drivers side on both of my cars so I leave the door open and stand between the door and the gas nozzle and hose with my back to my car when in the suv. When in the truck I just look around a lot.
I've noticed my wife pays closer attention to by standers when we are driving through town than I do. I don't usually drive with my doors locked, she does even through the country. More than once she's locked our doors while I was driving when we stopped at stop lights.
In highschool she once had a guy try to open her passenger door while she was stopped at a stop sign. It was locked. This was many years ago in a small town.
I guess I should follow my own advise and say lock your doors.

 

[MisterMike]

Much of this is repetitive of what's already been mentioned. I think the bottom line is to always remain alert to the potential for problems. If you do that, the appropriate actions will follow. In no particular order of importance:

-I don't go to questionable places late at night (of course, I'm old and in tired long before most trouble starts anyway). Bad things happen in the dark, particularly when others are intoxicated.

-In unfamiliar cities, I'll opt for eating in the hotel or catching a cab, as opposed to walking around looking for someplace.

-In a car, when in any place I'm not familiar with, I'll lock my doors, roll up the windows, and maintain an envelope of space around me. I don't leave stuff on my seats that might prompt a "smash and grab" artist to even think about it.

-When sitting in a car in a parking lot, I lock the doors and keep an eye on the mirrors. Anything to give myself a bit more time to react.

-I never get drunk. Too often, getting overserved leads to carelessness and victimization. I'm a pretty wimpy guy, so I need all my mental and physical resources, unimpaired by alcohol.

-On foot, I try to watch for reflections, shadows, etc. When walking by a location where someone might hide, I give the potential hiding place a bit broader berth. I regularly glance in back of myself to see if someone is behind. If they are, I engage them in a friendly manner, so there's no question that I know they're there.

-I'll check out where I'm located for improvised weapons, anything from an aerosol can to a sturdy chair to a root beer mug. If I'm carrying a magazine or a newspaper, I'll roll it up tightly, for potential use as a striking weapon.

-In addition to trying to select seats where I can see the whole restaurant, I always endeavor to sit in a location that gives me maneuvering room.

I suppose all of this may sound paranoid to some. It really isn't; it's just an attitude of awareness that I developed sometime quite a while back. To me, the fundamental tenet of staying safe is trying to always think one step ahead of any potential threat.

 

[bulldog10]

bulldog10

Not paranoid, just using good judgment which usually results in survival!

 

[DFW1911]

When I encounter shady-looking characters, I always lock eyes with them for a second or two, then look away as opposed to look down. I'm not giving them the hard stare or "mad-dogging", but just a look of "I see you and I'm not hardly scared".

I do this too: I call it "looking past the threat;" I have no idea why I call it that, but I do.

It works well and sends a very strong message that I see the person, have given them the once over, and decided they're not intimidating, etc. This does not mean I ignore them: the use of the eyes and body language sends a signal that I won't be an easy mark.

Learn some basic self defense, as in hand-to-hand. If you're in DFW I can teach you (no charge ). If you're in another city look on craigslist for Self Defense instructors. Concentrate on learning real techniques that are useful.

Always carry a flashlight, even during the day. If you're in a building and it goes dark you'll be thankful you have it.

There are about a million uses for a pocket knife. Carry one.

When I am approached by someone who wants a cigarette / the time / whatever, I extend my left arm and hand in a "stop" position and tell them in a loud voice "do not come any closer to me." Works like a charm.

 

[Sgt_R]

There are about a million uses for a pocket knife. Carry one.

I use a pocket knife nearly every day, often several times per day, for something or another. If I could only carry one or the other, a firearm or a knife, I'd choose the knife.

Fortunately I don't have to make that choice, so I carry both whenever possible.

