[hornet]

Lately there have been several threads of how to REACT to a potential incident especially when isolated from a crowd. Each proving a excellent source of suggestions, ideas and thoughts.
Most predators will seek out what they perceive is weaker prey.
How do you keep yourself off their radar? This keeps becoming more difficult
for many as we age and become much less then what we were in our youth.

 

[gandrfab]

 

[FfNJGTFO]

Like Miyagi-san always said, "Best Block.... No be there." I try hard, these days to avoid being in dangerous places. When I can't avoid it (which is quite rare, these days), I'm on super SA Alert.

 

[Shark1007]

A wise field training officer told me along time ago “stay ready, that way you won’t have to get ready“

As we age I think avoidance is our best defense. We have to remain very vigilant and if we see a group that could be a danger we may have to take the path of least resistance and cross the street. The predators do look for the weak and I suppose they look for the wimpy or potential victims who look away and won’t make eye contact, have some obvious physical disability or by their posture or the way they walk they look weak. It’s kind of like the lion seeking out the weakest antelope in the pack or the one with the bad leg.

something to consider as we age is that if a fight breaks out or an attack happens that we don’t anticipate, we will likely wind up on the ground. That concerns me a little bit because I carry at 4 o’clock and it would probably be pretty uncomfortable on my sacroiliac to land on a 1911.

The other thing many of us have to overcome, myself included, is the mental mindset that we are still 21 and a bad ass. I often tell people I still feel like I’m 21 until I stand up out of a chair. One defense I suppose is, if accosted, to put your hands up in a surrender mode and tell the attacker, if they speak English that you have had two heart attacks in the past and you don’t want to die. Your hands will already be up within striking distance and that may buy you a little time to retrieve a knife or a pistol if you are carrying at the moment. By that, I mean you should learn and be ready do utilize a couple dirty tricks like a strike to the throat, stick a finger in their eye or other assorted dirty tricks. You need to be competent with them because if not, the results could be disastrous.

Then you need to practice those words of wisdom uttered by Snagglepuss “exit, stage left”

I did see a movie one time where a weak guy was accosted in a bar and a fight was about to break out. He loudly announced “$500 to the first guy who beats this guy‘s ass for me!“ I guess it’s kind of like getting bumped off an airline flight. If you get no takers, raise it to 600.

 

[mike1956]

I operate on the assumption that I am on their radar, and base my philosophies and practices accordingly.

I keep my doors locked, but understand that such actions will only slow, not deter.

 

[brownie]

Lately there have been several threads of how to REACT to a potential incident especially when isolated from a crowd. Each proving a excellent source of suggestions, ideas and thoughts.
Most predators will seek out what they perceive is weaker prey.
How do you keep yourself off their radar? This keeps becoming more difficult
for many as we age and become much less then what we were in our youth.

Don't move about in public to able to be seen on their radar. Today, if someone puts themselves out there in the public [ grocery shopping, gassing at the pump, just driving in public, school functions if you have kids, etc ] you name it, if it's in a public setting there's a chance for trouble to brew over into your lap during or coming and going to same. The chances of becoming a radar blip on some asshats radar screen is higher than it's been in previous decades.

If it's difficult to stay or one can't be guaranteed staying off BG's radar as they engage the world in public settings no matter what how they try to negate the potential, there's a chance one will become a statistic [ assault/robbery stat ].

So if you engage in the world in public, it's nearly impossible to not be a blip on someone's radar screen at one time or another as a potential vic. Better have some forethought as to what you personally can do to defend yourself, and a modicum of talent to use various tools [ including your own body ] to extricate oneself from the radar screen.

At 70, my mentality is to be as grey as possible, and if that doesn't work and trouble finds me again anyway, the game being played will not be the same game played when I was much younger. For me, the world today appears to move past me much slower, but trouble seemed to always move at warp speed. I doubt that's changed much in the 20 years I've been out of the street games.

“Be prepared, son. That's my motto. Be prepared.”

 

[Calimwulf]

Don't move about in public to able to be seen on their radar. Today, if someone puts themselves out there in the public [ grocery shopping, gassing at the pump, just driving in public, school functions if you have kids, etc ] you name it, if it's in a public setting there's a chance for trouble to brew over into your lap during or coming and going to same. The chances of becoming a radar blip on some asshats radar screen is higher than it's been in previous decades.

If it's difficult to stay or one can't be guaranteed staying off BG's radar as they engage the world in public settings no matter what how they try to negate the potential, there's a chance one will become a statistic [ assault/robbery stat ].

