ATM cash machines have been incorporated in our way of life. They offer a real convenience to those on the run but at the same time offer an element of risk. Using an ATM machine safely requires awareness and a little planning. We all need to be more "situationaly aware" of our surroundings. Just because an ATM machine is open and available 24-hours a day doesn't mean it is safe to use it. Most ATM robberies occur at night between 8:00 PM and midnight. ATM robbers are usually males under 25 years of age and most work alone. ATM robbers usually position themselves nearby waiting for a victim to approach and withdraw cash. Most ATM robbery victims are women and were alone when robbed. Most claim that they never saw the robber coming. Most ATM robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.

If you or your family members use ATM cash machines on a regular basis, here are some tips that can make the process a little safer:

• Use only ATM machines in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. Don't use ATM machines that are remote or hidden such as being located behind buildings, behind pillars, walls, or away from public view. Beware of obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees. ATM robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses. Robbers like good escape routes like nearby freeway on-ramps or high speed thoroughfares.
• Choose an ATM that looks and 'feels' safer, even if it is a couple of miles out of the way. Try and limit your use to daylight hours. Take someone with you after hours, if you can. When you drive up to an ATM location, scan the area for any suspicious persons. If you see anyone suspicious standing nearby or sitting in a car, drive away. When you approach an ATM on foot be prepared and have your access card ready. Memorize your personal PIN number to prevent loss and speed the transaction. After inserting your card and your PIN number keep an eye out behind you. Never accept an offer to help or request for help from a suspicious male ahead of you at the machine. If anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches terminate your transaction and leave immediately, even if it means running away and leaving your ATM card in the machine. First, tell the suspicious male in a loud, firm voice to "back-off" and leave you alone. This is designed to startle the person and give you time to flee, if appropriate. When you receive cash from the machine put it away immediately, extract your card, and walk away.
• If you use your car at a drive-thru ATM machine the same rules apply. Keep the car in gear, with your foot firmly on the brake, while using the ATM machine. Keep a close eye on your rear and side view mirrors during the transaction. Robbers almost always approach from the rear on the drivers side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If you are confronted by an armed robber, just give up your money without argument. The cash is not worth serious injury or death. Get to a safe place and call the police immediately.
• Don’t get "boxed in". Wait until the car in front of you is done and you have a clear path if you need to get away from a potential robber.
• If lights around the ATM are not working, don't use that machine
• Avoid ATM machines adjacent to obvious hiding places
• Have your card ready and leave quickly, not counting your cash in public
• Beware of offers for help from strangers during an ATM transaction
• Don't fight with or attempt to follow the robber
• Drive or run to a safe place and immediately call the police
• Have your Mace or Pepper spray handy
• Concealed Carry Permit Holders may want to have their carry weapon at the ready and not have the gun in a "Deep Conceal" location. Deep Conceal is a holster that ensures the gun or weapon will not be seen, but it may take some effort and time to pull when confronted

Some people believe they can avoid criminal activity by simply avoiding ‘bad’ areas.  True, a person may be more likely to be attacked in certain locales, but people can be victimized virtually anywhere.  The best way to avoid attacks when you are out and about is to recognize and address threats before they lead to dangerous conflict.

 On the street, how does a criminal decide who to attack?

After a bad guy decides to commit a crime, he needs a victim—preferably someone oblivious to danger and who is likely to be afraid to fight back when attacked.  Bad guys often ‘test’ their potential victim by asking for a match, the time or something similar, an action that reveals whether the individual will allow his or her personal space to be violated.

How can a gun owner avoid looking like a good target?

Guns do not magically keep criminals away.  Awareness is the best deterrent.  The vast majority of criminals are opportunists who only strike when presented with a good opportunity.  Remove the opportunity and you dramatically reduce the risk you face.

How does one learn how to effectively observe and detect risk?

