As the Zimmerman trial is ongoing, it's probably best to start thinking, and planning, ahead of the eventual verdict. If the trial goes the way it looks like it will go and the prosecution keeps putting up witnesses that are making the defense's case then it will probably be not guilty. And in such, I can guarantee you there will be "civil disobedience" which is a politically correct way of saying "riot, loot and burn because I can." While I don't expect to find trouble in sleepy Oklahoma, that's when trouble tends to find you...
So a few thoughts to ponder as we start heading towards the end of the trial:
Always have two ways in and three ways out of everywhere. And that's walking, driving, one a horse, whatever. Know your surroundings, know the quickest exits out of trouble. And as they say in the pre-flight briefing "the nearest exit may be behind you.
Don't have blinders on. Know what's in front as well as behind you and to your sides. Won't ever hurt to keep an eye out to your six every so often.
Avoid known trouble areas. We all know the bad parts of our local areas. No sense in going towards trouble if you know trouble can be found there.
If you don't have a reason to be out, stay at home. Trouble can pop up anywhere and at any time.
If you have to go out, leave a GOTWA plan. where you are Going, Others going with you, Time you are expected back, What to do if you don't return and Actions to take in case of trouble
One thing I've seen in my 20 years of law enforcement and Matt can attest to is people will be stupid and generally don't need a good reason to be so. Frankly unless you know the person, nobody can be trusted during periods of civil disobedience. As we've seen in the past, some people don't care who you are except you are a face that's not the same color as theirs. So be mindful of people and watch their reactions to you and your presence.
Keep an eye on the local news. It's easy to get wrapped up in watching LA or Chicago or Detroit burn to the ground because someone rioted over something that doesn't have any effect on their lives only to miss the fire that was started down the block from you.
When driving, avoid known choke points. Be extremely wary of one way streets and alleys.
It could be a good idea to double up on a magazine load for your CCW and/or home defense long gun and secondary pistol.
Might be a good time to recheck your med kits and make sure everything is where it's supposed to be and within date.
As with anything, remember the OODA loop that Matt always talks about. Observe, Orient, Decide and Act. Continual process until out of the danger area if you happen to be in one.
Communications are key. Make sure you stay in contact with friends and family during these situations.
This isn't an all inclusive list, but rather a start on your own planning. Feel free to add to or take away as needs be.
So a few thoughts to ponder as we start heading towards the end of the trial:
Always have two ways in and three ways out of everywhere. And that's walking, driving, one a horse, whatever. Know your surroundings, know the quickest exits out of trouble. And as they say in the pre-flight briefing "the nearest exit may be behind you.
Don't have blinders on. Know what's in front as well as behind you and to your sides. Won't ever hurt to keep an eye out to your six every so often.
Avoid known trouble areas. We all know the bad parts of our local areas. No sense in going towards trouble if you know trouble can be found there.
If you don't have a reason to be out, stay at home. Trouble can pop up anywhere and at any time.
If you have to go out, leave a GOTWA plan. where you are Going, Others going with you, Time you are expected back, What to do if you don't return and Actions to take in case of trouble
One thing I've seen in my 20 years of law enforcement and Matt can attest to is people will be stupid and generally don't need a good reason to be so. Frankly unless you know the person, nobody can be trusted during periods of civil disobedience. As we've seen in the past, some people don't care who you are except you are a face that's not the same color as theirs. So be mindful of people and watch their reactions to you and your presence.
Keep an eye on the local news. It's easy to get wrapped up in watching LA or Chicago or Detroit burn to the ground because someone rioted over something that doesn't have any effect on their lives only to miss the fire that was started down the block from you.
When driving, avoid known choke points. Be extremely wary of one way streets and alleys.
It could be a good idea to double up on a magazine load for your CCW and/or home defense long gun and secondary pistol.
Might be a good time to recheck your med kits and make sure everything is where it's supposed to be and within date.
As with anything, remember the OODA loop that Matt always talks about. Observe, Orient, Decide and Act. Continual process until out of the danger area if you happen to be in one.
Communications are key. Make sure you stay in contact with friends and family during these situations.
This isn't an all inclusive list, but rather a start on your own planning. Feel free to add to or take away as needs be.
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