22 DIY First Responder Tips for Summer 2023
Who You Gonna Call? These Days, Probably Yourself.
Disclaimer: Greg Berry is not a self-defense, medical, or fire safety expert. Consult with a professional when making safety plans for you or your family.
Americans are more empowered than ever. To protect themselves, that is.
Because we can’t rely on emergency services in 2023.
Of course, many first responders start each shift with the best intentions and do amazing things for their communities daily.
Others don’t.
During the lockdowns, some officers showed no qualms with enforcing unconstitutional laws.
Yet ‘Defund The Police’ agendas and soft-on-crime policies pushed by George Soros-funded district attorneys, however indirectly, restrict even the most commendable officers from doing their jobs as intended.
Today, officers fear they might end up in cuffs if they intervene.
And, of course, Biden’s border crisis welcomes drugs and criminals from around the world, spreading medical and fire services thin.
So it’s time to get serious about being your own first responder.
But that’s not a call for vigilantism.
However, the best offense is a good defense, and prevention is the best medicine.
On The Road
1-Anyone There?
Between texting in a parking lot or daydreaming at the gas pump, offenders seek out victims oblivious to the world.
When we’re stopped, we’re vulnerable.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
2-Create a Bubble
You’re running late as you approach the intersection. Then the dreaded railroad crossing gates drop as the bell laughs at you for sleeping in.
You peek in your rearview mirror and see several cars pull out, searching for an alternate route.
But you’re stuck because you didn’t leave yourself any room.
Now, you’re late and vulnerable.
When stopped at a railroad crossing or intersection, always leave a half car length between you and the car in front so you can escape, whether it’s a potential threat or an inconvenient train.
3-Play It Cool
A quick beep to remind the person in front of you that the light is green is reasonable, but start practicing road rage de-escalation techniques this summer.
Last weekend a young man was killed after a road rage incident in New Orleans.
In other cases, road ragers cause accidents that kill innocent bystanders, which happened in Utah last week after an F-150 slammed into a Porsche, killing both occupants.
When dealing with lunatics on the road, slow down and seek an alternate route.
4-Sneak A Peek
I’ve said it before, but most criminals steal valuables from cars without force. They simply try door handles until one opens, and whatever they find is up to chance.
But maybe instead of stealing your laptop bag, they intend to steal you.
In January, a Bridgeport, Connecticut, woman fought off a 25-year-old offender lying in wait in her back seat.
The woman escaped without injury, according to the CT Post.
Take a second to look, especially if you’ve left the car running and unlocked as you pop into the post office or gas station.
Many children have been inadvertently kidnapped by car thieves this way, which happened in Chicago if you can imagine that.
5-It’s not the 60s
Most people don’t feel bad about passing by hitchhikers these days.
Not with the countless true-crime stories.
But don’t let criminals use your sympathy against you.
Check out this video of a suspect escaping police by running across six lanes of traffic, where a seemingly random driver picked him up.
It’s unclear what happened after.
6-Driving While Carrying
Gun laws differ by state, but some recognize your car as an extension of your home, and you are free to use deadly force to protect yourself.
However, firing a weapon in public or on the road can prove fatal for innocent bystanders if you don’t have the proper training.
7-Be Roadside Ready
Some new cars come with basic medical kits, but investing in a larger supply could make a difference while awaiting first responders.
Last year, a 22-year-old Buffalo, New York, woman died after being stuck in her car in a snowstorm for 18 hours.
I don’t see an official cause of death, but the family says it was likely hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning from running the heat.
A decent-sized medical kit, extra blankets, and roadside equipment won’t take up much trunk space.
And it could save your life.
In Public
8-Hang Up
People can’t see the world when looking down at their phones.
And victims can’t even hear the world while using earbuds.
If you insist, do so with only one earbud, and keep the volume low.
9-See Eye-to-Eye
When you’re at the store or shopping center, know who is around and what they’re doing.
As US Navy SEAL Jocko Willink suggested on his podcast, acknowledging people with eye contact can put potential offenders off.
10-Get Out
Robbery, assaults, and mass shootings are fair concerns for the modern shopper.
When entering a store or shopping center, note the fire escapes, and alternate exit routes should a threat arise.
