There is no bad weather, only bad clothes This old Nordic proverb is not only true for being prepared for inclement weather, but being prepared for all adversities. I’ve had the opportunity to teach my Reality-Based Personal Protection system in Finland and Sweden, in winter no less, and I know first hand how biting that the weather can be in this region of the world. Fortunately, I always had my thickest coat with me, and I had the pockets stuffed with winter gloves, a scarf I bought in Paris, a sailor type beanie cap, and a baseball cap. If it started to rain or snow I could pull out a water resistant hood. I was never cold in these two countries, or in Denmark when I was a tourist in Copenhagen. I give a lot of credit to Norwegian army commando Lieutenant Feet who prepared me well in a cold weather warfare course I took in the mountains of California before I ever took my trip to Northern Europe. Just as it is important to be prepared for extreme weather it is just as important to be ready for natural or manmade disasters. My home is in the Los Angeles area of Southern California, which is notoriously named “earthquake country.” It is not a question “if” a killer earthquake will hit, but “when.” Know this reality my family and I are prepared for “The Big One,” and even the smaller ones that can knock out communications or inflict small damage. I have my emergency water, extra food, camping equipment, and medical supplies ready to go. I hope that I will never need them, but I’m ready for the eventuality. I have even packed clothes should the crisis be in the middle of winter, for “there is no bad weather.” When I am traveling on any public transportation (bus, train, plane, or ferry) I am not only prepared for disasters such as a collision, fire, or even being stranded, but for criminal and terrorist attacks as well. I always carry my Go Bag that has a few essential supplies in it. For instance, if there is toxic smoke or a deadly chemical weapon wafting through the cabin I’ll put on my Personal Protection (PPE) mask; a less than $100 investment, and it can fit in a pant pocket. When I’m not carrying my Go Bag I’m still ready. If an aggressive man in a bar is looking for a fight with me I have the option of deploying my tactical flashlight and zap him in the eyes with a distracting strobe light giving me the possibility to land the first strike with my foot, hand, or the teeth of the flashlight itself. Of course, it’s not just a matter of having proper equipment on hand to get you through adversity, but realistic training, and experience if you have any, is what will see you through the crisis. Be A Hard Target.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 23:49:04 +0000
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