March goes out like a Lion and April in like a Lamb…. as say they say.
When I think of April, I have good thoughts <3
April brings about beautiful landscapes. Flowering shrubs and trees, daffodils, lilies, tulips, a beautiful showcase of blooming Azaleas.
It seems the allure of springtime also creates an opportunity for bad things to happen.
April is sexual assault awareness month.
Perhaps it should be every month, but as many seniors are leaving the nest, it is a good time to focus on some simple tips to stay safe. Unfortunately, things can happen anywhere, to anyone, at anytime – day or night.
One in three females victims (of either) completed or attempted rape experienced it for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17. SOURCE
When looking or moving your child into school,
take note of where the campus security stations
Simple things like not walking alone, especially late at night.
Know the schedule of buses or trams and when they stop running.
If you’re studying late at night, make sure to communicate with a roommate or friend.
Let others know where you are going to be and with whom.
If you’re the parent of a graduating student (or friend), a great graduation gift would be some measure of self defense (for example pepper spray). Layering self defense tools is also a good idea. Having a flashlight, whistle or personal alarm can also be helpful.
Almost one in four undergraduate women experienced sexual assault or misconduct at 33 of the nation’s major universities. SOURCE
I’m personally speaking from experience and it’s one of the events that lead me to start Incognito Wear IX. I experienced frustration and a sense of helplessness.
My daughter didn’t want to talk about the event. So, how do you help your child process though a horrific event. I was shocked to find out that the campus police don’t seem to be too interested in solving, taking on the case, or investigating the event.
Nor do the schools want the publicity of such an event or events.
My daughter wanted to forget the event and want it to “just go away”. I can understand how and why victims are so reluctant to speak out against their attacker.
One reason is the shame. Secondly, the embarrassment of the event and self blame. I believe the biggest reason is the fear of not being believed and having to relieve the trauma over and over.
I hope you or your child Never experiences an assault. It’s a difficult topic to speak about.
I believe getting professional help is critical; even as your child insist “they are fine” – They are NOT!
Emotional trauma should be processed in order to move through the event and on to good mental health.
The best solution for prevention, of course, is to become situational aware of your surroundings. Keep your head on a swivel. Make Eye contact and make mental notes of what you observed.
Again, having a flashlight, whistle, personal alarm, pepper spray, tactical pen, or (if campus carry or of proper age to carry) a firearm.
Be observant. Does it look normal? Would someone wear a winter coat in summer?
I invite you to share with your child the increase usage of date rape drugs, especially common at universities. For this reason, Never leave a beverage unattended.
Awareness of methods of attack are helpful, but what if…. this happens to you or someone you know?
I invite you to check out a few fictional novels that deal with this topic by an author who has experience and training in dealing / processing deep trauma for emotional health.
Given the current status of society (breakdown) and the increase in crime of all sorts, it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, the exponential increase in gun ownership as of late. in fact, 44% of US housholds owns a gun. That means there are a lot of “concealed carriers” out there. We are all on our own personal journey to self reliance, empowerment and protection.
We all have a right to defend ourselves. It’s a God Given right, regardless of what others may try to convince you of.
In this video, some of what many trainers in the industry agree with, are skills to hon in on and to practice.
Learning a new skill and habits take time. Learning a “new way to think” takes practice.
So, what is the most important skill when you carry?
Situational awareness!
As one who carries on a regular basis, it’s my hope and prayer, that I’ll never need to use it.
By utilizing my senses, sight first, keeping my eyes and head scanning the area around me, I can see who’s coming and going. I can avoid any potentially harmful situation.
This is the importance of SITUATIONAL AWARENESS! It gives you a chance to retreat, escape, and avoid being robbed, attacked, or worse…
Secondly, Making a wise decision to leave or flee a situation BEFORE the unthinkable happens, this my dear friends, is your Goal. Decision making is your next best skill to master. When the adrenaline starts flowing, your fine motor skills won’t. This is why thinking through “what if…” scenario helps to keep your mind sharp and to run on “auto-pilot” when your body enters into that heightened state of stress.
