SITUATIONAL AWARENESS 101

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
I agree with Phil and Summerthyme: there are some places I don't go (or avoid at certain times), and if I feel something is not right about an area, I leave.

One problem of living near a major university is that there are a certain number of harmless weirdos who are part of the population. The guy with the pink hair who is sitting in a Subway restaurant, arguing with invisible people about global warming and Santa Claus is not a terrorist. The guy at Kroger who is wandering the aisles, looking for Jesus, isn't a problem, either. The young idiot with the baggy pants and the toy gun in his pocket who has come to rip off the store can be handled (the former Vietnam vet who runs the self-checkout area will toss him on the floor and stomp him.)

What's odd looking? The FBI agents, with their crisp shirts and ties. They come looking for "students," sometimes Arab, sometimes Chinese. They flash pictures and their cards around. Sometimes they buy coffee and stand around in the OSU Union, trying to blend in. They don't. Sometimes I freak out a lot more when they're around because I know something is happening. Either that or someone from DC is coming later to give a speech. We don't always know. Sometimes things like that are kept quiet until the last minute.

Traditional situation awareness is harder in those circumstances. I have to go on feelings because there are lots of baggy clothes that can hide weapons, lots of people whose eyes aren't quite right (is it drugs or an all nighter?), lots of foreigners, some who are even there legally, just trying to get ahead, build a better life.

But I do stay away from large crowds and avoid being herded into areas that have few exits.
 

eXe

Techno Junkie
_______________
Thanks Maureen, good info and lots of good reminders.

This line cracked me up

We pretty much know what a suspicious person and vehicle looks like on TB2K.

Because when I read that all I could think of was this.. :lol:

Arab+with+camel_889_18057477_0_0_6192_300.jpg
 

timbo

Deceased
Good gosh eXe! A guy like that just went past my house a couple of hours ago!:shkr:

Back to subject. You know what the hardest part of being a professional witness is?

Police work is 98% rotten sheer boredom with 2% raw sheer 'poop your pants' terror.

The thing is, you never know when the 2% is going to hit.

Today, for all of us, it is the same thing. We never know do we?

We may go for years and it will be that sameo sameo blah gettin' through life.

Or maybe tomorrow you will see or hear something that will change your life forever.

But if you have your head down, going over the grocery list or what you said to your neighbor you will miss that time you needed to be aware.

Tunnel vision,one of the great dangers that happen to us while under great stress.

Years ago, a detective was caught on video in a bank standing in line.......right behind a guy with a gun robbing the teller. The gun was out and pointed at the teller.
The detective drew his gun and ordered the guy to drop it.

At the very next window, the bad guy had an accomplice who shot and killed the detective.

Tunnel vision is that which happens in a natural way. It makes the body look at the most dangerous thing confronting the body.

It is most difficult to overcome. It can be done with the right forethought and then has to appear to be a part of the norm to ignore your tunnel vision.

Just a comment on ST's post about eye contact at a mall or whatever.

Most and I would say most of any size populace do NOT make eye contact. In smaller communities that is not the norm.

So yes, go with what your environment tells you to do.

Tomorrow, if you are out and in one of those larger communities, keep your head up! Try to make eye contact. Not ogle or gawk at people, just try to make that eye contact. It is almost impossible. Yeah, you'll get that one or two but I'll bet a dozen bananas that it will be very few.

Just thought of a new motto for us: Bored to tears, but very vigilant.
 

Stormy

Veteran Member
Good Thread, For Sure. Thanks, MaureenO!

What about Situation Awareness not only in meat world, but here on a world-wide message board as well?

I am continually amazed at what folks on here post as to how much food, water, ammo, guns (and post pics), precious metals, cash on hand, their net worth, what their house is worth, etc. Yes, it it easy to get into a discussion because we are a great community of people here and want to talk about stuff like that.

But none of us knows just *WHO* is reading this board and their intentions. We don't know their ability, if any, to find out who we are in the real world. They could have capabilities we don't know about; it's an uncertain world.

Just remember what you post here is available to everyone on earth that has internet access.

Not meaning to stifle the great information we continually share at TB2K, but just a reminder to be as careful with confidential information as you are in a dark parking lot at K-Mart.
 

adgal

Veteran Member
Excellent Thread and Comments!

Something that Meemur said caught my eye:

Meemur said:
The guy with the pink hair who is sitting in a Subway restaurant, arguing with invisible people about global warming and Santa Claus is not a terrorist. The guy at Kroger who is wandering the aisles, looking for Jesus, isn't a problem, either.


