SITUATIONAL AWARENESS 101
- Thread starter MaureenO
- Start date
There is also the "throw away" matches with money
I was told once to carry a matchbook with a $10 bill clipped to it.
If caught in a situation where your approached by someone who you don't like their looks and they ask for a "light"
tell them "sure and have a drink on me" pull out the matches so they can see the bill
and toss the matches at the ground, hopefully they will bend over to pick them up ...
then run like hell.
I was told once to carry a matchbook with a $10 bill clipped to it.
If caught in a situation where your approached by someone who you don't like their looks and they ask for a "light"
tell them "sure and have a drink on me" pull out the matches so they can see the bill
and toss the matches at the ground, hopefully they will bend over to pick them up ...
then run like hell.
MaureenO
Another Infidel
Initially I started this thread to alert people to potential terrorist activity, but as the elections near, we have to revisit that.
As well as being situationally aware of potential shooters or homicide bombers, we now need to look for potential rioters or other political malcontents. This should be fairly easy as rioters tend to congregate in groups. DC sniper-type incidents could also occur.
If Obama is not elected, I expect to see some random and specific acts of violence that could include attacks against soft targets (schools, churches, shopping venues, hospitals, etc.) as well as drive-by shootings and massive looting. If he is elected, I expect some white supremacist reactions.
I never dreamed I would need to place my kids away from the front areas of my home, but I plan to do that as a mitigating factor against drive-bys or arson.
I suggest we all take care to observe for congregating groups of any ethnicity; vehicles or pedestrians who appear to be casing the area, and keep your ears open at parks, stores and areas where groups of people congregate. Listen to your school age kids (especially high school age) and ask if they have any idea as to the "pulse" of their campus. High schoolers in many areas are quite politically knowledgeable and are capable of violent action.
Please add anything else to this thread that you think is appropriate to the current conditions. We are possibly in for a rough ride in the near future.
Maureen
As well as being situationally aware of potential shooters or homicide bombers, we now need to look for potential rioters or other political malcontents. This should be fairly easy as rioters tend to congregate in groups. DC sniper-type incidents could also occur.
If Obama is not elected, I expect to see some random and specific acts of violence that could include attacks against soft targets (schools, churches, shopping venues, hospitals, etc.) as well as drive-by shootings and massive looting. If he is elected, I expect some white supremacist reactions.
I never dreamed I would need to place my kids away from the front areas of my home, but I plan to do that as a mitigating factor against drive-bys or arson.
I suggest we all take care to observe for congregating groups of any ethnicity; vehicles or pedestrians who appear to be casing the area, and keep your ears open at parks, stores and areas where groups of people congregate. Listen to your school age kids (especially high school age) and ask if they have any idea as to the "pulse" of their campus. High schoolers in many areas are quite politically knowledgeable and are capable of violent action.
Please add anything else to this thread that you think is appropriate to the current conditions. We are possibly in for a rough ride in the near future.
Maureen
adgal
Veteran Member
After reading your post - a thought came to mind and I wondered what your response would be...
We live in a rural town in NW Illinois - the population of the high school is about 1200 students. More than 75% of those students are on the "free-lunch" list (lower economic demographic.) I would guess that perhaps 30% of the students are black. However, we do have gangs and occassional shootings in our town.
If Obama loses - I'm wondering if I want to send my children to school the next day.
We live in a rural town in NW Illinois - the population of the high school is about 1200 students. More than 75% of those students are on the "free-lunch" list (lower economic demographic.) I would guess that perhaps 30% of the students are black. However, we do have gangs and occassional shootings in our town.
If Obama loses - I'm wondering if I want to send my children to school the next day.
MaureenO
Another Infidel
Well, Illinois is a "hot" area and I would ask myself the same question. My answer is simple, if your kids are aware of the political climate at their school, and if it is hostile to an Obama loss, I might consider keeping your kids home on the 5th and pursue a "wait-and-see" stance for that day.
You can also ask your school administrators if they have any reason to suspect destructive activity as a political response to the election.