On the street, we must mentally ‘shift gears’ to match the threat level we encounter.  There is a sliding scale of readiness, starting with an oblivious, unprepared state and moving all the way to a condition of being ready to fight instantly and with lethal violence if forced.

Shouldn’t we simply live prepared to instantly fight back when required?

We can’t observe effectively if we are stuck at either end of this spectrum.  At the bottom of the scale, we will fall victim to an accident or to a criminal, eventually.  On the other hand, we can’t go through the day with our hand on our holstered pistol.  Our threat response needs to move up and down the scale as both observation and circumstances change.

What are the psychological problems the average person must overcome when attacked?

Most of us face three psychological difficulties: recognizing the threat in time to react; understanding and accepting that severe harm or death is likely; and overcoming reluctance to respond to that threat by responding violently against another human being.

How can we overcome these three problems?

We overcome these problems by moving along the sliding threat scale.  The lowest level on the scale allows us to be in an oblivious, daydreaming, preoccupied state.  The next level is that of general alertness—heads up and eyes searching.  Still higher is identification of a specific threat.  The final level is being psychologically prepared to fight.

What happens when we reach that final level—when we are prepared to fight?

When we believe a threat is real, we are waiting on a ‘mental trigger’ - a specific, predetermined action on a bad guy’s part that will result in our immediate, aggressive, defensive reaction.  By having a ‘pre-made decision’ set up in our mind, we can move fast enough to deal with the problem and not waste time deciding what to do.

 What is that trigger?

The mental trigger will differ depending on the circumstances.  It could be, “I’ve told him to stop; if he moves one more step toward me with that tire iron, I’ll shoot.”  Whatever the trigger is, once it is pulled, we must take immediate action against the bad guy.

Do criminals really fear gun-carrying citizens?

Yes.  In fact, criminals fear the armed citizen more than the police—armed citizens are unpredictable.  They resist attacks, and they shoot back.  Most bad guys will avoid an attack on a random person they believe might be armed.  The most common behavioral difference between the armed and unarmed citizen often is awareness.

Sources:  Tom Givens, “States of Awareness: The Cooper Color Codes”, Col. Jeff Cooper, “Principles of Personal Defense”, Master Sgt. Alejandro Barin, “Building a Combat Mindset”

Submitted by Craig Conley—Contributor

Death, Taxes, and Disasters are guaranteed to happen; all we have to do is look in our past to help prepare for our future.

Hurricane Katrina was an excellent learning experience for us in many ways. Be prepared for extended outages of services normally provided by our government. This includes power, water, and security.  Even FEMA has on their web site that we need to prepare as a nation for several different scenarios. Whether it is a tornado, earthquake, flood, or terrorist attack there is common themes. Can you take care of your family for 72 hours, three months, six months or one year without going to the store or help from protective services from your local or national government?

Step 1 is to make a plan. FEMA has a check list and we have the URL posted in the resource section of this article. 

Step 2 is to get a list together of your important papers, photos and things to put in a “BOB”. The BOB is a Break Out Bag that has every thing you need for protection.  We at carryconcealed.net were the first to name the BOB. Protections from the elements include natural problems as well as human problems. A list of some of the important things to throw into a 72 hour bag is also listed in the resource section.  All of the security lists that we have reviewed do not include firearms. We recommend your personal favorite CCW handgun, spare ammunition and if you do not have a CCW permit a .22 of some type. If you’re carrying a .45 or .357 the weight of the ammunition may be a factor. The .22 is listed as it is an underestimated round as it can bring down small game in an emergency while allowing more rounds to be carried because of the light weight and cost of the .22 round. Henry has a US Survival Rifle that is light weight, semi-automatic rifle that folds up in a water proof case in its own handle. We have a review on our site listed in the resource section.  If your family has the room a 12 or 20 gage shot gun is always the best combination defense and hunting weapon, but the amount of ammunition is a limiting factor if weight and space is an issue.