Remember, Your best fight is the one you didn’t have. And that is what we all hope for.
Some of the best tactics to keep your family safe…
Now that the Easter Bunny has come and things are beginning to look a little more normal, are you planning a vacation this summer?
When my kids were young, I liked to take my kids to different places during the summer and explore our great country. I imagine after being restricted from traveling, my guess is many of you are itching to take a road trip! Whether it be to see some friends, family or somewhere new.
Here’s 3 concealed carry tips for traveling with protection (your firearm).
First, and I’d say the most important tips is to know the concealed carry laws along your route and for your final destination. There’s an easy way to do this, assuming you already have a concealed carry permit in your home state.
This map will show you the other states that honor your license to carry, so you’ll know immediately, if you can carry where you are going.
Note the placement of the hands on the steering wheel
Secondly, knowing what to do if you get pulled over by police. Remember your Driver’s Ed class? Place your hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel, turn on the dome light if it’s dark and wait for the police to approach you.
* I’ve heard this Tip if you are concealing and you get pulled over, extend your fingers out (hands of course being at 10 and 2 on steering wheel) that this is a non-verbal way to politely communicate to the officer that you’re armed.
Remember, when traveling, to check the state laws whether or not you must notify the officer if you have a firearm.
Make sure everyone in the family knows what the plan is, any key words and the expected action family members are to take. All the hotels have escape routes posted. Make sure you have your own escape route too.
If you have small children, practice it often so they are familiar with the words and the routine. Albeit, a little trickery when traveling with young ‘uns.
Remember, knowledge is power and being prepared can save lives. AND, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the scenery!
As my husband and I walked our way in to the woods to a tree stand for an evening hunt for coyotes, I became aware of so many similarities to living a lifestyle of self-reliance and predator hunting.
This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting friends’ farmland and had my first experience in hunting (other than a dove shoot). My husband grew up hunting and I’ve always been happy for him to have the opportunity to get in the woods. Now I fully understand why he likes to get in the woods.
Dove Shoot 2014
I knew that brought him such joy and peace to experience God in this way. To be one with the woods, nature and creation. Such beauty that a camera lens can’t capture. The sun shinning in your eyes as it plays pic-a-boo for a while as it slowly ducks behind a row of trees.
The evening sky glows in hues of pink, red and orange across the horizon. Even though it’s winter time (end of January 2021) most of the vegetation is brown and lifeless.
However, the woods are chirping with life. The sounds of squirrels, birds, ducks, deer, turkey and predators like coyotes and bobcats fill the air.
My first tree stand view and predator hunt
I was unaware at the beginning of our walk in, the importance of being as quite as possible from the beginning starting out with a quiet bad boy buggy and including our walk to the hunting stand. I admit, my husband had to tell me several times as we walked to be quite – the journey to the tree stand mattered and it’s important not to bring attention to ourselves or to disturb the habitat and run the animals off.
A semblance of what I believe the criminal “human predator” is like. He’s quite in every manner; doesn’t draw attention to himself or his environment. He leaves no evidence of being on the prowl.
We’re hunting predators, those (criminals) seeking to harm and kill the weak. My husband says it this way “they (coyotes) are an uninvited guest to an invitation only party”. The DNR (department of Natural Resources) calculates many factors, such as herd size statistics and food resources, into hunting guidelines.
Because coyotes aren’t native to Georgia (where I’m hunting) they can be hunted year round.
A coyote looks for an easy kill. Usually the weak and young, like a fawn.
Criminals look for easy targets. Are you a fawn? A deer in headlights? Are you situational aware of surroundings?
Unaware of surroundings
You might be if you’re constantly looking at your phone. Do you have the volume turned up with earplugs in? Do you meander in the parking lot on the way to or from your car, the mall or office?
These “transitional” spaces are the highest risks for attacks and abductions. You should be on high alert when getting in or out of your vehicle, coming out of a door or rounding a corner or blind area.