An Obama win may also elicit a chaotic response in celebration and entitlement.
The reason it's such a tough call is because none of us wants to be cowering in fear, but we have a responsibility to act in protection of our children.
There is another choice for you and that is to advise your kids on when and how to leave campus should bad behaviour break out.
Maureen
adgal
Veteran Member
Well, Illinois is a "hot" area and I would ask myself the same question. My answer is simple, if your kids are aware of the political climate at their school, and if it is hostile to an Obama loss, I might consider keeping your kids home on the 5th and pursue a "wait-and-see" stance for that day.
You can also ask your school administrators if they have any reason to suspect destructive activity as a political response to the election.
An Obama win may also elicit a chaotic response in celebration and entitlement.
The reason it's such a tough call is because none of us wants to be cowering in fear, but we have a responsibility to act in protection of our children.
There is another choice for you and that is to advise your kids on when and how to leave campus should bad behaviour break out.
Maureen
I really appreciate your perspective - thanks so much!
MaureenO
Another Infidel
Shacknasty Shagrat
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Lots of good points MO
Always look for the anomalies, things or people out of place or time.
SS
Always look for the anomalies, things or people out of place or time.
SS
Shacknasty Shagrat
Has No Life - Lives on TB
The wildland fire acronym is appropriate in these developing circumstances.
LCES.
LOOKOUT
COMMUNICATIONS
ESCAPE ROUTE
SAFETY ZONE
These are the general guidelines. YOU have to fill in the blanks. Are you going to bed early on election night?
How will YOU get in touch with friends and family?
How will you get out of a bad area?
Where will you go?
Given the inflammatory statements of the Black Panthers and other Obama supporters, you might want to mentally walk though these bullet points.
SS
LCES.
LOOKOUT
COMMUNICATIONS
ESCAPE ROUTE
SAFETY ZONE
These are the general guidelines. YOU have to fill in the blanks. Are you going to bed early on election night?
How will YOU get in touch with friends and family?
How will you get out of a bad area?
Where will you go?
Given the inflammatory statements of the Black Panthers and other Obama supporters, you might want to mentally walk though these bullet points.
SS
MaureenO
Another Infidel
Phil Ca
Inactive
This AM I started updating my commo that may be needed the next few days or even weeks. My FRS/GMRS radios were checked fr batteries and operational status. I have a couple of scanners to check over this afternoon and then I will see thhat my carbine is in its proper place with attendant equipment.
If anyone watched the Youtube vids about potential for riots I am sure you are doing the same. Not wanting to sound over-dramatic but the Boy Scout maxim is, after all, "Be Prepared".
I need to donwload my digital camera to have room for photos of any \thing that happens for insurance or evidentiary reasons as well.. Check batteries in cameras ad have spares ready. I chose my digital camers because it uses "AA" batteries as well as the rechargable ones.
Keep a decent flashlight by the door and do not leave home w/o it. Carry it owr another inthe car and remember they make a decent impact device if need the arises.
Ihave a graden hous with nozzle at each end of the house and 4 working ABC extinguishers as well. One in the garage, one in the kitchen, two by the front doorand a couple of BC types in the car.
Our neighborhood is about 90 percent retired and elderly folks. DW and I are now 70 and don't get around as well as we did a few years back. We do not plan on runnng away from here but probably could not stand a sustained siege either. I doubt that it wil come to that but we are prepped with a couple three firearms and I have plenty of training in their use. I pray it does not come to that.
Do not forget to keep the medical kits at the ready. If you are really concerned you could fill the bathtub with water Tuesday evening, JIC!
One more thing, keep shoes, socks and sturdy clothing near when going to bed. pretend you are living in EQ Country. Actually we do live there.
Thanks Maureen for bringing up this thread again.
Blessings all.
If anyone watched the Youtube vids about potential for riots I am sure you are doing the same. Not wanting to sound over-dramatic but the Boy Scout maxim is, after all, "Be Prepared".