Now, it could be that Meemur really knows these folks and has already been able to decide whether or not they are dangerous. But I have interviewed people who have been "looking for Jesus" and are concerned about everyone being "purified" and have decided that the best way to purify folks is to lock them in a building and set it on fire. I think the best point this thread has made over and over is that we don't know where the threats are coming form and we have to use all of our senses (even our sixth sense) and always be alert and aware.
 

Meemur

Voice on the Prairie / FJB!
Actually, one of the weirder "Jesus freaks" turned out to be an undercover officer. Can't go into specifics on how I now know that, but when I see him these days, I nod and tell him I'm praying for him, which makes him smile because he has another assignment.

Adgal, if you don't have experience living in a university town, it's hard to describe how odd it gets around here sometimes.

And tomorrow is game day again . . . hopefully . . . no fires . . . I stand ready with my hose and my mace.
 

MaureenO

Another Infidel
Yep, that is one of the few things I remember from that novel, the 'True Witness'.

In your car, driving, anywhere, anytime, is where you are most likely to get hurt or killed. Terrorist crap is irrevelent compared to driving. The idiot on your tailgate is much more dangerous to you than Usamabama Muhamabed will ever be.

Pay attention when you are driving. Death is at your fender, countless times every day. Pay attention when you are driving and drive like a person of sense.

Or you won't get to live to see doomsday. Wouldn't that suck !

Being in a car , on a road, is the most dangerous thing you do.

Probably.

You are certainly correct about the hazards of driving, however, this thread is not about that.

We are trying to brush up on situational awareness as it relates to terrorism or other criminal activities.

For the newcomers here, especially those with LE, FD, Military or security experience, if you have any lessons you would like to convey, please jump in.

Maureen :dstrs:
 

Caplock50

I am the Winter Warrior
Ok, here's my bit of a contribution to this 'awareness' stuff. Don't use just your eyes as your only situational awareness organs. Use your nose and your ears also. And also be aware that the BGs will be 'casing the joint' some time in advance of any attack. If you are their target, then you have got to show them it won't be easy. Never travel the same route twice in a row. Never have a set schedule of doing things, if at all possible.

And most important, realize that this situational awareness stuff can really brighten your day. If you like splashes of color, then being aware of your surroundings will supply them. Like the smell of flowers? Move your sense of smell to the forefront and you can catch the smell of many flowers from a great distance. Sounds are a bit more of a problem because most sounds these days, to me, are not pleasant ones...jackhammers, squealing brakes, blasting airhorns.... But, I'm sure you get the idea. Heightened senses lets you enjoy life more because you encounter more of life.
 

MaureenO

Another Infidel
Ok, here's my bit of a contribution to this 'awareness' stuff. Don't use just your eyes as your only situational awareness organs. Use your nose and your ears also. And also be aware that the BGs will be 'casing the joint' some time in advance of any attack. If you are their target, then you have got to show them it won't be easy. Never travel the same route twice in a row. Never have a set schedule of doing things, if at all possible.

And most important, realize that this situational awareness stuff can really brighten your day. If you like splashes of color, then being aware of your surroundings will supply them. Like the smell of flowers? Move your sense of smell to the forefront and you can catch the smell of many flowers from a great distance. Sounds are a bit more of a problem because most sounds these days, to me, are not pleasant ones...jackhammers, squealing brakes, blasting airhorns.... But, I'm sure you get the idea. Heightened senses lets you enjoy life more because you encounter more of life.

Cappy, you are absolutely correct about employing all of your senses, sight alone is not the complete toolbox.

Smell and sounds are often as important (if not more so in some circs) as sight.

Do you smell gasoline in an area you would not expect, such as a grocery store or pharmacy? A pre-school, church, convalescent care facility?

The list of sights, sounds and smells is extensive and the first thing I would suggest we all do is first aquaint ourselves with the areas we frequent most often--our street, neighbourhood, local shopping areas, workplace, and doctor's/dentist offices. When we are aware of what is normally present, we'll know what is present that isn't normally there and can then observe the persons, objects, vehicles, etc. and take note of them should something occur.

Maureen :dstrs:
 

Caplock50

I am the Winter Warrior
MaureenO, it needs to be pointed out, as I tried to, that being 'situationally aware' doesn't just enhance your chances of living...but also enhances your life. If people understand this, then they'll work harder at applying what has been said here. Know what I'm meaning? Sometimes I can't get the words to do what I want them to.
 

nharrold

Deceased
Not sure about your area but around here there are very few of those coin pay phones left anywhere. I noticed yesterday that they've taken them out of government buildings like DMV and the Post Office. They use to be everywhere but now these pay phones are GONE.

