Last month we talked about avoiding “Gun Free Zones” and letting store owners know the economic impact of their decision to make you un-welcome in their stores. But what can you do to protect yourself when you can’t avoid a gun free zone.
First, in Gun Free Zones mandated by law, you must follow the rules. The State or Federal Government is not forgiving of what you may see as an infringement on your rights. The consequences both monetarily as well as limiting your future right to own and/or carry guns is not worth it. Find another way to get your business accomplished without risking a potential felony gun possession charge.
There are some common sense ways to help keep yourself safe:
- Don’t go places you suspect as being dangerous; such as known drug or solicitation neighborhoods, or poorly lit streets or alleys. This is not just an issue in big cities, small and medium sized towns have crime prone areas as well.
- Be aware of your surroundings, Keep your head on a swivel and take the headphones off when you walk or run so you can hear someone approaching.
- Cross the street if you are approaching a group of people loitering in the sidewalk.
- Distance from an attacker is your friend. If someone approaches you in a manner that makes you feel threatened, Loudly yell “Stop! Do Not Come Any Closer!” it is much better to be slightly embarrassed than to let them get too close and risk assault.
- Carry one of the new high strength pepper sprays with a belt clip, you will not have time to fumble in your pockets or purse to get to it.
- Sit near an exit, with your back to a wall so you can see all entrances to the room and no threats can come at you from behind.
- If you are going to be in a darkened area such as a theater, or auditorium, carry a high intensity flashlight. Small powerful lights with 150 – 200 lumens can temporarily blind an assailant especially if equipped with a strobe function. There are several choices that are small enough to fit in your pocket from companies such as Fenix, Surefire, and Streamlight.
Remember, to someone with criminal intent you are “Prey”, just as the lion goes after the slowest gazelle, the criminal is looking for an easy target. If you display awareness to potential threats and appear prepared they may just decide to wait for an easier target.
Private property such as stores or other venues is another matter and many people feel that concealed means concealed. If you enter a store that displays a “No Guns” sign either accidently or intentionally and the proprietor suspects you are carrying, leave if requested. Failure to leave could result in a trespassing charge if Law Enforcement is called.
I once heard the story of a Law Enforcement Officer attending a public social event in uniform. A patron questioned him on wearing his sidearm and was asked “If he was expecting trouble that night”? His reply was “No Maam, if I was EXPECTING trouble I would have brought my rifle”.
The point is that we never know when trouble may present itself. As a private citizen the decision to carry a firearm is a personal one and carries great responsibility. The reason you carry is for your own safety or that of another. Simple precautions to prevent a confrontation and avoid a situation that requires the use of your firearm is the best outcome of all.
Next month: Christmas ideas for the Shooter in your life.
Until then …….Safe Shooting!