I need to donwload my digital camera to have room for photos of any \thing that happens for insurance or evidentiary reasons as well.. Check batteries in cameras ad have spares ready. I chose my digital camers because it uses "AA" batteries as well as the rechargable ones.
Keep a decent flashlight by the door and do not leave home w/o it. Carry it owr another inthe car and remember they make a decent impact device if need the arises.
Ihave a graden hous with nozzle at each end of the house and 4 working ABC extinguishers as well. One in the garage, one in the kitchen, two by the front doorand a couple of BC types in the car.
Our neighborhood is about 90 percent retired and elderly folks. DW and I are now 70 and don't get around as well as we did a few years back. We do not plan on runnng away from here but probably could not stand a sustained siege either. I doubt that it wil come to that but we are prepped with a couple three firearms and I have plenty of training in their use. I pray it does not come to that.
Do not forget to keep the medical kits at the ready. If you are really concerned you could fill the bathtub with water Tuesday evening, JIC!
One more thing, keep shoes, socks and sturdy clothing near when going to bed. pretend you are living in EQ Country. Actually we do live there.
Thanks Maureen for bringing up this thread again.
Blessings all.
MaureenO
Another Infidel
This AM I started updating my commo that may be needed the next few days or even weeks. My FRS/GMRS radios were checked fr batteries and operational status. I have a couple of scanners to check over this afternoon and then I will see thhat my carbine is in its proper place with attendant equipment.
If anyone watched the Youtube vids about potential for riots I am sure you are doing the same. Not wanting to sound over-dramatic but the Boy Scout maxim is, after all, "Be Prepared".
I need to donwload my digital camera to have room for photos of any \thing that happens for insurance or evidentiary reasons as well.. Check batteries in cameras ad have spares ready. I chose my digital camers because it uses "AA" batteries as well as the rechargable ones.
Keep a decent flashlight by the door and do not leave home w/o it. Carry it owr another inthe car and remember they make a decent impact device if need the arises.
Ihave a graden hous with nozzle at each end of the house and 4 working ABC extinguishers as well. One in the garage, one in the kitchen, two by the front doorand a couple of BC types in the car.
Our neighborhood is about 90 percent retired and elderly folks. DW and I are now 70 and don't get around as well as we did a few years back. We do not plan on runnng away from here but probably could not stand a sustained siege either. I doubt that it wil come to that but we are prepped with a couple three firearms and I have plenty of training in their use. I pray it does not come to that.
Do not forget to keep the medical kits at the ready. If you are really concerned you could fill the bathtub with water Tuesday evening, JIC!
One more thing, keep shoes, socks and sturdy clothing near when going to bed. pretend you are living in EQ Country. Actually we do live there.
Thanks Maureen for bringing up this thread again.
Blessings all.
Thank you, Phil, that's all very good advice.
Maureen
BigFootsCousin
Molon Labe!
MaureenO
Has the threat assessment changed post election?
I feel like we're now being indoctrinated to assimilate a new potential WMD attack, possibly by Al Quada, possibly by other rogue muslim entities.
I know that this field is so dynamic and can't for certain be pinned down and 100%, but I feel like our current Bogeyman has changed.
Call it a professional foreboding if you will, but my sixth sense is on active alert lately and I'm not sure what to make of it.
Your feelings on this?
BFC
Has the threat assessment changed post election?
I feel like we're now being indoctrinated to assimilate a new potential WMD attack, possibly by Al Quada, possibly by other rogue muslim entities.
I know that this field is so dynamic and can't for certain be pinned down and 100%, but I feel like our current Bogeyman has changed.
Call it a professional foreboding if you will, but my sixth sense is on active alert lately and I'm not sure what to make of it.
Your feelings on this?
BFC
MaureenO
Another Infidel
Yes, BFC, the threats or possibilities have changed (enhanced) due to the election results. Your sixth sense is correct. Listen to it.
No matter how the election turned out, the dangers increased.
Should something tragic happen to the President-elect, (God forbid) we will have a backlash of racial violence such as this country has never known.
