How to Stay Safe This Fall

October 25, 2022

Fall is known for change; time change, temperature change, and change in clothing. Sometimes, change can welcome chaos. With the upcoming hectic season, we want to offer a few tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this autumn. Many of these tips may seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook something so seemingly simple when you’re in the midst of chaos (no matter how fun that chaos may be). Below, you’ll find a few ways you can upgrade your preparedness this season, as well as some tips you can share with your family.

Here are the areas you should consider reevaluating as we get into the fall season:

  • Enhancing Your Everyday Carry
  • Protecting Your Vehicle
  • Safeguarding Your Home

Don’t forget to check out our bonus tips at the end! These are our top 5 safety tips to share with your family as we head into a new season. 

Modify Your Everyday Carry (EDC) for Fall

Time to bust out your favorite hoodie! Cooler temperatures mean you’ll naturally be wearing more clothes, which is great for the EDC community. Sweatshirts and jackets make it easier to conceal larger firearms without printing. Unfortunately, this is true for the “bad guys” as well, so we also recommend taking a look at your EDC bag to make sure you have everything, like a med kit and flashlight. Vertx Tactigami accessories are great to store these items, plus extra mags, or any other EDC essentials you can’t go without. 

Image of an EDC get home bag, or known as a bug out bag

Of course, we’d be foolish to not mention that it’s easier to wear body armor with the cooling weather. Consider switching from off-body carry to a concealable vest like our Discreet Executive Vestwhich provides a significant amount of coverage but doesn’t scream “I’m wearing body armor”.  

Customer reviews of the bulletproof concealable body armor vest say it is a great fit and comfortable body armor.

 

How to Protect Your Vehicle and Valuables Inside

An often neglected aspect to consider is the safety measures involving your vehicle. It’s wise to include a warm blanket in your car; under the circumstance of a breakdown, you won’t regret having a blanket to keep you warm, especially if you’re stranded for quite some time. 

Speaking of breaking down, colder weather also takes a toll on your vehicle’s battery.  Be sure that you have jumper cables in all your vehicles, and that everyone in your family knows how to use them.  Tire patch kits and a DC powered air pump are also great to have on hand. I also keep a get home bag in my truck.  It has all sorts of useful tools.  It obviously has one of our backpack inserts, a bleed control kit, a multitool, firestarter, gloves, and hat. 

Image of an emergency car tool kit.

Remember that blanket we mentioned above? You could also use it to hide your valuables in your car. The theft of personal items or gifts from cars are 28% higher on Black Friday than any other day of the year.* When you’re Black Friday shopping, remember to cover your valuables and Christmas gifts!

Studies show that property crime reaches its maximum during the winter months*. Therefore, it’s wise to park your car in your garage if you’re able. If not, be sure your home has a working safety light or flood lights to deter any unwanted visitors at night. The same can apply when parking in public. If you or your family are out and about at the grocery store, mall, or sporting event, try parking under a light. Not only will it cause someone to second-guess breaking in, but it also serves as a great landmark for finding your car quickly and easily.

Safeguarding Your Home for the Holidays

Dorothy said it best; there’s no place like home. When travel and deliveries are at an all time high, it’s important to remember your home safety. The first major fall holiday, Halloween, brings a 60% increase in property crime.* By making sure doors are locked and you keep your garage closed, you can deter any unwanted theft. If you haven’t already, consider an outdoor camera system like Ring, Blink, or Toucan to help monitor any movement. 

But what about all of those deliveries that may pile up as we get closer to the holidays? If you know you’ll be getting packages delivered, try to arrange deliveries on a day you know someone will be home. With Amazon, you can group items at checkout so everything arrives in one box, drawing less attention than a stack on the front porch. You can even have deliveries shipped to a secure locker location, which may not be as convenient, but ensures you are the only one retrieving the package.

With traveling increasing during the holiday season, up 54% over Thanksgiving and 23% during Christmas and New Year’s, according to the US Department of Transportation, make arrangements for a friend or neighbor to collect any mail delivered while you’re gone. A full mailbox can be a signal no one has been home. 

Image of delivery packages on a front porch.

Many people also use daylight savings as a reminder to check the carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries for the winter. 

