How to Survive in a World Gone Mad
It’s hard not to be concerned about your safety when the news bombards you with stories about acts of violence. The increased number of “active shooter” incidents is particularly worrisome. Being concerned for your safety is one thing, but being afraid to live your life is unacceptable. Life is never 100% safe, but there are some very simple actions you can take that may help you avoid danger and save your life.
Earbuds out, bub…
Your noise cancelling headphones might be great on a plane or for blocking out the kids out home, but don’t wear them in public. Take off the headphones and take the earbuds out when in crowds and public places. If you want to protect yourself when things go down, you first need to be aware they are going down, and not completely enthralled with the newest Taylor Swift song. Be aware of what is going on around you.
Eyes open…
Be aware of the people around you. If you think someone is acting strangely or suspiciously, put some space between them and yourself. You might be wrong, but what if you’re right? There’s nothing wrong with exercising a little personal space.
Own the room….
When you fly on a plane, the first thing they do is point out all of the exits. When you walk into a room or building, you should do the same thing. Take stock of your surroundings and know all of the ways out. In panic mode, most people run out the same way they came in: through the main door. This is seldom the quickest way out, but people don’t take the time to find out where the other exits are. It only takes a fraction of a second to scan the room and see. When you are in a panic due to an active shooter or fire it’s best to know two ways out so you can access either the closest exit, or the one that doesn’t have danger between you and it. Want to take it up a notch when staying in a hotel? Note the direction and number of doors between your room and the emergency exit stairwell. In low light or zero visibility conditions you can feel the walls and count the doors to your exit.
Don’t be an easy target…
The old adage that there is safety in numbers still holds true. You are much more likely to be a victim of routine criminal violence (rape, robbery, assault) than an active shooter incident. Your risk drops drastically when you are with a friend or a group. When you walk, walk with a purpose. Get your hands out of your pockets and always maintain a solid stance.
Avoid the creepy places…
They are creepy for a reason. A simple short-cut may not be worth it. Stay in well lit areas, and for crying out loud, don’t go down that dark alley.
While you’re at it, avoid the stairs…
Stairwells are notorious for being dangerous places. Find a better way to burn those calories. Avoid the stairs and take the elevator. When you are on the elevator, don’t stand in the corner where you can be trapped by someone coming in. Stay close to the doors. If the elevator stops and a creepy person comes on, get off. Take the next elevator. Don’t be stuck alone with them in an enclosed box.
RUN…
Don’t panic, but run. If things go badly your best course of action is to get out. Get away from your assailant(s) as fast as you can. Even if they are shooting their odds of hitting a moving target drop dramatically. Be a moving target.
Know when to call for help…
If you are being attacked by a single assailant then yell for help as you run away. If it’s an active shooter event then don’t draw attention to yourself. Just run. In either situation don’t try to call 911 until you have reached a safe area. Just get out of the area, then call.
Can’t Run? Then hide…
Hide and barricade yourself in a room if you can. It may buy you precious time for help to arrive. In active shooter incidents, they likely will move on to easier targets.
Don’t go down without a fight…
When all else fails, fight back. Don’t go quietly. If you have a licensed concealed carry firearm its use should be your last resort. Your first efforts should always be to avoid or escape the conflict, but if you can’t then don’t be an easy victim. Fight as if your life depends upon it, because it does. If you have something in your hand then throw it at your attacker before you charge or fire. Most people’s reaction when anything is thrown at them is to duck or cover, no matter what is thrown. Don’t believe me? Wad a simple piece of paper up and throw it at someone and see how they react. This momentary distraction may give you the advantage you need to come out on top. If your assailant is amped up on adrenaline or in a killer rage it may not affect them, but what do you have to lose at this point? Avoid, flee, hide, fight, survive.
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