 Step 3 is to practice the emergency plan and communicate the plan to exterior members of your family for a meeting place that everyone can meet to support the family after the disaster.

Step 4 is to constantly evaluate and update your emergency supplies. Rotate the food items and check your water supplies on a regular basis.

The bottom line: Can you and your family survive for 72 hours, three months, six months or one year without help from exterior support such as your local or federal agencies? There are different lists that are needed for each different length of time. The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared”. There are resources that we will be reviewing and adding the CCW materials needed to the additional lists.

Clark – Carryconcealed.net

Resources:

72 Hour list:

Survival Manual – One of the best is the Boy Scout book as it has first aid, and shelter ideas.

FOOD & WATER
•Minimum of 3600 calories of food per person
•Minimum of 9 water pouches of water per person
•Method of water purification (such as potable aqua or a water filter)
•Additional food & water

COMMUNICATION
•AM/FM Radio with batteries or alternate power source
•Whistle with lanyard
•Cell Phone

LIGHT SOURCES
•Flashlight with batteries
•Candles
•Lightsticks
•Lantern and fuel
•Road Flare(s)

HYGIENE & SANITATION
•Personal Hygiene Kit (Include soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, sanitary napkins, diapers, razor, and other toiletry items)
•Toilet paper
•Tissue
•Portable Toilet and accessories

TOOLS
•50 Feet of Nylon Rope
•Pocket Knife
•Rolls of Duct Tape
•Foldable Shovel
•Hatchet or axe
•Sewing Kit

WARMTH & SHELTER
•Waterproof matches
•Alternate fire-starting method
•Tent/Shelter
•Solar Emergency Blanket or Emergency Sleeping Bag
•Hand & Body Warmers
•Poncho
•Lightweight Stove & Fuel
•Wool Blanket

HUNTING/PROTECTION – Trigger locks are always recommended, and at carryconcealed.net we prefer the combination trigger locks.

·         CCW gun, and additional ammunition –This would include .32 up to .45 caliber pistols.

·         Shotgun if room allows – 20 or 12 gage

·         .22 rifle to include ammunition – 550 rounds at Wal-Mart is around $8.00

·         .22 pistol if possible

FIRST AID
•First Aid Kit and supplies
•First Aid Booklet/Manual
•Burn gel and dressing
•Snake bite kit
•Insect repellent
•Sun block
•Special medication

MONEY
•At least $20 in your kit -- be sure to include quarters for phone calls

IMPORTANT PAPERS
•Emergency Instructions
•Copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, insurance forms, phone numbers, credit card infor, etc.

EXTRA CLOTHING
•A complete outfit of appropriate clothing for the climate your family is located; including extra socks, underwear, hat, sturdy shoes, and gloves.

ENTERTAINMENT

Only if there is room provides games for the family or some books to help pass the time. This is important, but is on the bottom of the list if weight and room is an issue.

Thieves are always on the lookout for easy targets. Don't make yourself an

easy target. Always follow these simple steps.

 ·         Never leave anything valuable on display, however small and insignificant it may seem. Thieves steal first and think about value later.

·         Don't leave anything loose in the cockpit or on deck.

·         Don't leave your engine key in the ignition - always take it with you.

·         Keep your boat keys separate from your engine keys.

·         Always keep your boat locked when no one is on board, even for a short time.

·         Use strong padlocks or rimlocks on all your hatches, entry points and cockpit lockers.

·         Constantly check and improve the security on your boat. It's a good idea to fit an alarm and use a visible sticker to say that one is fitted.

·         Make sure your cockpit lockers can be properly locked, and check that your main hatch and fore-hatch are strong.

·         Also think about having a strongbox down below. If you don't think something is secure, get it fixed.

·         Get Air Horns for alerting other boaters if an attack is ongoing.

·         Get Mace or Pepper Spray where legal.

·         Always be “Situationally Aware”. Watch other boaters, and those that may harm your friends and family either through unintentional or intentional actions.

IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY

Once you've tied up alongside, always do a quick security check before going ashore. You may want to think about getting cables for your tubes. Quick access and people can snag and expencive tube and be gone. A $15 cable can save a $200 tube.

Always:

 ·         Take your boat keys with you or lock them in a gun vault that is bolted down.

·         Lock anything valuable out of sight in a strong locker secured by a strong padlock;

·         Lock up emergency money away from other valuables;

·         Keep your curtains closed so that no-one can look in;

·         Keep unused ropes, fenders and other items out of sight in your cockpit, lockers and cupboards - and always lock them;

·         Make sure that your life raft and outboard motor are secure, as these are valuable and attractive to boat thieves.

·         When you go ashore from a dinghy, always remove your oars or paddles, rowlocks or pump, and secure the dinghy with a strong chain and padlock.

·         If you are the victim of boat theft, call the police immediately and tell the harbor master or boatyard manager. Check to make sure that your boat is still seaworthy and hasn't been badly damaged.

·         And, if you can, check that neighboring boats haven't been broken into as well.

·         Get to know other boat owners in your marina and work together to keep the marina secure. You can do the following.

·         Keep an eye on other boats, as well as your own.

·         Report any strangers at the marina to the harbor master or yard master.

·         Don't give your marina access card or key to other people.

·         Never tell anyone else the access code to the marina.

·         Don't let strangers into the marina, however genuine they may seem.

·         Keep the marina gate closed at all times.

·         Install cameras where possible

·         Keep a cell phone handy in a “Pelican Case”, and never jump in the water with your keys in your pocket or still attached to the boat.  

·         They have Pelican Cases that have hooks to mount in the engine area. These can be bolted in and locked. It slows down thieves that are looking to run through and opening the engine compartment would be noticeable.

·         Know your CCW Laws so you can carry where legal. Oklahoma for example allows for CCW permit holders to carry on boats.

In order to win in a violent conflict, it is critical that the following principles be observed; for failure to do so can, and often will, lead to injury or even death.

1. Assume your opponent is at least as skilled as you are. By taking this position, you will not become overly confident and will be less likely to make a mistake, which could cost you your life.

2. Do not loose your self-control and allow yourself to make foolish mistakes. You must focus on the task at hand as if your life depends upon it, because it does. As in any confrontation, whether it is physical or verbal, the moment composure is lost, the battle is lost. In the words of Sun Tzu: "The General, unable to control his irritation, will launch his men to the assault like swarming ants, with the result of one-third being slain, while the town still remains untaken." Your goal is to remain calm and focused so that if anybody looses self-control, it will be your opponent, which can lead to a mistake which you can use to your advantage.

3. Continually seek an avenue of retreat. It is not your responsibility to engage an attacker beyond the point of your security or safety (or that of another). The moment you have the opportunity to retreat to safety you must attempt to do so. This is not only important in terms of your legal liability but also because the longer the confrontation continues, the more likely you will be to make a serious, and perhaps even fatal, mistake.

4. Never trap or "box in" your attacker. After all, who is the most dangerous man in the world? The man who has nothing to loose. Like an animal, if cornered, your attacker may actually become more aggressive.

5. Try to think like your opponent. There is an old saying: "Those who hunt monsters must take great care that they do not become as monsters themselves." This saying likely came about because in order to track and capture a criminal, it is first necessary to understand the criminal mind. This is why security consultants are often asked to read security protocols. They are hired to identify flaws and to recommend counter measures should security be breached. They know the mind of the criminal element--so they know what to protect against. So, while you can't be expected to know the specific personality of your attacker, you can attempt to use what you do know. For example, are they on drugs? Are they out for money? Are they gang-bangers trying to impress other gang members? Pick up as much as you can, using your training in situational awareness, and it will serve you well; for the more you know about your opponent, the more likely you will be effectively anticipate and counter their actions.