Personally, I believe our danger level has risen significantly.
Mo
Warthog
Black Out
The only people they're intrested in indoctrinating is good U.S. Citizens.
BigFootsCousin
Molon Labe!
MaureenO
Another Infidel
My intent is to advise all who wish to take and consider good survival methods. I am willing and anxious to hear of others' advice which has been added, but I'd like to see more.
We're all in this together. Aren't we? If you agree, then please contribute as we can all benefit.
By "all" I mean us good guys who care for America and each other.
Maureen
onehappyferret
Contributing Member
Situational Awareness ?????
I am guilty! I let my guard down in a "friendly" area the shooting range and my friend and I almost lost a gun!!!! Assume nothing!, assume nothing! You have to be on guard all the time!
I am guilty! I let my guard down in a "friendly" area the shooting range and my friend and I almost lost a gun!!!! Assume nothing!, assume nothing! You have to be on guard all the time!
cory
Deceased
Boy, is that ever the truth.
I live a few miles from the real "Ground Zero", the Pentagon.
What's scary? The way people merge and weave through traffic around here.
I live a few miles from the real "Ground Zero", the Pentagon.
What's scary? The way people merge and weave through traffic around here.
MaureenO
Another Infidel
BigFootsCousin
Molon Labe!
It certainly would be nice to let concealed carry Doctors, Nurses, et al actually 'carry' in a hospital environment, don't ya think?
And it would be prudent IMO, to allow teachers who have their conceal carry that option as well.
It seems to me that the areas that are most prone to violence are the least protected. Why is this? This is the most awful social planning misadventure that could be contrived by TPTB.
With all of the talk about possible strikes against these type of institutions it would make sense to allow these responsible people to add a layer of protection for those that they serve, the children and the patients.
BFC
And it would be prudent IMO, to allow teachers who have their conceal carry that option as well.
It seems to me that the areas that are most prone to violence are the least protected. Why is this? This is the most awful social planning misadventure that could be contrived by TPTB.
With all of the talk about possible strikes against these type of institutions it would make sense to allow these responsible people to add a layer of protection for those that they serve, the children and the patients.
BFC
DustMusher
Deceased
+1 BFC
I have always said that a Gun Free Zne is nothing more than a designated Free Fire Zone for the bad guys.
I was trying to figgure how to concieled carry in scrubs - but then AH HAH! Carry the Walther in an ankle holser. Only a .380 but better than throwing a scalple.
DM
I have always said that a Gun Free Zne is nothing more than a designated Free Fire Zone for the bad guys.
I was trying to figgure how to concieled carry in scrubs - but then AH HAH! Carry the Walther in an ankle holser. Only a .380 but better than throwing a scalple.
DM
MaureenO
Another Infidel
NOW you're using your head!! :-) And don't forget there's a very nice chest holster to use under your scrub top.
Mo
MaureenO
Another Infidel
It certainly would be nice to let concealed carry Doctors, Nurses, et al actually 'carry' in a hospital environment, don't ya think?
And it would be prudent IMO, to allow teachers who have their conceal carry that option as well.
It seems to me that the areas that are most prone to violence are the least protected. Why is this? This is the most awful social planning misadventure that could be contrived by TPTB.
With all of the talk about possible strikes against these type of institutions it would make sense to allow these responsible people to add a layer of protection for those that they serve, the children and the patients.
BFC
It's better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6, my friend.
Mo
alpha
Veteran Member
Always, always carry concealed at the shooting range!
Always, always carry concealed at the school!
Always, always carry concealed at the post office!
Always, always carry concealed at the grocery store!
In other words, carrying concealed means "carrying concealed"! What others don't know about you may very well save their, as well as your life!
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!!
mbabulldog
Inactive
bump
dieseltrooper
Inactive
http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=9420617
Police Arrest Suspects at Crossroads Mall
Posted: Nov 26, 2008 02:09 PM
Updated: Nov 27, 2008 07:38 AM
FEATURED VIDEO
Police Arrest Suspects at Crossroads Mall
Police have surrounded the suspect's vehicle.
