I have enjoyed writing this article on guns for guns.com. Additionally, I am looking forward to sharing my thoughts on what do do after a shooting.
Based upon my experience as a firearm instructor, I feel that most people that carry guns are not competent in their use for self defense. Those that are tend to spend more time on how to shoot with little attention on the “when” to shoot, or what to do after.
The article on guns dot com that I listed above is based completely on thoughts about how to interact with the police after a shooting.
I have no tolerance for criminals, and people that use guns improperly are criminals, but I also want to ensure that honest citizens that use weapons for their own self defense are able to go back to their lives without having to fight the criminal justice system.
I have discussed this system with multiple law enforcement officers as well as a lawyer – not to get legal advice, but to see how realistic my plan is.
Some officers said it was a little overkill, others said it would work well – none said it was an unworkable system.
Makeup of the Typical Suspect
The typical ATM robber 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 robbers used a gun or claimed to have a concealed weapon when confronting the victim and demanding their cash.
Typical Victim of a ATM Robbery
Additionally, most ATM robbery victims are women and were alone when robbed. Generally, these women state that they never saw the robber coming. This is another good reason to review the awareness information in Cooper’s color codes.
Here are some tips that can make Using an ATM 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 driver’s side. If you see anyone approaching, drive off even if it means leaving your ATM card behind. If an armed robber confronts you, 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.
- 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
Because of this I have been purchasing wheat cookbooks and messing around trying to find recipes that work well with my lifestyle. On of the very first workable recipes I found was this simple recipe for homemade cream of wheat.
This recipe uses a blender instead of a grinder so its easy. Of course when SHTF I could set my grinder to course or use a mortar and pestle.
Best yet, using whole wheat berries is cheap verses the $5 a box of cream of wheat that lasts all of two bowls in the morning.
The recipe for Homemade Cream of Wheat is simple.
Ingredients
- Wheat Berries (ration of 1 wheat / 2 water
- Water
- Salt to taste
- Butter to taste
Procedure
- Pulse the wheat in a blender until cracked and not powdered.
- Boil twice as much water as you have cracked wheat. (salt and butter to taste)
- Once it has thickened add milk, sugar, honey, nuts, berries, chocolate or anything else (My lovely bride prefers lots of cheddar cheese).
- Cook until it has the texture and thickness you desire.
- Put it in a bowl and enjoy.
Its a little nuttier than processed instant cream of wheat, and a lot darker. I find it compares with oatmeal.
Its not my favorite breakfast food, but its a lot easier to store and loads cheaper than a sausage egg and cheese croissant sandwich….
Small and Large Noticings on Women’s Self-Defense Training
The Case for Visualization Training
As my favorite author (Louis L’Amour) wrote, “a writer writes”. I am pleased that guns.com allows me another avenue for people to read more articles that I have written.
I will never get rich writing articles, but I do have a strong sense of accomplishment when people read the scribbling I throw on paper.
My problem is that I tend to write as I think and don’t spend a lot of time editing, so as people read more articles, more people will discover my horrible grammar.
This has been a problem of mine on this site, and does limit my writing skill, but hopefully by working with the editors at guns.com I will improve. The information however, is based upon experience and education and I hope you get a lot out of the articles.
I imagine that this site will grow in the future to be a leader in the firearm information industry.