When was the last time you picked your seat when you went out to dine in a restaurant? When you went to see that action movie did you notice the exits and check out the entering crowd? As you waited in line to get on that commuter train did you look around to see who was behind you on the platform?
We often practice a variety of safety procedures for dealing with threats in our home but facts show that we are safer in our homes than we are in public places. While we are practicing escape and defense protocols against late night intruders remember that it is far more likely that your life will be threatened at a public gathering than in your own home. You need to pay attention in public.
Pick Your Spot
While the restaurant hostess may have a perfectly good reason for placing you in a tight booth with your back to the door nothing is stopping you from requesting a different table. As you enter the restaurant and before approaching the hostess for seating take a good look around the room and decide where the safest available location to sit is. When the time comes to be led to your seat politely indicate that it is important that you sit in the location of your choosing. Choose one that provides you with the best view of the room and its entrances and exits. Make sure that the location you choose provides you with the best available cover, and that it allows unrestricted movement. Try to choose a table in the back instead of a booth in the front of the room. If no choice other than a booth exists make sure you get one that allows your dominate or draw hand to be free of encumbrances without having your back to the door.
Movie theaters are dark, often crowded, and more prone than ever to urban violence. If you can not wait for this season’s blockbuster to get to the local video store then make sure that you exercise caution and security when visiting that multi-plex.
First off, get there early. Crowded lobbies and anxious jostling crowds present insurmountable security concerns. When possible avoid uncontrolled crowds. Buy your tickets early, and give yourself the time and opportunity to scan the theater before the lights go out. Also on the way in check and see if the theater owner has taken the precaution of having real security on hand. You never know when you may need a friend in a hurry. Being early also means you can pick the best location in the theater, but that doesn’t just mean the one with the best view of the screen.
The best location in a movie theater involves finding a seat that provides you with a good view of the entire room, close to the exits. Once again never choose a seat that “boxes in” your dominant hand. Drawing a weapon quickly and effectively requires that you have freedom of movement. Aisle seats remain the best location and they provide you with easier movement toward safety and away from danger.
Being able to react efficiently and effectively also means not being surprised. Choose a seat that allows you to view the patrons as they come into the theater. Watch for those folks who choose to bring backpacks into theaters. Quickly size up the threat from that loud and boisterous pack of youths. Are they “gangbangers” or just “wannabes.” Once the movie starts certainly try to enjoy yourself but also train yourself to break away from the story every so often and scan the theater to observe the behavior of the other patrons. Teach your ears to listen to the background noise of the people in the neighboring rows as well as the soundtrack.
Finally, as the movie is ending your choice is to be one of the very first to get up and leave or one of the very last. Avoid getting stuck in the rush to the door and the crush of bodies that inevitably follows.
Transportation depots in most cities attract the worst elements of those societies since opportunities for quick scores or easy victims abound. Being alert and aware of the people around you is always the key to your personal security. When the location allows make sure there is some distance between you and the crowd. Never stand so close to the tracks or curb that some lunatic can shove you into danger. Position yourself so that both feet are firmly planted and never lean forward. Looking down the platform won’t make your transportation arrive any sooner but looking around the crowd will provide you with a better assessment of possible threats. Always look for those who do not belong in the crowd and as always provide yourself with the opportunity for your hands and arms to move freely.
Airports are the modern bus station. Not just because of the popularity of air travel but also because the low end of society now also congregate at airports. While airports tend to provide a significant showing of security, not all of it is effective, and it may not be there when you need it. The inability for most of us to carry weapons in airports creates the need to rely on our wits and everyday possessions for protection. Again scan the crowds and avoid those people who seem out of place. Keep on hand sharpened pencils, rings of keys, the sharp edge of a brief case and whatever else you can use to fill your hand. As always keep your arms and hands free to move.
Finally, the best defense against public violence is caution and preparation, not bravery. Do not enter areas you know are dangerous. Do not solely rely on supplied security. You are your best guard. If you are someplace that makes you suspicious or fearful for your safety and the safety of your loved ones – leave immediately.
Published in Combat Handguns November 2007