So if you engage in the world in public, it's nearly impossible to not be a blip on someone's radar screen at one time or another as a potential vic. Better have some forethought as to what you personally can do to defend yourself, and a modicum of talent to use various tools [ including your own body ] to extricate oneself from the radar screen.

At 70, my mentality is to be as grey as possible, and if that doesn't work and trouble finds me again anyway, the game being played will not be the same game played when I was much younger. For me, the world today appears to move past me much slower, but trouble seemed to always move at warp speed. I doubt that's changed much in the 20 years I've been out of the street games.

“Be prepared, son. That's my motto. Be prepared.”

What this gentleman said.

 

[Ronnie948]

Ya wanna stay safe?
Just go to Delaware and move into Joe Biden's basement with him and his hosebag, Doctor Jill.
Just don't bring a female or any children weather male or female because they won't be safe from sniffing and probing from """YOU KNOW WHO"""
Ronnie

 

[oldhunter1954]

Don't move about in public to able to be seen on their radar. Today, if someone puts themselves out there in the public [ grocery shopping, gassing at the pump, just driving in public, school functions if you have kids, etc ] you name it, if it's in a public setting there's a chance for trouble to brew over into your lap during or coming and going to same. The chances of becoming a radar blip on some asshats radar screen is higher than it's been in previous decades.

If it's difficult to stay or one can't be guaranteed staying off BG's radar as they engage the world in public settings no matter what how they try to negate the potential, there's a chance one will become a statistic [ assault/robbery stat ].

So if you engage in the world in public, it's nearly impossible to not be a blip on someone's radar screen at one time or another as a potential vic. Better have some forethought as to what you personally can do to defend yourself, and a modicum of talent to use various tools [ including your own body ] to extricate oneself from the radar screen.

At 70, my mentality is to be as grey as possible, and if that doesn't work and trouble finds me again anyway, the game being played will not be the same game played when I was much younger. For me, the world today appears to move past me much slower, but trouble seemed to always move at warp speed. I doubt that's changed much in the 20 years I've been out of the street games.

“Be prepared, son. That's my motto. Be prepared.”

Are you saying you do not go grocery shopping, gassing at the pump, just driving in public, school functions if you have kids, etc??

 

[mike1956]

Are you saying you do not go grocery shopping, gassing at the pump, just driving in public, school functions if you have kids, etc??

I didn't read that anywhere in his post.

 

[brownie]

Are you saying you do not go grocery shopping, gassing at the pump, just driving in public, school functions if you have kids, etc??

What I posted was "Don't move about in public to able to be seen on their radar. Today, if someone puts themselves out there in the public [ grocery shopping, gassing at the pump, just driving in public, school functions if you have kids, etc ] you name it, if it's in a public setting there's a chance for trouble to brew over into your lap during or coming and going to same. "

I could have stated this instead "Don't move about in public to be able to be seen on their radar, OR know you're likely one day to be on someone's radar.

Of course people still need to live their lives which means out and about in public, but they should be aware that no matter what steps they take to be a grey man, not stand out nor drawing unnecessary attention, if you're out in public, you can't negate the fact one day you may become the object of someone's attention with nefarious intent.

The title is -------
"Besides your level of awareness to avoid trouble, how do you keep yourself safe?"

How do I keep myself safe in public besides SA? Forethought, plain and simple.

Forethought includes

1.observing object around me that can be used as unconventional weapons and staying in yellow mode unless inside my home [ not in the public's eye ].
2. 50 years of advanced H2h training
3. 50 years of advanced weapons training
4. Experience navigating and interacting with the criminal elements on the streets
5. Recognizing where any particular situation may be headed, and deciding whether it's a fight or flight situation for me personally. Gotta know when to hold em, know when to fold em [ pick your fights carefully/discretion is the better part of valor the older I get apparently ].
6. There are likely more but I'm sure people get the point here

 

[CDW4ME]

I stay out of big cities
Avoid crowded places
Avoid going places where I'd be disarmed
Unless something out of the ordinary is happening I'm usually home by 6PM
I avoid stupid people & places (excepting WalMart) - I don't go to bars.
If I'm wearing shorts, I'm armed.

 

[Rick McC.]

I’ve called out someone trying to get in my six and get closer twice.
First time was in a parking lot. I got my back against a car, said in my command voice “stop right there” as I chicken-winged my right arm, but not exposing or touching my pistol.
The guy said; “oh, I was just going to get your cart;” though he’d passed a cart corral on the way to me. I told him to go find another one; “like all those you just walked by.”

