MARCH 26, 2024 – Each day you turn on the news or scroll through social media, there’s another report of someone being robbed or murdered because they were unable to defend themselves when the bad guys busted through the door.
I fully support our law enforcement officers, but I refuse to sit around and wait for them to show up at my house or wherever I may be when I encounter someone intending to harm me or my family.
This is why I asked some law enforcement and military friends for safety tips at home and on the street.
The Gear You Need To Stay Safe
Everyone loves collecting new gear, so let’s start with the essentials-
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Firearm & spare ammo
- Flashlight
- Wallet, keys, & phone
- Spare batteries
- Hat & belt
- First aid kit
I rarely leave the house without a pocket knife; when I do, I inevitably need it. Opening boxes might be as simple as using a knife, but it can also deter someone intending to mug me or my loved ones. Many military members also tell me to carry a multi-tool because they’re so handy in various situations.
When carrying a pistol for protection, you should always carry spare mags because you never know how many threats you might have to stop. And it’s one of those things that you’d rather carry around a little extra and never need it than wish you had it when you’re forced to defend yourself.
Yes, your phone has a flashlight on it that’s great for seeing which key unlocks the house, but not much more than that. Carrying a flashlight designed for self-defense is ideal because it can be used to blind and disorient an attacker, giving you time to get away and get help. My flashlight can also be used to bust car and house windows in case of other emergencies like a fire or car wreck.
I always pat myself down as I walk out the door to check if I have my RFID-blocking aluminum body wallet, keys, and phone. My wallet helps protect my cards and identity, while my keys help me unlock the house or my car; they can also be used as self-defense weapons in areas where firearms and pocket knives are not allowed. My phone is used to keep in touch with those closest to me and call for help if needed.
However, suppose your flashlight or phone is dead. In that case, they’re pretty useless, which is why several of my military buddies recommended carrying spare batteries and a charger in your vehicle and on your person if you can.
I’m a big believer in always wearing a hat and belt. The hat helps keep the sun or bright lights out of my eyes so I can constantly be surveying my surroundings. My belt keeps my pants held up and the rest of my EDC gear secure.
According to my buddy, a former Army Combat Medic, USMC Combat Lifesaver & Tactical Combat Casualty Care Instructor, and paramedic, the most overlooked gear in most people’s EDC is a first aid kit. Even a simple kit can help save a life in an emergency. Even if you plan to use a plate carrier and body armor, you should always have a medic kit for yourself or your loved ones.
The Skills You Need To Stay Safe
While getting the right tools for the job is essential, you also must develop the skills to use those tools effectively; otherwise, you’re putting yourself and those around you at risk.
- Hand-to-hand combat training
- Firearms training
- First aid training
As a former wrestler, I understand what it’s like to be in a fight with rules. However, a fight for your life is entirely different, and I believe everyone should undergo hand-to-hand combat training. Learning proper striking, kicking, and blocking techniques to avoid getting hit and taken to the ground is a critically important skill to develop and is often overlooked by most individuals.
I’ve shot guns my entire life, so I don’t need training, right? WRONG! Military members are constantly sharpening their shooting skills, and we should, too. I’m not just talking about going to the range, either. Learn proper shooting form and techniques, how to efficiently reload your weapon, shoot from behind cover, properly disassemble your gun, and always keep your pistol barrel pointed in a safe direction and any other skill you might need when defending yourself and those around you.
Just because you purchase a first aid kit doesn’t mean you know how to use it. Properly utilizing a tourniquet can be the difference between saving someone’s life and limbs or dying. It’s also essential to identify when it’s safe to move someone or wait until help arrives so you don’t cause more severe injuries.
Parting Shots
After reading this article, your most significant takeaway should be never to stop training. All of my law enforcement and military buddies are constantly training; even though they’re already good at what they do, there’s always room for improvement.
Don’t forget to keep your head on a swivel and watch your six. Stay safe out there!