There’s a lot to think about when you start carrying a firearm for your self-defense. Have I trained enough? Am I printing? What do I do if I’m going to a gun-free zone?
Preparation for this type of incident in a gun-free zone could make the difference between going home safely and a trip to the morgue. I’m not suggesting that responsibly armed Americans ignore a legal gun-free sign, but people like Wyatt and Abdullah disregard such concepts.
How do you train for when you’re unarmed in a gun-free zone?
I’m position myself with an escape in mind. I look for choke points and points where being trampled are likely. From research I’ve done it seems you’re more likely to incur an injury from a panicked crowd than the shooter.
I also try to see the threat coming. This isn’t always possible but I definitely scan more frequently when unarmed.
Carry other “weapons.” Pocket knife, a tactical flashlight, etc. Also, know your “weapons of opportunity.” At close range, a chair, or fire extinguisher is better than nothing. Like the article says, know your exits, and places you can duck and cover if needed.
My biggest defense is to avoid such places. Luckily, I do not run in to this issue in Kentucky, but, when traveling, I am always looking for the best positions to occupy, access to ingress and egress points, cover and concealment and weapons of opportunity.
Honestly, I run a go/no-go list through my head and decide if the place or activity has adequate security protocols in place to keep the public and people I care about safe. If not, then it has to be pretty high on my “To Do List” in order for me to lock up my gun!
Sometimes living the lifestyle involves making decisions that you don’t really want to make…