Bonus! Top 5 Safety Tips to Share With Your Family This Fall:

How to Stay Safe in a Parking Lot

It’s important to be fully aware and present in a parking lot. The first step would be to consider where you park. It’s best to park under lighting and away from vans with sliding doors. When walking in a parking lot, walk confident and keep your head on a swivel. You should be able to know who is walking in front, beside, or behind you.

Criminals often judge people by observing their body language and taking note if the potential victim presents awareness of their surroundings. Most attacks can be prevented by looking around to see if anyone is in the area or following you. 

Image of safety awareness walking in a parking lot

The only time you should use your cell phone in the parking lot is as an additional safety precaution. You could use your cell phone to call someone so a threatening person knows there is someone on the line to hear an attack. Otherwise,your cell phone is a distraction for you, and welcomes an opportunity for attack

How to Stay Safe When Trick-or-Treating

Tricks and treats aren’t the only thing you can get on Halloween. On average, crime-related claims spike by 24% on Halloween. With the cover of darkness and people gone from their homes and cars for extended periods of time, make sure you and your property aren’t a target by keeping your doors locked.

When it comes time for your kids to dress up and trick-or-treat, make sure they know a few simple situational awareness skills before heading out. If they will be going out with friends, make sure they stay together and have them check in with you every so often to keep you updated. If you are planning to go with them, designate meet-up spots along the way, like the top of a smaller cul-de-sac. That way, you can keep an eye on everyone moving from house to house and reconvene at checkpoints. Remind them to keep their head out of their phones and be aware of their surroundings as much as possible.

How to stay safe while trick or treating

In all of the excitement, make sure everyone is aware of cars. Halloween sees a 43% rise in pedestrian casualties, according to a study cited by the Institute for Childhood Preparedness.* Many families find it safer to trick-or-treat in a neighborhood instead of along a more trafficked road, but it’s always best practice to stay on the sidewalks.

How to Stay Safe when Shopping

We all know there is an insane amount of foot traffic around the holidays. Parking lots, malls, and stores are flooded with people. When leaving your car unattended to go shopping, again, it is important to keep your valuables covered and park under lighting. 

If you’re shopping with your kids, always keep them within reach. Have your kids walk in front of you if possible. If you choose to split up from your teenage kids, have them check in with you periodically. 

How to stay safe while black friday shopping.

It’s important to note as well that a high percentage of attacks occur near ATMs in busier locations, even if it is in broad daylight. Never flash your money, but keep it concealed until it is time to pay. In some cases it may be wise to have your money spread in different locations like your purse and pockets. 

How to Stay Safe at Night

It’s starting to get darker earlier, which makes it easier for people wanting to harm you to have the courage and cover of darkness on their side. When walking to your car, park under lighting and as close to an entrance as possible. Make sure your hands aren’t full and you have something easily accessible to defend yourself, like your firearm or pepper spray. As soon as you get into your car, lock the doors, and don’t sit scrolling on your phone, distracted, before driving away

Image of situational awareness in a dark parking lot

The darkness doesn’t have to be scary, but being aware of your surroundings and keeping your head up can make you less of a target. If you enjoy getting outside for exercise or a run, be mindful of where you choose to go, and keep your earbud volume down (and off noise cancellation) so you can hear what’s going on around you.


How to Stay Safe When Traveling

The great thing about our backpack armor is that it is TSA approved for travel! If you’re traveling to a city with a high crime rate, you’re able to take ballistic protection with you. Just because you’re in a gun free zone, doesn’t mean you should be completely without a line of defense. Consider traveling with armor in your backpack, wearing an Everyday Armor T-Shirt, or putting a ballistic insert in the purse. 

Image of TSA approved backpack armor for travel.

We’ve all seen Home Alone and know what robbers will do once they realize you’re out of town! Your home is vacant, you’re away, and who’s to stop them from breaking in? Be wise. Don’t post on social media that you’re traveling for the holidays or that you’re out of town.

Have someone you trust collect your packages if you do receive a delivery, or schedule deliveries for when you’re home to receive them.  

We know some of these may sound like common sense, but when life gets busy, you and your family's safety shouldn’t be something that gets put on the back burner. 

 

Sources: 

The theft of personal items or gifts from cars are 28% higher on Black Friday 

Halloween, brings a 60% increase in property crime

43% rise in pedestrian casualties during Halloween

 


100 Responses

Adam Hoff
Adam Hoff

October 27, 2022

Always take note of a way out of a situation, no matter how low of a sketch factor. You never know when anything can go wrong, and it’s good to at minimum have a quick way out.