How is a female of 100 pounds or 200 pounds going to resist the strength of a man who’s likely taller, stronger and intent on causing harm, kidnap or more violent acts?
To me and many others, this is the power of having a firearm for protection and why it’s important for to carry on body. Concealing a firearm on body takes some time, but if you’re ever in a situation it’s best to be prepared! Not a victim.
Georgia DNR has no closed season for predators. This means predator hunting can be done year-round without limitations on how many can be harvested. And by whatever means (to do so effectively) like using night vision, thermal vision and such equipment. However, this doesn’t mean that you can do so without a license!
The is the same manner in which a human predator might hunt for their prey. For a “would be victim” to defend themself against such a predator, s/he needs a tool that can stop the threat, stop the attack on their life.
One of the best ways to stop this threat is with a tool that can give the victim the upper hand, the strength and power / muscle to fight back, defend her or himself and escape.
Such an equalizing tool is a firearm.
There are plenty of predators looking for victims, do your part to not become one.
Visit your local gun range to find a firearm and training.
Visit IncognitoWearix.com to shop for concealed carry clothing and holsters. Our Made in America clothing is styled to minimize the appearance that you carry.
Hide in plain sight
Like the owl (our animal symbol) keep your eyes and head on the lookout while you stay camouflaged and carry protection tools necessary for your survival.
There’s no question we’re living in unusual times and some difficult circumstances that test one’s patience more than we may care to be tested. Can I get an “Amen”?
Difficulties heighten due to the pandemic and it’s an election cycle like no other! Add the violent riots, destruction and you’re probably (and wisely) concerned about your safety.
This fact shows in the record numbers of firearm sales and new gun owner exercising their Second amendment rights and understand they are responsible for their safety. Please make sure to vote and continue to support this right.
So, what can you do to minimize conflict when you go to the polls – or even just out and about?
Number one – consider what you’re wearing as you head to the polls. Never before (certainly not in my lifetime) has clothing seemed to be so controversial. In fact, the amount of rage expressed from some “threads” is unsettling.
Play it safe and don’t make a political fashion statement. This can/could be considered “campaigning” – which isn’t allowed. Always check your state rules. It’s better to be informed than to be turned away.
And, yes Poll workers can send you home.
Additionally, this year are concerns about Covid 19 while voting…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have drawn up an extensive guide. Let’s face it, you’re probably quite familiar with them by now- Good hand washing practices use of hand sanitizer, and wearing a face mask or other face covering in public settings
A few tips for a more enjoyable experience at the polls:
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring your own pen and or stylus. However, not all polling stations allow this, so individuals should check in advance.
bring a portable chair to sit in if you are concerned about long lines, [and] Review as you should be familiar with who and what’s on your ballot prior to getting into the booth.”
But don’t stop there with preparedness for a day at the polls. Keep your eyes up and scan your surroundings constantly.
Bankers do a “drive around” before parking to open up the bank. Why?
The same reason you want to be observant as you pull into the polling place. You want to watch for anything suspicious. Anything.
A stray and or unattended package, someone videoing or taking pictures or anything that seems out of place.
Be aware of any chemical odors coming from a package or vehicle. Keep your head and eyes up, not down at your phone.
I know it can be tempting to hop on social (are you following us ?) while waiting in line. Scan the area often, remain vigilant and report any suspected criminal scheme targeting voters to the FBI immediately
Malicious and misleading information is easily and widely spread via social media platforms, texting, or peer-to-peer messaging apps on (smart)phones. Keep in mind, not all publicly available voting information is accurate, and some is deliberately designed to deceive you to suppress turnout.
Double check your polling facility location and times the polls are open, even for early voting. .
Always consider the source of voting information. Ask yourself, “Can I trust this information?” Look for official notices from election offices and verify the information you found is accurate.
Help defend the right to vote by reporting any suspected instances of voter suppression—especially those received through a private communication channel like texting—to your local FBI field office.
Learn to be aware of surroundings, noticing exits and to read the mannerisms of others. These are skills you can develop, but change takes time and practice.