11-Stand Out
When parking in a lot, park in an open area, preferably under lights, with fewer places for offenders to hide between cars.
12-No Toe Splitting
As comfortable as flip-flops are in warm weather, they’re terrible for running.
It might be best to wear comfortable running shoes at the 4th of July parades or trips to crowded public areas this summer.
13-Keep Your Head Up
Offenders don’t select victims at random.
They seek out those that aren’t paying attention or don’t appear they’ll put up a fight.
Don’t walk around like a peacock, but carry yourself confidently and properly, and potential offenders may seek a meeker target.
14-Carrying In Public
Again, weapons can be taken without training, and improper technique could injure or kill innocent bystanders.
Check your local, state, and federal laws to see your options.
Alternative options such as pepper spray, Tazers, and knives are options but much less effective.
15-Wax On, Wax Off
You don’t have to be a world-renowned MMA fighter to learn practical self-defense skills.
Practicing martial arts can give you the upper hand if attacked, build confidence, and is good for your health.
Many schools offer classes specifically for women and children in everyday situations.
At Home
When criminals break into your home during the day, they typically want your stuff.
When they break in at night, they likely want you.
But criminals are brazen in 2023 thanks to soft-on-crime policies, so be prepared around the clock.
16-Anyone Home?
Don’t feel bad about not answering the door at odd hours or if someone appears suspicious.
Offenders can quickly rush inside after the door opens without causing a scene.
Here’s a home invader that tricked a homeowner by dressing up as the pizza guy.
When the owner came to tell him he didn’t order, he pulled a gun from under the pie.
It’s also important to note that many burglars will knock on the door to gauge if anyone is home at that time of day with innocuous requests such as asking for directions or handing out flyers.
17-Lock It Up
The days of “when we could leave our doors unlocked at night” are over.
And just like the auto burglars stealing your work equipment and radar detectors, home invaders may try doors and windows to find an easy target.
18-Alarms and Deterrence
Years ago, having an alarm system was expensive and required lots of equipment and installation.
Today, home alarm systems are more affordable, easier to install, and offer more functionality.
But many ex-criminals have admitted that even a sign on the lawn that suggests the home might have an alarm is enough to convince them to choose an easier target.
Or grab the tried and true “Beware of Dog” sign next time you’re at the hardware store.
19-Escape Plans
Depending on the layout of your home, different people may take different escape routes in an emergency.
Create a plan to meet at a safe, designated location area in case family members get split up.
20-Stand Your Ground
Firearms are far more likely to be found on nightstands than in waistbands.
And a home defense weapon can save your life and act as a deterrent when intruders realize you’ve leveled the playing field.
But again, bullets go through walls, and a lack of training and knowledge can cause more harm than good.
21-First Aid
With a delayed 911 response, you might have better luck driving someone or yourself to the hospital, depending on the situation.
Just like your car, keep your first aid equipment updated and stocked.
Be sure to include tourniquets and learn how to apply them properly. It takes thirty seconds.
Here’s a four-pack for $30.
Israeli bandages and QuikClot can stop bleeding in areas where tourniquets don’t work.
They’ve saved countless lives by stopping blood until EMS arrives.
Also, keep extra food, water, and maybe some extra toilet paper in case of natural or government disasters like the one we live in.
22-Fire Prevention
Fire extinguishers are cheap and may be the difference between you repairing your home, rebuilding it, or saving lives.
Keep a few handy throughout your home and update as needed.
Check your smoke alarms, and spend the extra money to get the type that senses carbon monoxide.
Also, integrate your designated meeting area into your fire plan as well.
Be Prepared
In an emergency, always call 911.
But I started my day yesterday by watching a video, now removed, of a man stabbing children at a park, one as young as 22 months.
Apparently, the victims are in critical but stable condition, as I write this.
That happened in France, and the offender is allegedly a Syrian refugee.
But it could easily happen here, given our border is open to the world.
In other places, white men are being lynched for being white, and the police are arresting Christians for being Christians.
Yet as crazy as things may be, there’s a healthy way to handle the insanity, and you shouldn’t live in fear.
So enjoy your vacations and celebrate our independence this summer.
But don’t forget, the first responder that saves your life or someone else’s could be you.
Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility. -Sigmund Freud
Great tips!
Thank you for the timely article!