Xpikex
Xpikex

October 27, 2022

Great Information and Im going to share it with the family. Something as simple as being aware in a parking lot is a habit Ive always drilled but I never thought through parking under the lights. I usually park away from the crowds because of my truck but I will be more vigilant in those cases. Always have a bag ready to go in the vehicle.

David Michael
David Michael

October 27, 2022

You left out the best advice wear body armor!

Kenneth Peppers
Kenneth Peppers

October 27, 2022

I love all the info

Chris
Chris

October 27, 2022

Great tips and tricks. Nothing wrong either with doing a little extra either when it comes to protecting one self.

WW
WW

October 27, 2022

Commenting for the entries ;) but good tips, stay safe out there.

K Drake
K Drake

October 27, 2022

Security systems and modifications to your EDC are great, but don’t forget to check the batteries in your smoke detectors. From fireplaces to candles, there are a lot more open flames in houses in the fall.

Bern
Bern

October 27, 2022

I am traveling more often now and 50% of the time it’s to rough neighborhoods in big cities (majority foundation work), whenever I’m not able to carry I usually just risk it. I’ve learned my lesson though with 2 tense situations in the last 6 months. I’m definitely going to look into the TSA approved armor, I don’t know why this hasn’t crossed my mind before. Thanks!

Jaelyn
Jaelyn

October 27, 2022

Great information! I keep a jump kit with supplies ready for any occasion.

Michael Krager
Michael Krager

October 27, 2022

For the home, don’t post that you’re going on vacation on Facebook, or check-in from your favorite restaurant. This allows people to track you, and invites incursions into your home.

Also when traveling, you may be able to carry something along the lines of a tactical pen with you. I’ve had success carrying those on aircraft so far.

Marty Shrum
Marty Shrum

October 27, 2022

You have to be especially aware of your surroundings when returning to your vehicle this time of year. Keep your head on a swivel!

Thegibson
Thegibson

October 27, 2022

Good info

Joe J
Joe J

October 27, 2022

Excellent read.

Jack L
Jack L

October 27, 2022

Trust your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right; be prepared and situational awareness is key.

Gary McLaughlin
Gary McLaughlin

October 27, 2022

Good tips.

Nicholas Alexander
Nicholas Alexander

October 27, 2022

We all need to be reminded about home alone. Great article! Great tips! Cheers.

Dave M
Dave M

October 27, 2022

I agree with the article above, and most of the comments. it just gets tricky having everything you would need for every worst case scenario that could happen. Pay attention, dont rely on electronics. Know where you are and try to avoid situations that can put you in jeopardy.

Dave D.
Dave D.

October 27, 2022

With increased crime these days, especially in the Bay Area, this is useful for everyone.

Gavin J.
Gavin J.

October 27, 2022

Great article, good advice.

J
J

October 27, 2022

Situational awareness always….Allow NO distractions!!!

Daniel M
Daniel M

October 27, 2022

This is a great kit and article, I really liked the part about not advertising when you’re not home. I see it all the time, family and friends posting pictures or saying they won’t be home for a few days. That’s just letting everybody know your house, property or whatever is unguarded. It always drives me nuts, great info.

John M Burgess
John M Burgess

October 27, 2022

Thanks for the information!

noncompliant
noncompliant

October 27, 2022

Don’t forget winter gloves and wool socks in your winter vehicle kit. Cold hands and feet suck and socks can be used on hands too! Plan for the worst , hope for the best…

Marvin Langtry
Marvin Langtry

October 27, 2022

Stay strapped, or get clapped.

James Johnson
James Johnson

October 27, 2022

Great to have on hand.

Frank Rich
Frank Rich

October 27, 2022

All great tips that can be used by almost everyone in day to day life, use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

Luis
Luis

October 27, 2022

More info added to the repertoire! Bang on!

juanho79
juanho79

October 27, 2022

enlightening.

Chris S
Chris S

October 27, 2022

Very useful information and although there were alot of things that I already focus on, it was helpful to remind about certain things. Especially with the change in seasons, I need to make sure that I have the supplies I need for myself and my family in my vehicle.

Stephen B
Stephen B

October 27, 2022

Very useful info. Thank you!

