Preparation could be considered a credo for most Concealed Carriers. We strive and work to be as prepared as possible for whatever may occur during our day to day that may result in the use of our firearm. Whether that be at work, out and about running errands, or even just at home. Whatever the case may be, most of us already have a set plan in place in order to quickly and effectively draw our firearm should the need arise. But what about anyone else that might be in your company? Does your plan incorporate your friend, spouse or significant other, or your children?
In this article I’d like to cover just that; and offer some suggestions on certain methods you can use to include those in your company in your action plan, should you need to. Responding to a possible threat within the home is most likely a little more simple then taking action out in public; which will be covered in a follow-up article.
While in the home, a set plan should be in place to respond to a threat such as a break in or attempted robbery. If you yourself are the sole firearm handler in the home, getting to that firearm if it’s not readily accessible should be your first priority while the remainder of the household seeks cover. If one or more people in the home are proficient in the use of a firearm, then arming them as they take cover should be considered.
Having a plan at home can lessen the amount of chaos during a threatening situation. Should you be on opposite ends of the home when the threat occurs, knowing where your family will seek shelter is also important. Have a pre-designated point to take cover and know what to do once you’ve arrived safely, to include a secondary location should access to the original hideaway be blocked. If there are multiple persons in the household that own firearms, make sure you’ve already planned who does what. Who is taking cover and who is facing the threat?
Some may choose to take shelter with their family, armed, calling the police while defending themselves and the lives of their loved ones. Others may choose to engage the intruder or intruders, as they are well within their right to do so inside the home. Everyone is different, and situation dictates what you feel is the best course of action. Should you leave your loved ones armed while you venture out to face the intruders, then I would suggest some sort of code word to be in place for when you return to your family in their hiding place. Should shooting occur, more than likely your loved ones will be on high alert and full of adrenaline. The last thing you’d want is them accidentally shooting at you after returning to them.
Whatever plan you choose to have while in your home, it should be well discussed and practiced. Practicing a possible scenario such as responding to an intruder could mean the difference between dangerous hesitation coupled with uncertainty and surviving the encounter safely as a family.