Police have surrounded all the mall's entrances and exits and are attempting to locate the suspect.
News9.com
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City police arrested two suspects at Crossroads Mall, including an alleged gunmen.
A police helicopter was following a vehicle with three suspects inside because authorities received a report that Brandon Gunn, one of the suspects, brandished a gun on Interstate 40.
An unidentified pickup driver told police he had exchanged obscene gestures with the driver of the SUV the suspects were driving before someone in the SUV pointed a gun at him.
The three suspects drove into the parking lot of Crossroads Mall, and one of them ran into Dillards.
Police did not evacuate the mall. Authorities surrounded all the mall's entrances and exits and are were able to surround the suspects' vehicle.
Police did not find a gun on the suspect that ran into Crossroads Mall.
One unidentified person was arrested on a warrant out of Arkansas and another, 21-year-old Brandon Gunn, on a complaint of pointing a firearm. The third suspect was also was apprehended but not arrested.
Employees within the mall did not report any disturbances. Police and mall security aked workers to remain calm and let customers shop freely.
Some stores voluntarily locked down during the incident.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This was not a terr incident, but road rage gone ugly. It got me to thinking of the SA thread and holiday threats, now with Mumbai... Here is a scenario that comes to mind.
A KISS simple op, like Mumbai, targeting any mall in America. Lets's say this mall has 6 public entrances. 6 shooters with AK's (semi-auto) hit these entrances on cue, randomly shooting the nearest people. Everyone panics and heads where? Away from the shooters, and INTO the mall. Having herded the panic-stricken sheeple into the center of the mall, they can either shoot them all or play the hostage game.
Police Arrest Suspects at Crossroads Mall
Posted: Nov 26, 2008 02:09 PM
Updated: Nov 27, 2008 07:38 AM
Police Arrest Suspects at Crossroads Mall
News9.com
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City police arrested two suspects at Crossroads Mall, including an alleged gunmen.
A police helicopter was following a vehicle with three suspects inside because authorities received a report that Brandon Gunn, one of the suspects, brandished a gun on Interstate 40.
An unidentified pickup driver told police he had exchanged obscene gestures with the driver of the SUV the suspects were driving before someone in the SUV pointed a gun at him.
The three suspects drove into the parking lot of Crossroads Mall, and one of them ran into Dillards.
Police did not evacuate the mall. Authorities surrounded all the mall's entrances and exits and are were able to surround the suspects' vehicle.
Police did not find a gun on the suspect that ran into Crossroads Mall.
One unidentified person was arrested on a warrant out of Arkansas and another, 21-year-old Brandon Gunn, on a complaint of pointing a firearm. The third suspect was also was apprehended but not arrested.
Employees within the mall did not report any disturbances. Police and mall security aked workers to remain calm and let customers shop freely.
Some stores voluntarily locked down during the incident.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This was not a terr incident, but road rage gone ugly. It got me to thinking of the SA thread and holiday threats, now with Mumbai... Here is a scenario that comes to mind.
A KISS simple op, like Mumbai, targeting any mall in America. Lets's say this mall has 6 public entrances. 6 shooters with AK's (semi-auto) hit these entrances on cue, randomly shooting the nearest people. Everyone panics and heads where? Away from the shooters, and INTO the mall. Having herded the panic-stricken sheeple into the center of the mall, they can either shoot them all or play the hostage game.
MaureenO
Another Infidel
The Universal Fire Code requires that businesses have exits which are situated to the rear of the stores. Some of them lead to enclosed "alleys" and others lead directly outside.
If an active scenario is in play, it is unlikely the shooters have every exit covered from the outside. It is not impossible, though.
One needs to differential between "cover" and concealment." Cover offers a high degree of protection from gunfire and concealment simply hides you but offers little cover.
Search for cover and exits upon entering a mall or other venue such as a big box store, a hotel or a theatre.
