“Those who do not learn history are boomed to repeat it” George Santayana.
On this Veterans Day, I couldn’t think of anything more profound. Today, as we celebrate all those who have served this country, who have fought and have seen first hand the cost of our Freedom.
Our past, whether our country’s or our own personal past, is what makes us who we become in the present.
We learn and grow by our experience. Because of those who went before us, We are a GREAT country! We’re founded on Christian values and principals which guide us to be and become our best.
This may seem like a Halloween nightmare! But it’s real; and it happens just that Quick!
I give this woman kudos for her alertness and seeing the men, giving her time to back up but she wasn’t prepared. What could or should she have done? What would you do in this situation?
We have awareness months for so many good causes. For example, October is Brest Cancer Awareness Month, but we fail to make every monthSituational Awareness Month in our own lives. By being aware of your surroundings you are scarring the attacker away! You are not going to be an easy victim.
Additionally, imagine how this scenario could have turned out if these simple procedures were enacted.
One, carrying a loaded firearm or other self-defense tool. Two, LOCK your vehicle doors and keep your keys in your pocket or hands.
Here’s the deal: “The attackers choose the who, when, where and the how of the attack. The defender never knows when (and seldom if) they are going to be targeted”. (from ParatusPlease).
Please develop a habit to ALWAYS LOCK your car doors. Lock them when you exit the vehicle, specially at gas stations. Lock them if you’re ‘just going to be a second’. A second is all it takes -for someone to steal your vehicle, your purse, or more.
Better yet, learn to protect yourself. A second can change your life. You will be your own first responder. Listen to that little voice that’s warning you! Don’t succumb to a false sense of “politeness” or fail to act due to some self imposed “embarrassment” if you do ___ or act this way that someone may think…x,y,x. It’s time to take this seriously. Your life may literally depend on it. Besides, if your gut is right won’t you be glad you listened and acted reasonable. Awareness is a deterrent.
photo: preppersillustrated.com
Being aware lets you think through your options of response. Do you fight? Do you de-escalate? Do you speak and / or make eye contact? Do you have a weapon to fight back? Either non-lethal or lethal.
Having a plan in advance is critical. Thinking rationally in the midst of being attacked is not likely. You can only go where your mind has already been.
There are lots of non-lethal options to choose from if you’re not ready for a firearm. Begin by putting some layers in place. Living a lifestyle of safety may mean changing your wardrobe as you make this shift in your daily routine and develop new habits.
It’s all a process; slow and steady. Small changes can be huge.
Just remember the saying by Clint Smith who said it best, “Carrying a gun is not supposed to be comfortable, it is supposed to be comforting.“Yes, it may be heavy, bulky, a little scary, uncomfortable-at times, and a wee bit challenging.
I know first-hand the challenges in dressing around a firearm. I had a
closet full of “Nothing to wear” clothes. Nothing that wouldn’t print the image
of my gun. That’s one reason I started designing clothing because we carry too!
Most concealed carry options are designed for men. Tight or fitted clothing is
not a good choice when you want to concealed carry.
See danger before it gets you!
The idea of course is to see danger before it sees you! Criminals are looking for easy targets. That means the victim never sees the danger coming until it’s too late! We don’t want you to be that person.
Start today with making a single small change. Start noticing people around you – you might actually be surprised at how many are completely unaware (they’ll be the ones with their face down & on their phones) – but not you! You are starting a new safety habit ?.
I’ve started making this a game. After speaking with someone and you are no longer in their presence, try to recap what they are wearing. Could you give a detailed description on the individual for a rendering? You can even do this with people passing you on the street. The focus is to actually LOOK at people.
Learn from my mistakes #112 – Your kids are more risk than you think!
Happy Fall Y’all! I know many of you are ready for cooler weather – me too! It’s been a hot summer and I’m beginning to see signs of Fall- Yeah! What does this mean for you and keeping your kids safe?
Daylight hours are fading and Halloween decorations are showing up everywhere! If you have young kids, this is an exciting time.
BUT- there’s a spooky side ….
Are you talking to them about staying safe? Specially, about a different kind of ‘stranger danger’. It’s likely, your family will be in some crowded area this fall enjoying fall festivals, going to corn mazes, bon fires, camping and of course a night of “Trick or Treating”.
How aware are you?… really aware of who may be among the crowds looking at your kids?
Let’s begin thinking in layers and being aware of our surroundings. Most of these events are in large crowds, lots of people, young and old. Should you need to defend yourself, considering that more people are beyond your target, And, since one of our RULES OF GUN SAFETY this many not be this best plan or first line of defense. Not to mention, this action could make for a legal nightmare.
Given that (drawing a firearm) isn’t a great first choice, have you empowered your children to also be a part of their own self-defense? There are some great options in the way of non-lethal tools available on our site, like TackiKey or pepper spray or even better Protected Pepper with Shield Technology, that alerts five close contacts that you have deployed the pepper spray. This is from Damsel in Defense, for which I am a consultant.
There’s another type of threat that we don’t commonly think about and it’s not a pleasant thought either. The thought there are predators seeking to steal our children and maybe in a position of authority (with our kids). Primarily, child pornography and sex trafficking.
