Key Takeaways A home-defense plan involves more than owning a firearm. Securing entry points, improving exterior lighting, identifying safe areas and preparing your family are all important. Home…

Key Takeaways Situational awareness means understanding your surroundings, recognizing changes and noticing potential threats. The Color Code of Awareness describes four conditions: White, Yellow,…

If you carry a firearm for self-defense, training and understanding the law are important parts of being prepared. But preparation also means thinking about what happens after a self-defense incident. A defensive use of force can lead to a police investigation and, depending on the circumstances, criminal or civil proceedings.

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Key Takeaways A justified self-defense shooting or favorable criminal outcome does not necessarily prevent a later civil lawsuit. Criminal and civil cases use different standards, and the burden of…

A loud, clear command given at the beginning of a self-defense incident can deter aggressors and alert bystanders to your need for help. That’s why verbal warnings are an important part of any…

Back-to-school season always seems to come with a list: lunchbox, water bottle, pencils, folders, new shoes. Maybe a calculator. Definitely more glue sticks than any household should reasonably need.…

Several years ago, I had a former student reach out to me to share an experience she had. She was at a local shopping mall and started to feel uncertain and uncomfortable. Remembering our training…

Protecting your family now requires more than securing your home and remaining aware of your physical surroundings. Smartphones, social media, online shopping, connected devices and public Wi-Fi can…

Should I shoot a warning shot is a common self-defense question. It may seem like a reasonable middle ground. You avoid shooting another person while still convincing an attacker to back down. But…

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As temperatures rise, so do the number of opportunities to gather at outdoor events, including everything from local fairs to large music festivals. After being cooped up indoors during the cold…