The second was in a wally world. Guy followed me through several isle changes I’d made to see if he would keep it up. He did, so without any hesitation, I spun around with my back to an end cap, chicken winged, and (command voice again) said; “why the hell are you following me!”
He said “I’m not following you,” and immediately scooted down the next isle away from me.

THEY WERE BOTH LYING… I knew it, and they knew I knew it.

 

[Rick McC.]

As far as daily practices;
my regular trips out for whatever reason include my looking around (360*) parking lots, adjacent cars, people everywhere within my vision (groups, outliers, any looking strange, or looking like they’re working at not looking, body language, even weapons/potential weapons they may have), both upon arrival, and the same when leaving. Same same minus cars while in the stores.

At night, all the above, plus unending head swivels, passenger goes in the car first and immediately locks the car door. After I give everything one final going-over; I’ll unlock just my door, enter quickly and immediately lock it. I don’t attach my seatbelt until I’m pulling out onto the road.

I always walk “with a purpose,” head up, and alert looking. If I see anyone looking at me; I look back, making eye contact unless they look away too quickly. Then I keep an eye on them, and any “acquaintances” they may have. I try to not look anything like a “potential victim.”

These days; I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t be doing the same…

 

[racer88]

I keep my doors locked, but understand that such actions will only slow, not deter.

Reminds me of a meme I like:

 

[bladenbullet]

I'm an out there kinda guy...I walk with my head up and acknowledge everyone in my extended space...

It's not to draw attention to myself as much as it is let people know I am aware of their presence and I am present...not unaware...

I am not a conversationist...I am usually quite brief and to whatever point is being discussed with little fluff..I'm a poor interview and will usually win with a head game of my own...I can talk my way out of just about anything...if not I use it to slide away during the process...

I am happy in large crowds or the middle of nowhere all alone...so there isn't a setting I am uncomfortable in...I enjoy cities because they are so full of life but spend most of my time isolated because I enjoy my own company and recreation...

I have lived out of the cheapest motels with questionable neighbors but never felt threatened...

I just enjoy life and all the perks that go with it...it's worked for me so far...

Improvised weapons are my life...my students get a kick out of it and sometimes it becomes a game of "Mr v what could you do with this?"...

I just live my life...

 

[hornet]

quite the variety of responses. From blind them with a bright light and get on the offense to stay home with the doors locked and the alarm set.
some things I was thinking of would be:
1. avoid gun free zones
2. forget the idea of carry a "self defense" cane that you don't need for walking as it makes you appear even more vulnerable.
3. avoid atm's
4. avoid being out between midnight and 6am.
5. even though life has slowed down and your walking pace has slowed to match when out and alone pick up the pace
6. don't be distracted or look as if you are distracted. Pay attention to your surroundings and not your cell phone. No unnecessary talking, texting, etc. Don't be over involved in deep conversation with person you might be walking with.
7. try hard to keep the gun hand free and not full of packages.
8. park under a light pole. for some reason I feel this is especially important at Walmart!
8. avoid showing a wallet (or purse) is full of credit cards or cash. be discrete at the register.
9. not necessarily a way of reducing your appearance of being a easy target but important to note is you can always be armed, even in a gun free zone.
they have been called "stick of death" (a simple 6" wooden dowel) or Kubotan. see pix below. ebay key chain.

 

[mike_1950]

At 71 years of age...a tour in Vietnam...yes navy... in country stationed in combat helos, 6 WESTPAC cruises working on flight decks everything from hot refueling aircraft to loading 2000lb bombs and various missiles, a tour as a member of Armed Forces Police, ex county sheriff deputy among the numerous stupid things I have done as a kid, drunken sailor and just plain everyday idiot....I unfortunately have developed a I don't give a $hit attitude! I lived many years longer than I thought possible and I am not going to sit in my house worried about if COVID is going to sneak up on me or someone will out smart or out draw me in the mall or in a Burger King. I have had hours and hours of defensive training but I realize all the training in the world will not cover every scenario in which I can have someone get the jump on me. I do not have eyes in back of my head and I find it highly unlikely I can out gun 5 guys with AKs with my CZ 15 rd handgun. I just try to stay prepared to defend myself, but I am not naive to think I got every situation I am in covered. I worry more about my heart losing the mere 40% function it has than getting shot.

 

[Riverpigusmc]

I just keep my normal happy, friendly facial expression on. Worked so far

 

[RadTek]

I just keep my normal happy, friendly facial expression on. Worked so far

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting you face to face, but the mental picture I’ve developed of you via this forum is horrifying enough I’d keep my distance if we passed on the sidewalk. 😂😂