Anyway, the point is that you should not rely on phone services of any kind. Just a few months ago ALL phone service was immediatley halted to certain areas of our state for unknown reasons. A test? Anyway, that right there told me that we had to have a back-up. I have a pact with my family that should something happen we all need to meet at a certain location, depending on where the disaster has occured. We have three meeting places (Northeast, Central and Southwest) that are safely away from what we would consider targets. All three will provide shelter, safety and food and clothing for a week minimum.

Not only that, but as far as I can recall, all of the few pay phones around here are privately-owned, and may require as much as $1.50 or more in change just to make a local call. I suppose a 911 call might be free, though...never have had to use that option.
 

nharrold

Deceased
I hope this isn't thread drift, Maureen, but I just have to comment on something that I very often see when I go into town for one thing or another. Almost without exception, women shoppers will leave their purse in the kiddy carrier of their shopping basket, sitting there wide open, while they wander off trying to find the right color of toilet seat cover. They have absolutely no situational awareness. None. Anyone could just walk by, grab either the whole purse or the wallet and keys sitting visible in it, and keep on going. It'd be quite some time before Suzy Shopper discovered what had happened. I've once or twice suggested to some of these people that they are making themselves highly vulnerable to loss, but have stopped doing so as the general reaction is haughty indignation.

Just had to get that off my chest...wake up, ladies!
 

MaureenO

Another Infidel
MaureenO, it needs to be pointed out, as I tried to, that being 'situationally aware' doesn't just enhance your chances of living...but also enhances your life. If people understand this, then they'll work harder at applying what has been said here. Know what I'm meaning? Sometimes I can't get the words to do what I want them to.

Yeah! Remember my very favourite movie where Mary Poppins sings "a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down?"

Smelling the roses along the way makes it so much more pleasant whilst appraising your surroundings.

Great advice, Cappy.

Mo :dstrs:
 

MaureenO

Another Infidel
I hope this isn't thread drift, Maureen, but I just have to comment on something that I very often see when I go into town for one thing or another. Almost without exception, women shoppers will leave their purse in the kiddy carrier of their shopping basket, sitting there wide open, while they wander off trying to find the right color of toilet seat cover.

You didn't thread drift at all, it happens all the time. When a woman's purse is stolen her keys, ID, credit cards, Kaiser or Blue Cross card, photo---everything a person needs to knock off her house, kidnap her kids, steal her vehicle and create a new ID for themselves out of her stolen information is free for the taking if she leaves her purse unattended.

Great point and it does fall under situational awareness. Thank you for bringing it up!

Maureen :dstrs:
 

Z28Camaro6D9

Veteran Member
You are certainly correct about the hazards of driving, however, this thread is not about that.

We are trying to brush up on situational awareness as it relates to terrorism or other criminal activities.

For the newcomers here, especially those with LE, FD, Military or security experience, if you have any lessons you would like to convey, please jump in.

Maureen :dstrs:

Actually Maureen, as I am person who drives for a living, please allow me to disagree.
You may recall that the 2 D.C. area snipers were apprehended due to an observant truck driver. I do not drive a truck, but I still cover a lot of geography every day thus increasing the number of people and situations observed compared to one who works indoors or at a specific jobsite.
Predictably, much of my observational skills involve avoiding speedtraps or pacing (again, sorry Maureen :) ) I am a very safe driver, but do travel 5-10 MPH over the limit on the freeway conditions permitting. Speaking of looking up, I have trained myself to scan the sky, and can now easily spot police aircraft pacing cars below. (I learned this the hard way !) Another secret I will share is in identifying police/official vehicles that may be following you at night. I have played in weekend bands all my life and sometimes don't leave a club until 3 AM with all my gear. A few times I have been tailed, but could not see the silhouette outline of blue lights in my rear-view mirrors. Even though I could not see the blue outline in my mirror, I knew they were undercover police cars as the headlights were aimed perfectly straight and of equal brightness. This was confirmed in each case after they could tell I was not DWI and passed me. A State Trooper friend of mine now admits to sneaking up behind speeders at night with his headlights/blues OFF and then lighting up the violator with both !!