Glen Morse
Glen Morse

October 27, 2022

Some very good tips

jowiho78
jowiho78

October 27, 2022

Great Info

Duane Oberlies
Duane Oberlies

October 27, 2022

This is a very well thought out article. It is so important to be aware of what’s going on around you.

Edward
Edward

October 27, 2022

This some thing a lot of people never think about and the sad thing is they do iit every year.

Richard
Richard

October 27, 2022

Very sage advise

Jason Baker
Jason Baker

October 27, 2022

Good info

John P
John P

October 27, 2022

Useful advice

Jonathan Skaggs
Jonathan Skaggs

October 27, 2022

Thanks for this information. Great article

Dave B
Dave B

October 27, 2022

These are all great tips. Thanks for sharing!

Fbh
Fbh

October 27, 2022

Interesting

Julio
Julio

October 27, 2022

Be aware of what your family is posting online. Kids like to over share what they are doing and where they are going. Phones and photos contain metadata that can be used to geolocate your loved ones. This could either alert others to how long a house will be empty (during vacation) or where they may be most vulnerable (after shopping at the mall).

Sudoclinton
Sudoclinton

October 27, 2022

Great tips

Pat Most
Pat Most

October 27, 2022

TSA approved for traveling with backpack inserts is a good to know, I may need to order them now.

Ralph
Ralph

October 27, 2022

great job

Charles W.
Charles W.

October 27, 2022

Yeah; when I read about not parking next to a van w/ a sliding door, i wondered why I hadn’t thought of that one!

Michael Austin
Michael Austin

October 27, 2022

Thanks for the helpful tips. It’s always good review your EDC gear and conceal carry going into heavy shopping season. I always try to stay vigilant, especially in parking lots at night. Stay frosty folks, and be prepared!

Bglincoln
Bglincoln

October 27, 2022

Lights, couple of small tea candles and a couple small road flares as well. :)

Andy
Andy

October 27, 2022

An ounce of Preparation equals a pound of cure also a good offense is the best defense. make sure to do whatever you can to put the bad guys on the back foot.

RanRo
RanRo

October 27, 2022

Great article, always crucial to stay concealed in Hellhole, IL. There are so many places you can’t carry, you have to decide whether to break the law or risk becoming a victim of a crime. In Hellhole, people will gladly record your death on smartphone rather than help.

Ty Reece
Ty Reece

October 27, 2022

I’m enamored with these products

Rus S
Rus S

October 27, 2022

Inspirational. Reminded me I need to refresh and check my kits.

Richard Hicks
Richard Hicks

October 27, 2022

Many great tips for staying safe. I carry mace with me at all times.

Owen
Owen

October 27, 2022

On the vehicle precautions side I always keep a battery jump starter in my truck. No need to wait and ask for someone to jump your vehicle. I like my Noco jumper.

James Bladen
James Bladen

October 27, 2022

These are great tips

TheSuperPicker
TheSuperPicker

October 27, 2022

Thanks for the opportunity! Fantastic gear!!!

Andrew
Andrew

October 27, 2022

Great article

Gary Weeks
Gary Weeks

October 27, 2022

if walking in the city pause frequently and check out your surrounds, while walking check the reflections in the windows as you are walking look for anything out of the ordinary, someone following/watching you. Carry your wallet in your front pockets, never carry a purse if you don’t have to. Always maintain a get out of dodge bag in your vehicle and resupply it frequently.

Matthew Feuge
Matthew Feuge

October 27, 2022

This is stuff everyone should know, thank y’all for spreading this information.

Bill G.
Bill G.

October 27, 2022

Great post,keep up the good work.
Jason
Jason

October 27, 2022

Great article, lots of good information and advice

Joseph Menard
Joseph Menard

October 27, 2022

informative

Destini
Destini

October 27, 2022

Have a Bleed Control Kit in your car all the time

Kimberly
Kimberly

October 27, 2022

Great advice

Jeff W.
Jeff W.

October 27, 2022

Great Tips!

Rogadawg
Rogadawg

October 27, 2022

Great information! Thanks for posting!

Aaron Jordan
Aaron Jordan

October 27, 2022

Operate in Condition Orange.

Eric B
Eric B

October 27, 2022

Be ever vigilant and go armed – always.

Neige Blanc
Neige Blanc

October 27, 2022

Situational Awareness is key to survival

Brandon Fritz
Brandon Fritz

October 27, 2022

I like to carry an extra pair of socks in case mine get wet.