Maureen
Wardogs
Deceased
You should never have to shop in fear, but the senseless murders at that Omaha, Nebraska mall remind us that violence can happen almost anywhere. Because it can, it isn't a bad idea to have an exit strategy in the back of your mind.
In the very unlikely event that you find yourself in a situation like that in Nebraska or previous shootings this year in malls in Salt Lake City, Kansas City, and Douglasville, Georgia, there are simple actions you can take to increase your changes of getting out unharmed.
Get in.
The long, wide corridors and hallways lined with stores in a mall provide us with easy access from one store to another. In situations where a shooter is on the loose, they are also going to be the first route of escape for shoppers. The panicked rush of people attempting to use these corridors to escape increases the risk of being trampled in a mob. It goes without saying that these long open hallways provide next to no cover from any bullets fired.
If you happen to be walking in the mall and a shooting occurs, get into the nearest store or side hallway.
Get low.
Firearms, be they handguns, rifles, or shotguns, are typically fired from the shoulder. Most bullets or pellets travel roughly on a horizontal plane from shoulder to waist high. By going prone, you decrease your chances of getting hit. Once down, stay down. Bullets have no problem penetrating multiple layers of building materials. Just because you do not see the shooter does not mean you are out of danger.
Get out.
Stores do not bring their merchandise in through the front door. Almost all have loading docks, and to comply with fire codes, an emergency exit that leads either to a back hallway, or provide directs access to the outside of the building. Look up for the "exit" sign on the ceiling at the back of the store, and make your way there as fast as possible, keeping as low as possible.
Keep moving.
Once you make it outside, keep moving. Put as much physical space and as many physical objects between you and the scene as possible.
Putting it all together.
* Get in.
* Get low.
* Get out.
* Keep moving.
The odds of getting shot in a mall shooting are extremely low, but you can reduce those odds even further by being in a self-aware, ready state (yellow, for Jeff Cooper disciples) and take these common sense steps if you hear or see a similar violent situation developing. There's no need to be paranoid, but after so many events like this in recent years, it is immature to pretend that such events can't happen.
File that bit of information in the back of your mind. I'll pray you never have occasion to use it.
wardogs
In the very unlikely event that you find yourself in a situation like that in Nebraska or previous shootings this year in malls in Salt Lake City, Kansas City, and Douglasville, Georgia, there are simple actions you can take to increase your changes of getting out unharmed.
Get in.
The long, wide corridors and hallways lined with stores in a mall provide us with easy access from one store to another. In situations where a shooter is on the loose, they are also going to be the first route of escape for shoppers. The panicked rush of people attempting to use these corridors to escape increases the risk of being trampled in a mob. It goes without saying that these long open hallways provide next to no cover from any bullets fired.
If you happen to be walking in the mall and a shooting occurs, get into the nearest store or side hallway.
Get low.
Firearms, be they handguns, rifles, or shotguns, are typically fired from the shoulder. Most bullets or pellets travel roughly on a horizontal plane from shoulder to waist high. By going prone, you decrease your chances of getting hit. Once down, stay down. Bullets have no problem penetrating multiple layers of building materials. Just because you do not see the shooter does not mean you are out of danger.
Get out.
Stores do not bring their merchandise in through the front door. Almost all have loading docks, and to comply with fire codes, an emergency exit that leads either to a back hallway, or provide directs access to the outside of the building. Look up for the "exit" sign on the ceiling at the back of the store, and make your way there as fast as possible, keeping as low as possible.
Keep moving.
Once you make it outside, keep moving. Put as much physical space and as many physical objects between you and the scene as possible.
Putting it all together.
* Get in.
* Get low.
* Get out.
* Keep moving.
The odds of getting shot in a mall shooting are extremely low, but you can reduce those odds even further by being in a self-aware, ready state (yellow, for Jeff Cooper disciples) and take these common sense steps if you hear or see a similar violent situation developing. There's no need to be paranoid, but after so many events like this in recent years, it is immature to pretend that such events can't happen.
File that bit of information in the back of your mind. I'll pray you never have occasion to use it.
wardogs
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