Be aware: "Be truly aware of your surroundings. Take note of people, unusual elements, changes in the norm and anything that doesn't seem right."

Have a plan: "Consider what routes you could take to get out of a place or situation. Consider what you would do if you are a target of a Home Envasion, something went wrong in your office, on the bus, in the parking lot. Consider what you would do in the worst of all scenarios."

Be decisive: "Don't hesitate. Don't second-guess yourself. If you execute your plan, be decisive. A mediocre plan executed assertively will serve you better than a perfect plan executed too late."

Be prepared: "Be certain your cell phone and flashlights are charged and ready to use, especially at night. Keep these and other necessities together in one place. Always have what you need when you need it, and know where to get it."

Trust your intuition: "If you have a feeling, that is, if your gut tells you something is not right, then listen to yourself. You lose nothing by avoiding a potential conflict, for instance, by crossing the street, taking the next elevator or getting off the bus early."

Be smart: "You don't have to give directions, change for a dollar, open the door or respond to a question from a stranger. Be smart. Don't worry about being polite or hurting somebody's feelings."

Don't look like food: "In the great outdoors, predators go for the weak and fearful because they're usually not going to fight back. Don't look like either."

Leave: "If a situation looks bad, do whatever you can to get out of it. Whenever possible, prevent and avoid rather than confront. In other words, leave."

Firearm fundamentals

"Five Musts" for firearm self-defense

1. Safety -- live by it: "Having a gun in your hands is a tremendous responsibility. Recognize and accept that responsibility in each moment."

2. Learn to shoot: Get the best training you can afford: "Contrary to what we see on TV, shooting is neither easy nor is it intuitive. Learning proper techniques, especially for self-defense, is critical. Start with fundamentals. Then learn to shoot for your specific real-world applications."

3. Know your weapon: "Train with your firearm. Beyond shooting, you'll need to know how to handle gun jams and malfunctions and other issues that could rear their ugly heads at critical moments." See rule #5.

4. Keep your firearm in good working order: "Make sure that your firearm is clean, and that all systems work properly. Have a gunsmith do a complete check every one or two years. Replace your ammunition every few months."

5. Understand that all mechanical things can break. Take the time and learn about W.E. Fairbairn. His teaching has been proven in war and has lasted the tests of time.

Maryland Firearms Training Group, Owings, MD 20736

Phone: 301-855-4030

Classroom/Range/Emergencies: 410-474-4166