On a serious note, many drivers are not aware they are being followed by individuals with possible malicious intent. In the absence of any traffic altercation and even before I make several turns to confirm the tail, I have a sixth sense that tells me I'm being followed. May be related to innately 'knowing' when an unseen person is staring at you and you turn quickly to verify. Many years ago I lapsed behind the wheel driving home from work and got to within blocks of my house before I realised the same red van on the freeway was still behind me. I diverted off on several side streets and the van kept following. I drove to the nearest Police Station and only then did the van with several Hispanic occupants keep going. I reported the plate to the desk clerk and returned home taking several side roads just in case.

As a poster pointed out above, there is considerable danger to be vigilant for on the roads. With my excellent observational skills I nearly became a victim, and many people, even if they had noticed the tail, would have simply returned to their home without thinking.
 

Lone Wolf

Lives on TB
Yup...Great thread.

LOOK UP!!!!!!
down and ALL 'round.
Yes.
Case in point.
Back in the 70's When exiting a walk in theater, I observed a blue uniform casually walking around the lobby near the candy counter. (FLAG) I took my wife by the arm, gently so as not to frighten her and proceeded to the front exit.
Once out side. I stopped and looked all round. and yes up, including roof overhangs in the mall.

I then saw two more blue uniforms.(RED FLAG) I had belonged to this dept a few years earlier, and knew that many uniforms meant just about the whole shift..heh.

I was moving fast to wards the car by then. (LOOK UP) Two more blue uniforms were on the roof of the mall above the theater entrance. (RED FLAGS) by now I had the passenger door unlocked and shoved my wife into the front seat. Locking that door I made it to the driver;s side where my wife had already unlocked that door for me. I got in and drove out of the parking lot as quickly as was prudent. Lots of pedestrians and vehicular movement going on at the end of the movie.
Thing is..look around.I don't think any-one noticed that the entire 4 to 12 shift was in that end of the mall that early evening. Later found out that the entire force was looking for an armed suspect that had just hit a jewelery store just a few minutes before the movie let out and was thought to be mingling with the movie crowed exiting the movie.

Another thing. much easier ti ID, and classify. Several dark individuals at the end of my street ducked for cover when I rounded the corner.( RRoad just behind a row of houses)
Called the PD. Hey Bill, you looking for any escaped prisoners? You Are, OK, just spotted them..Gave location etc etc etc.

Be aware look up down and all 'round.

lw
 

Lone Wolf

Lives on TB
Cappy said...smell hear, listen...yup.
Many years ago, too damed many, I usually took time during the 12MN to 8AM, shift I used to park the cruiser in a new or used car ales lot and shut the engine down. I just listened, looked, sniffed when my nose was not in the coffee cup...heh. The sound of breaking glass, a clang of metal a fast moving or slow moving car would very often catch my attention.

Thing is..smell the roses, or in this case the night blooming Jazmin. Just great.

lw
 

Caplock50

I am the Winter Warrior
Just thought of something else to add to this thread. Folks, don't just look at people, cars, and such. Pay attention to shadows also. For some strange, weird, reason, when someone hides from you, they forget all about hiding their shadows, too. So, look for people's shadows where there are no people. If you see any, you know to run.
 

Z28Camaro6D9

Veteran Member
Very good advice Cappy regarding shadows. For many years, fans of the NFL marveled at not only the arm but also the scrambling ability of quarterback John Elway, one of the best ever. It seemed as if he had eyes in the back of his head, and would more often than not dodge an oncoming rusher just as he was about to be hit from the blind side. Only after he retired did he reveal his secret: He watched the turf for the defender's shadow. NFL fields are flooded with a multitude of lighting which emanates from all directions even during day games, so shadows arrive well before the defenders.
 

willdo

Veteran Member
great thread

and points...another thing I do is watch the delivery people, uniformed people. With so many thefts of uniforms, I study "official" looking people using that sixth sense and observations. Do they seem at ease, do others in the area recognize them and acknowledge them on their route? Once you start paying attention to these people, you notice that others in the working environment know each other and have little conversations as they walk around or through an area. Does their uniform fit, does the shoe type match, the other stuff, like tools of the trade, their hands, jewelry, etc,? Do they make eye contact with ease as a service oriented person, seem to have a purpose-attitude-alertness or awareness fitted to their work? Even if others seem to know them, are they sending out an off message? Are they carting something? How are they handling what they are carting, does the equipment fit, does the merchandise seem intact, or does something something seem off about any of the above? Should someone be delivering that kind of item in the environment you are in? Where are they headed? If it is a security type person, after checking the related items above, do you get that sense that they are sheepdogs or predators? I really rely on that hair standing up but you have to be looking in the first place to rely on it. If in doubt, take evasive action for safety, if you are not the person in a postion of authority or you are not in a postion to act if tshtf type of event is going down and you can't stand in the gap to protect yourself and others, then get to safety and let someone in authority that can take action know of your concerns.
 