R

 

[3845]

The stall vs urinal thing... I was in a nice dinner club about 25 years ago, wearing sport coat, etc. I used the restroom, and while at a urinal I was attacked by a large drunk as he headed for the door. He rabbit punched me in the back of the neck hard enough to knock my glasses off and into the urinal! I had a choice of "putting myself away", so to speak, or going for him before he got out the door. I chose to go for him, and let me tell you, it was one of the worst fights I have ever been in. He was big and tough, and eventually got me in a choke hold. I couldn't breathe, and didn't know if he had my blood cut off or not. I went for my gun, in an ankle holster, and just as I got my hand on it a friend burst through the door and the momentum changed.
Anyway, my point; nature will shrink you when the fight starts. Don't worry about it.
I must say, today I would not respond if he was walking out the door. I was a copper then, and he went to jail. Now I am a private citizen, and unless the guy pressed the attack, i would just take the punch and clean off my glasses.

 

[sidheshooter]

I've been self-studying body language recently in a series of books and observations...

This is of some interest to me as well, psyopspec. Can I trouble you for a few book ideas?


--

Lots of similar responses here, good food for thought. One thing that I don't think I've specifically read yet is "alway look at their hands". It only takes a quick peek to clear most people; I don't like having anyone near me if I don't know exactly what their hands are doing.

 

[MedWheeler]

Don't go anywhere with your gun you would not go without it.

 

[robmkivseries70]

Quote sidheshooter,"This is of some interest to me as well, psyopspec. Can I trouble you for a few book ideas?"

While an anti, Gavin DeBecker's "Gift of Fear" is excellent. While written for women, its message is excellent.
Best,
Rob

 

[FTSESQ]

In another thread I noticed people talking about being sure to keep room between you and the car in front of you in a drive through so you could leave if you had to, that's a good idea.

I do this all the time... But then again I learned to drive in NJ when car jacking were all the rage, so maybe I'm a little biased, but leaving a little extra room between you and the car in front of you is also just safer driving.

 

[psyopspec]

This is of some interest to me as well, psyopspec. Can I trouble you for a few book ideas?

What Every Body Is Saying by Joe Navarro is what I'm reading now. After I finish, I'll be reading a text that an interrogator recommended to me. Don't remember what the title is, but when I get there I'll post. If a book is particularly good, I'll also try to find time when finished to post a review on THR. Blink by Malcom Gladwell is one that I've read/reviewed in the past if you can find the thread. While it focuses more on the way the brain processes and automatically reacts to body language, many of the concepts apply. If anything, the Gladwell book is a series of micro case studies on the subject.

 

[Gouranga]

when sitting in a booth I always try to have my strong hand towards the wall, less likely to be constrained

x2, also, it gives you some cover to get your gun out without being noticed.

 

[TheWarhammer]

Cell phones can be just as dangerous while out of the car as when you are driving.

• Don't get sucked into your phone! If the conversation is that absorbing, find a quiet and safe place to have it, then hang up and pay attention to your surroundings. It's amazing how bad of tunnel vision many of us get while on the phone.
• Don't have long conversations in a parked car. You're easy to sneak up on and there's tons of concealment for a BG. Go inside the building, then have your talk.
• If you must talk while in motion, use a handsfree (bluetooth or wired) headset. Holding the phone up to your head occupies a hand, kills your peripheral vision on that side, and limits your head's mobility to scan your surroundings
• If you need to send or read a text message, look around you first and find a wall to lean against, chair to occupy, corner to get in, etc... Don't walk down the street with your nose buried on your phone, concentrating on the message you're typing rather than your surroundings.
• If you carry your phone in a "holster" wear it on the side opposite your gun. Otherwise, you may be "flashing" every time you get out your phone. (This applies to your wallet, too. Always carry it opposite your gun.)
• Be careful what you say while on the cell phone in public. Remember that others can hear you. Don't call the bank and give them your SSN while you're strolling through the mall. If you're setting up a meeting, be low key so you don't tell everyone around you where you are going to be and when. Don't talk about financial matters in public.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I practice with snap caps a lot. It is the best non shooting excercise you can do.

Other than that just make sure you look around and take note every time to enter/leave you house, car, store, etc.