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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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
Many people also use daylight savings as a reminder to check the carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries for the winter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
October 27, 2022
You left out the best advice wear body armor!
October 27, 2022
I love all the info
October 27, 2022
Great tips and tricks. Nothing wrong either with doing a little extra either when it comes to protecting one self.
October 27, 2022
Commenting for the entries ;) but good tips, stay safe out there.
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.
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!
October 27, 2022
Great information! I keep a jump kit with supplies ready for any occasion.
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.
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!
October 27, 2022
Good info
October 27, 2022
Excellent read.
October 27, 2022
Trust your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right; be prepared and situational awareness is key.
October 27, 2022
Good tips.
October 27, 2022
We all need to be reminded about home alone. Great article! Great tips! Cheers.
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.
October 27, 2022
With increased crime these days, especially in the Bay Area, this is useful for everyone.
October 27, 2022
Great article, good advice.
October 27, 2022
Situational awareness always….Allow NO distractions!!!
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.
October 27, 2022
Thanks for the information!
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…
October 27, 2022
Stay strapped, or get clapped.
October 27, 2022
Great to have on hand.
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.
October 27, 2022
More info added to the repertoire! Bang on!
October 27, 2022
enlightening.
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.
October 27, 2022
Very useful info. Thank you!
October 27, 2022
Some very good tips
October 27, 2022
Great Info
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.
October 27, 2022
This some thing a lot of people never think about and the sad thing is they do iit every year.
October 27, 2022
Very sage advise
October 27, 2022
Good info
October 27, 2022
Useful advice
October 27, 2022
Thanks for this information. Great article
October 27, 2022
These are all great tips. Thanks for sharing!
October 27, 2022
Interesting
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).
October 27, 2022
Great tips
October 27, 2022
TSA approved for traveling with backpack inserts is a good to know, I may need to order them now.
October 27, 2022
great job
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!
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!
October 27, 2022
Lights, couple of small tea candles and a couple small road flares as well. :)
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.
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.
October 27, 2022
I’m enamored with these products
October 27, 2022
Inspirational. Reminded me I need to refresh and check my kits.
October 27, 2022
Many great tips for staying safe. I carry mace with me at all times.
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.
October 27, 2022
These are great tips
October 27, 2022
Thanks for the opportunity! Fantastic gear!!!
October 27, 2022
Great article
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.
October 27, 2022
This is stuff everyone should know, thank y’all for spreading this information.
October 27, 2022
Great post,keep up the good work.October 27, 2022
Great article, lots of good information and advice
October 27, 2022
informative
October 27, 2022
Have a Bleed Control Kit in your car all the time
October 27, 2022
Great advice
October 27, 2022
Great Tips!
October 27, 2022
Great information! Thanks for posting!
October 27, 2022
Operate in Condition Orange.
October 27, 2022
Be ever vigilant and go armed – always.
October 27, 2022
Situational Awareness is key to survival
October 27, 2022
I like to carry an extra pair of socks in case mine get wet.
October 27, 2022
That’s some great trips, thanks for putting them all in one spot.
October 27, 2022
head on a swivel!!!!
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.
October 27, 2022
One more piece of advice… stick with CoTCCC recommended TQs from reputable companies. There are some very questionable products showing up
October 27, 2022
Everyone should have this information
October 27, 2022
great advice.October 27, 2022
A need for everyone to read…
October 27, 2022
Great advice! Always be aware.
October 27, 2022
Don’t take pumpkins from strangers! Be safe kids!
October 27, 2022
Install or check your detectors: smoke, CO, and radon!
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.
October 27, 2022
Great Tips!
October 27, 2022
Valuable info … thanks.
October 27, 2022
Valuable info … thanks
October 27, 2022
Great tips!
October 27, 2022
Don’t forget your tourniquet.
October 27, 2022
Great info. Spot on
October 27, 2022
excellent article, well written with some really great tips.
October 27, 2022
Best home advice is to get to know your neighbors and be on good terms with them.
October 27, 2022
all good info
October 27, 2022
Carry a good flashlight.
October 27, 2022
Great tips to consider. Thank you.
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.
October 27, 2022
Great tips
October 27, 2022
Always love to read other opinions on readiness. So… bring it on!
October 27, 2022
Good advice
October 27, 2022
Let’s all be careful out there
October 27, 2022
Keep your eyes and ears open
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.
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!
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
December 10, 2024
November 20, 2024
November 19, 2024
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.