willdo

Veteran Member
something else

Scan what is behind you when walking an area like a mall instead of continuing in that bee-line so many of us get caught up in. You can see a lot in the reflection of a mall window, you can do an exaggerated "opps, I forgot something, silly me" and head the opposite direction, or drop something, or start running ahead or turn and head back, waving your hand and calling someone's name, as if trying to get a friends attention you saw at a distance or walk past going the other way. Sometimes when a animal senses you are tracking it, it will circle around behind, reversing the advantage.
 

SarahLynn

Veteran Member
These are all so good. Thanks everyone. I've picked up some good points here.
Was talking to a cousin out west last night, and the topic of the upcoming anniversary of 9-11 came up. She mentioned she's been nervous about flying ever since, I said that whenever the sound of a plane is heard overhead I STILL think of that day, and she was so surprised, she said, "You too?! I thought I was the only one who was still antsy about hearing the sound of a plane overhead!"

Now this is us, in Canada...relatively safe and out of harm's way and not anywhere NEAR New York or Washington.

So I got to wondering how you guys in the USA cope each day...HOW on earth can some of you have forgotten....
and do you all think we will EVER go back to normal times, days of yore when the sound of an airplane made you think of the drone of a bumblebee on a lazy summer day, and not of other things.
WILL we ever have a normal, peaceful world again, (short of Jesus Christ's return that is???)
 

Caplock50

I am the Winter Warrior
I tend to disagree with those who say we have 'forgotten' what happened that day. At least I know I haven't. It is just that I have gotten on with my life. Death happens...every day. Stuff happens. You see it. You morn over it. You learn to live with it. You prep for it. And then you go on and you live your life. If and when a day comes when the battle cry can be , "Remember 9/11!" then I'll be happy. Heck I still remember , "Remember the Alamo!". And how about remembering this one,...

"Forget? He** NO!!"

But life does go on, and to remain standing beside a grave for evermore is just way too ghoulish for me.

And remember what they say about 'payback'...
 

maric

Short but deadly
Really I have nothing to add but want to thank you for this info. Great reminder(s)
 

night driver

ESFP adrift in INTJ sea
When you walk into ANY room, that is not in your own home or apt, you need to develop the habit of finding the following:

The fastest way out.

ALL of the doors because they can be ways out or ways IN for the Purples.

ALL of the windows for the same reqason as above.

FIND COVER. somewhere IN THE ROOM there HAS to be a place that is RELATIVELY safe from bullets. FIND it.\

FIND CONCEALMENT. SOmewhere in the room is somwewhere you can duck into which hides you. This is NOT cover, but it IS a plae to get out of view FAST.


NOW.....

START THIS WEEK. MAKE THE HABIT to DO the survey in EVERY room you walk into. EVEN your brother in law's living room....EVEN mom's house and the restaurant you eat at for lunch EVERY DAY.....

<center> AND</center>




<center>CARRY YOUR DAMNED GUN</center>



<center>LOADED</center>
 

MaureenO

Another Infidel
When you walk into ANY room, that is not in your own home or apt, you need to develop the habit of finding the following:

The fastest way out.

ALL of the doors because they can be ways out or ways IN for the Purples.

ALL of the windows for the same reqason as above.

FIND COVER. somewhere IN THE ROOM there HAS to be a place that is RELATIVELY safe from bullets. FIND it.\

FIND CONCEALMENT. SOmewhere in the room is somwewhere you can duck into which hides you. This is NOT cover, but it IS a plae to get out of view FAST.


NOW.....

START THIS WEEK. MAKE THE HABIT to DO the survey in EVERY room you walk into. EVEN your brother in law's living room....EVEN mom's house and the restaurant you eat at for lunch EVERY DAY.....

<center> AND</center>




<center>CARRY YOUR DAMNED GUN</center>



<center>LOADED</center>

Thank you, Chuck. +1 on everything.

Mo :dstrs:
 

TIK

Inactive
Maureen--THANK YOU AGAIN for this timely BTTT. I think...I hate that I have to say this...but I really think we're not done yet. I think things like this will start to happen a lot more. Like...this week. Not like in the next year. But very soon and often. Call it whatever you want--but I ain't a prophet or psychic. I'm just sensing SOMETHING.

ERGO...I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY think this either needs to be somehow PINNED...or just BTTT every hour--every single TB2K member needs to read this. I practice this as much as I can and I should be better at it.
 