Tom G
Tom G

October 27, 2022

That’s some great trips, thanks for putting them all in one spot.

brian none
brian none

October 27, 2022

head on a swivel!!!!

John C.
John C.

October 27, 2022

This is very good advice all the way around. Being prepared, trained, competent with our equipment and above all being aware and vigilant at all times. Especially good advice since people have become so attached to their mobile phones. Less time using our phones in public and more time being aware of our surroundings.

Steve
Steve

October 27, 2022

One more piece of advice… stick with CoTCCC recommended TQs from reputable companies. There are some very questionable products showing up

mr smith
mr smith

October 27, 2022

Everyone should have this information

Gary G White
Gary G White

October 27, 2022

great advice.
Donald
Donald

October 27, 2022

A need for everyone to read…

Caio
Caio

October 27, 2022

Great advice! Always be aware.

Dallas Buckle
Dallas Buckle

October 27, 2022

Don’t take pumpkins from strangers! Be safe kids!

NukeMD
NukeMD

October 27, 2022

Install or check your detectors: smoke, CO, and radon!

Dale H
Dale H

October 27, 2022

Always be aware of your surroundings when shopping and even eating at a restaurant. I always set to where I can see the door.

W W Cobb
W W Cobb

October 27, 2022

Great Tips!

Murray
Murray

October 27, 2022

Valuable info … thanks.

Murray
Murray

October 27, 2022

Valuable info … thanks

Jason M
Jason M

October 27, 2022

Great tips!

Whiskey 4
Whiskey 4

October 27, 2022

Don’t forget your tourniquet.

Jerome Brownell
Jerome Brownell

October 27, 2022

Great info. Spot on

Bob Waters
Bob Waters

October 27, 2022

excellent article, well written with some really great tips.

BradB
BradB

October 27, 2022

Best home advice is to get to know your neighbors and be on good terms with them.

ftp
ftp

October 27, 2022

all good info

Sean
Sean

October 27, 2022

Carry a good flashlight.

Gary T
Gary T

October 27, 2022

Great tips to consider. Thank you.

Jim Hendrickson
Jim Hendrickson

October 27, 2022

We could go the coof-19 route and just everybody stay inside… I know the point was to not get sick but I will echo America in saying. “We’re sick of that shit!” Go out have fun and live life just remember keep calm and always carry a weapon.

Keirsh Cochran
Keirsh Cochran

October 27, 2022

Great tips

Nathan Dowell
Nathan Dowell

October 27, 2022

Always love to read other opinions on readiness. So… bring it on!

TomC
TomC

October 27, 2022

Good advice

Sue
Sue

October 27, 2022

Let’s all be careful out there

Kimmy
Kimmy

October 27, 2022

Keep your eyes and ears open

Andrew
Andrew

October 27, 2022

ALWAYS keep at least a full car length of open space in front of your car when stopped at a traffic light or stop sign — if worse some to worst it’s enough space to accelerate to ram your way out.

Dan McIntire
Dan McIntire

October 27, 2022

Great and helpful information for anyone! Situational awareness is key and one can never let their guard down as anything can happen anywhere and any time!

Nick
Nick

October 27, 2022

To add to the article one thing I like to do is hang my bag from my back seat headrest to provide some ballistic protection while driving

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in The Armored Mindset Blog

The Durus 650 Level III+ Plate: Revolutionizing Steel Armor for Modern Threats
The Durus 650 Level III+ Plate: Revolutionizing Steel Armor for Modern Threats

December 10, 2024

Lightweight, multi-curve design, and advanced Level III+ performance against rifle threats - the Durus 650 Level III+ Plate. Learn how it sets a new standard in steel armor.
ACH vs. ECH Helmets: Choosing the Right Tactical Headgear
ACH vs. ECH Helmets: Choosing the Right Tactical Headgear

November 20, 2024

Discover the differences between ACH & ECH ballistic helmets. Learn about their features, bulletproof capabilities, and their availability to civilians.
Bump Helmets Vs. Ballistic Helmets - Which is Right for You?
Bump Helmets Vs. Ballistic Helmets - Which is Right for You?

November 19, 2024

Explore the differences between bump helmets and ballistic helmets. Discover the protection levels, comfort features, accessory compatibility, and more.