By Reginald Kaigler (DEMCAD)
How would an average single woman fare in the event of a society breakdown? Let's say that there was a situation that caused a major panic, bank runs, riots, chaos in grocery stores, a massive influx in home invasions and much worse. How would a single woman protect herself in such a scenario? I've always wondered how a female could ever be anti-gun, especially when most women are physically smaller and weaker than 50% of the population. Given the fact that most violent predators are men, if attacked, the average woman would most certainly be facing an opponent with superior strength and weight.
So listening to a woman rant against guns has never made any sense to me. But I want to address the women who are sensible enough to protect them. Rather you are a man or a woman, you can be attacked at almost anything. Being a 300 pound, 6'2" man doesn't make me immune to attack. Anyone can be attacked, so we must try to be prepared at all times, so when a crisis happens, we'll be better suited to adapt to the changing circumstances. Here are the principles I try to practice.
1. Situational Awareness
This means being aware of our surroundings at all times. Something that I have failed to do at times. Too often, strangers on bikes have been able to surprise me while I was walking down the street, enjoying tunes on my mp3 player. But living in a dangerous city like Flint, Michigan means that I could only be seconds away from an attack at all times. I have to keep reminding myself to not let the music distract me. In a society breakdown, predators will take advantage of the chaos by targeting vulnerable women (an men). I would recommend that if there are riots in your town, stay off the streets. Rushing to Walmart to buy more food may not be worth the risk of leaving your home unattended. This is why we prep, so we don't have to be in the panicky mob fighting for food.
2. Following My Instincts
Have you ever had a bad feeling about something or a strange place? Well, that's your animal instinct warning. it's the same instinct that allows a deer to sense danger. I used to watch nature shows with my mother when I was a kid and I remember the lions targeting the dumbass prey that was separated from his pack. There's a lesson to learn. Under normal conditions, I walk by myself a lot. During a society breakdown, I would avoid such practice. It would be unwise for a woman (or a man) to travel alone. Remember, the overwhelming majority of women don't carry a gun, so targeting a lone woman during a crisis would be ideal for a predator.
3. Act Quickly! Don't Depend On Some Guy!
How fast you react could be the difference between living and dying. If I were a woman, I would assume that no man would be coming for my rescue. it sounds silly, but a lot of women (and men) think that some government agency or a man will come through in a crisis. Ladies, you are responsible for your own lives. Too many women have been programmed to expect men (and government) to do certain things for them. I asked my sister on several occasions if she wanted to go to the gun range and learn how to shot. I remind her respond at Hurley Medical Center. "No, but I'm a girl. That's for you guys." Ladies, this type of foolishness could cost you dearly.
4. Lock and Load
I highly recommend you consider taking a CCW (concealed carry weapon) permit class and carrying a pistol. If not a pistol, pepper spray, a knife or a stun gun. But you better be ready to use them. And keep in mind that all of these tools require training. I should also add that pepper spray may not stop the assailant as fast as you want. A 12 Gauge pump action shotgun will go a long way in discouraging a rapist. And please, please, don't put labels/signs on your car and home that single you out.
5. Don't Get Singled Out
Do you really need big brushes in front and around you home? it could give a burglar excellent cover when attempting to break into your home? And how much privacy do you really want? A privacy fence keeps noisy neighbors from watching you, but it also provides cover for the burglars.
In the video below, two men try to enter a woman's house by kicking down the door. Fortunately, it was a well made door and she also had a gun for protection. But I suspend that her privacy fence was one of the things that attracted the criminals in the first place.
6. A Dog is A Woman's Best Friend
Nothing will discourage a burglar as fast as a German Shepard or a Rottweiler. You don't need a pit bull to scare a rapist away from your home. A Golden Retriever will bite the hell out of a creeper. Dogs have been used by humans for warning and protection from predators for years. A dog can save during normal conditions and also during the worst. Bottom line, a woman should be prepared for dealing with threats in a scenario where emergency 911 operators aren't able to send the police. I am not a security expert, but my common sense dictates that you should watch the nature/wildlife documentaries and avoid doing what the lamb does. You know, the one that ends up as the lion's dinner.