How do you talk to kinds about these unpleasant topics? We’ve got an answer! There’s a book series, Safe Hearts from Damsel in Defense, to help explain on a kid’s level what’s not ‘normal’ behavior from an adult. We should be aware and also teach our children to listen and respect that small inner voice and what to do if they ever find themselves in such a predicament.
From Damsel in Defense Safe Hearts series
I know first-hand, that this type of thing can happen at any age, even at college- male or female. It’s important to teach ‘em while they’re young! I’m grateful my son sensed something wasn’t right and listened to that voice – trusted his instinct. I admit these sort of topics weren’t widely discussed nor did they have the news coverage when my children were young, nor was I living a lifestyle of safety then. Again the statement rings true; Knowledge is Power
Enlarge your circle of empowerment by teaching your kids, who will tell their friends and share correct knowledge and what to do if they ever experience such a situation. It’s unfortunate that this is reality. Better to be prepared, as best as possible.
Cape Coral, FL — October 3, 2019 —The Women’s Concealed Carry Alliance is pleased to announce the launch of its website and alliance community!
The Women’s Concealed Carry Alliance announces the launch of their website – www.WCCAlliance.com <http://www.wccalliance.com> . Led by Kristen Franke, the WCCA is a collaboration of women business owners from the firearm’s industry whose main focus is to bring high quality concealed carry solutions to more women. We’re calling all women to join us, sign up, it’s FREE to be a part of this exciting community.
The WCCA is founded by a group of women entrepreneurs who have united their businesses and strengths to assist others in their walk to becoming self-reliant. Collectively, these women have over 25 years’ experience selling their products to the gun industry, primarily women. This alliance creates a resource for ladies looking for empowerment, support, encouragement and products as each one blossoms to be who they were created to be with confidence.
“We each started our small businesses to help women in crisis. And now we want to combine forces to not only
encourage more women to learn about personal safety but also provide them with
the proper resources,” said Marilyn Smolenski.
“Through this partnership, we plan to reach more women, provide more resources, create a community and support for women in their endeavor for real solutions,” said Jan Wolbrecht. The WCCA includes six established women-owned businesses including Packin’ Neat (Kristen Franke), Cute & Cocky (Nikkita Gordon), Hiding Hilda (Dawn Hillyer), Nickel & Lace (Marilyn Smolenski), Dark Alley Denim (Joelle Orem) and Incognito Wear IX (Jan Wolbrecht).
“From first-hand experiences, we know the struggles of
finding women-specific concealed carry options.
Why not supply these options in one place and allow these industry
leaders to share personal experience and insight,” stated Kristen Franke.
The Women’s Concealed Carry Alliance is a collaboration
of women in the firearm’s industry. Real
women who created businesses solving the unique challenges they faced in their
own lives for concealing a firearm and or protecting themselves and loved ones.
Joining forces, these female-focused companies have partnered to launch the
Women’s Concealed Carry Alliance. It’s a
collaboration with a focus on bringing high quality concealed carry solutions.
Look for more from the Women’s Concealed Carry Alliance.
“Come join us in this mission, sign up today!” It’s FREE!
Are you afraid of sounding … well, let’s say “uneducated” when it comes to talking about firearms? Mag or clip? Bullet or cartridge?
If you are new to the shooting industry it can be a little overwhelming understanding the correct lingo.
If you’re like me, I didn’t want to use improper terms and sound uneducated. After all education is a part of being safe around firearms.
So, which terminology is correct – Concealed carry or conceal carry? Mag or clip?
Wikipedia defines the term in the past tense since of the act of concealment has already been completed. :
“Concealed carry (carrying a concealed weapon (CCW)) refers to the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed or hidden manner, either on one’s person or in close proximity. While most law enforcementofficers carry their handguns in a visible holster, some officers, such as plainclothes detectives or undercover agents, carry weapons in concealed holsters. In some countries and jurisdictions, civilians are legally required to obtain a concealed carry permit in order to possess a firearm. In others, a permit is only required if the firearm is not visible to the eye, such as carrying said weapon in one’s purse, bag, trunk, etc. The opposite of concealed carry is called open carry.”
Magazine or clip? Bullet or cartridge?
” A cartridge is the proper name for a complete round of ammunition. Round is another term that is accurate and acceptable. A round or cartridge is made of several different components put together.” The bullet is the pointed or rounded top end, the projectile, that is forced out of the barrel due to the explosion (from gunpowder) when shooting. Check out a few others terms from GunBacker.
One more common term that gets misused is – Automatic or semi- automatic. In these days of the anti-gunners, it seems if it sounds scary then that is the word for the narrative.
A true Automatic firearm is found only on a battlefield (military purpose). Civilians are only allowed to own and possess semi automatic; meaning you must physically move the trigger each time in order to shoot a round (down range). Read more from Gun Trader.
Another confusing term to many is single action or double action. It is what it says it is. If your firearm is a Single -Action, when you pull the trigger, it does ONLY one action – drops the hammer. Likewise, a Double-Action firearm, does two functions. It will cock the hammer and drops the hammer, thus allowing the shot and the bullet flying down range.
Here’s to helping you better understand of some of technical lingo of becoming a responsibly armed shooter.