MaureenO

Another Infidel
Maureen--THANK YOU AGAIN for this timely BTTT. I think...I hate that I have to say this...but I really think we're not done yet. I think things like this will start to happen a lot more. Like...this week. Not like in the next year. But very soon and often. Call it whatever you want--but I ain't a prophet or psychic. I'm just sensing SOMETHING.

ERGO...I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY think this either needs to be somehow PINNED...or just BTTT every hour--every single TB2K member needs to read this. I practice this as much as I can and I should be better at it.


Correct, TIK. It's also important to point out that this Omaha mall subject has been described as "standing out like a sore thumb" in that mall today.

Mo :dstrs:

PS: I'm 10-6 this weekend playing catch-up. A LOT of paper. :shkr:
 

Ravekid

Veteran Member
Some things I would add:

#1: Protection
While you are out and about, being aware of possible threats, it is also a good idea to be aware of safe areas. Concrete, brick, metal, etc. are things which _may_ (depending on thickness and threat) provide cover.

#2: Cover and concealment
These are two different things. Something like a concrete pillar or bench can provide both. A piece of drywall is likely only good for concealment. That being said, concealment is a great way to stay alive. This can be under a truck, between cars, up in the attic, in a extra large washer (cut the cord so they can turn it on with you in it!), between clothing racks, in the middle of a clothing rack, in the elevator shaft, etc. etc.. Also, don't forget to turn the cell phone off. Nothing like a good hiding spot ruined when someone calls you asking "Are you seeing what is going on at such and such place!!!" One reason to keep the cell phone on is if family members/friends are in the area. Turn phone on vibrate, key press noises off. Send text message to evac the mall immediately and leave the area (ie: Go home, go 1 mile away, go to Wal-mart down the street.)

#3: Evade and survive
This is something that folks will have to make their own choice. If you think you can outrun/get far away from the threat, do so. Some folks will feel compelled to take a tactical approach and maybe try to stop the person from killing others. That being said, think about the situation. Are the gun shots so loud, so fast, and so long lasting that there may be a rifle involved? If all you have is your handgun, might be a better idea to retreat.
 

Ravekid

Veteran Member
One other thing. Just because you are shot, stabbed, whatever DOES NOT mean that you are going to die. I think a lot of folks who are living so far in la la land cause themselves to actually die. Outside of a shot to the heart, a few other organs, a major artery, or the head, chances are YOU WILL SURVIVE. If you start thinking death, you likely will die. Remember, as long as there is an ER within a 20 min. ambulance ride, you can likely make it. They can work damn wonders in the ER. Thinking calm and rational "I will live" will likely also help keep your blood pressure down some, thus helping prevent further blood lose.
 

Double_A

TB Fanatic
Some things I would add:
#2: Cover and concealment
These are two different things. Something like a concrete pillar or bench can provide both. A piece of drywall is likely only good for concealment. That being said, concealment is a great way to stay alive. This can be under a truck, between cars, up in the attic, in a extra large washer (cut the cord so they can turn it on with you in it!), between clothing racks, in the middle of a clothing rack, in the elevator shaft, etc. etc.. Also, don't forget to turn the cell phone off. Nothing like a good hiding spot ruined when someone calls you asking "Are you seeing what is going on at such and such place!!!" One reason to keep the cell phone on is if family members/friends are in the area. Turn phone on vibrate, key press noises off. Send text message to evac the mall immediately and leave the area (ie: Go home, go 1 mile away, go to Wal-mart down the street.)

This can't be stressed enough.
 

eXe

Techno Junkie
_______________
One point about cover.. things you think might be good cover.. normally are not.

I remember before I moved here part of my plan if someone was to break into my house was to use my fridge as cover because I could get there armed before someone could get up my stairs.

Well I moved here, and got to my local shooting range (Which is really nothing more than a dump where you can shoot.. people leave everything there) and I started to have a chance to shoot at things you would not normally shoot at.

Burned out or abandoned cars, refrigerators, wood panels, car seats.. you would be amazed at how a simple 9mm round ZIPS right through these things.

I shot at an old fridge that someone left out there.. 9mm FMJ round zipped right on through, and kept on going.. it was then I realized how flawed my old SHTF plan was for a home invasion on my old apartment.

Forget about a .223 or 7.62

About the only thing that is REAL cover is concrete and lots of it. Car doors.. things like sheet metal or furniture.. not a chance.

Most of us know this.. but many might not.
 
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