Last week, we talked about the importance of having a personal defense plan. This week, we will be walking through a checklist that is designed to help you identify gaps in your current safety strategy. Use these questions to perform a self-assessment of your daily routines and preparation levels.
Personal Defense Audit: A Vulnerability Assessment
Section 1: Situational Awareness Habits
True security begins with how you move through the world. These habits are your first line of defense.
Do you consciously scan for exits every time you enter a building? Identify at least two ways out of any room.
Do you avoid "phone fixation" in transition spaces? Transition spaces include parking lots, elevators, and walkways between your car and a building.
Are you parking in well-lit areas and backing into spaces? Backing in allows for a much faster exit if a threat emerges in a parking lot.
Do you maintain a "buffer zone" in traffic? Ensure you can see the rear tires of the car in front of you so you have room to steer around them if necessary.
Section 2: Home and Environmental Security
Your home should be a "hard target" that discourages intrusion before it begins.
Are all exterior doors equipped with deadbolts and reinforced strike plates? Standard half-inch screws in a door frame will not stop a determined kick; three-inch screws are the professional standard.
Is your exterior lighting automated or motion-activated? Criminals prefer to work in shadows.
Do you have a designated "safe room" or rally point for your family? Everyone in the household should know exactly where to go and what to do if an alarm sounds at 2:00 AM.
Are your firearms stored in a way that balances rapid access with unauthorized-user security? Consider the balance between a locked safe and your ability to reach a tool under stress.
Section 3: Equipment and Skill Proficiency
Owning the gear is not the same as being proficient with it.
When was the last time you practiced drawing your firearm from your actual daily carry holster? Range drills are good, but drawing from your specific clothing is a different skill set.
Do you carry a dedicated, high-output handheld flashlight? Most defensive encounters happen in low-light environments. Identifying a threat before using force is a legal and moral necessity.
Have you inspected your carry ammunition for signs of setback or corrosion lately? Constant loading and unloading can damage defensive rounds over time.
Do you have a "stop the bleed" kit in your vehicle and on your person? A tourniquet and pressure dressing should be as much a part of your EDC (Everyday Carry) as your firearm.
Section 4: Legal and Post-Incident Planning
The "fight" does not end when the smoke clears. The legal and psychological aftermath can be just as grueling.
Do you have the contact information for a 24/7 firearms-knowledgeable attorney? You should not be searching for a lawyer while sitting in an interview room.
Do you understand the specific "Duty to Retreat" or "Stand Your Ground" laws in your state? Legal boundaries change the moment you cross state lines.
Do you have a plan for the first 60 seconds after an incident? This includes securing your weapon before police arrive, calling 911, and knowing exactly what to say to the dispatcher.
Is your family trained on how to interact with responding officers? They need to know how to remain safe and compliant during a high-tension police arrival.
Moving Forward
If you found yourself answering "no" or "I'm not sure" to more than a few of these questions, do not be discouraged. It simply means you have identified a specific area where you can improve your safety. We recommend picking one section of this audit each week and making the necessary adjustments.