Mass Shooting Outside Chicago, Not Again!
If you reacted like I did, you thought “Not again!” Everyone’s tired of hearing about yet another mass shooting. Although the police responded quickly to the shooting in the Chicago suburbs on July 4th, the shooter still got of 70 rounds from a long gun and defenseless people died while participating in what should have been a safe, family-friendly, community event.
Parents who never thought they would need to defend their children from bullets, found themselves doing just that. One parent threw himself over his child during the shooting and lost his life. A mother was shot while she and her daughter were running side my side, fleeing from the shooter. It’s hard to know how any of us would react in a similar situation. Some people freeze and others panic.
Maybe families are starting to consider staying away from such events, but for those who still want to continue to participate, there are steps they can take to protect their families.
- First, learn more about how to respond in an emergency by reading information online or looking for active shooter response classes in your area.
- Second, consider investing in body armor clothing.
As I mentioned in recent post, I suggest you learn more about emergency preparedness and find and take an active shooter class near you. FEEMA and the Department of Homeland Security have recommendations as does the Virginia Fusion Center as to how to respond but many communities, especially those near universities or large entertainment venues, are starting to offer safety training for active shooter incidents. Advice includes everything from being aware of your surroundings to fleeing the area or hiding if something happens.
After listening to multiple accounts of this shooting, I realized the Highland Park shooter, like most mass shooters, aimed mostly for the abdominal area. If you’re familiar with firearms or have watched crime tv, you may know the term “center mass.” It’s the largest and therefore the easiest part of a body to hit, which is why law enforcement personnel wear body army to protect themselves.
While your chance of being in the wrong place at the wrong time may be slim, you never know what might happen. I want those of you who plan to attend large events to consider investing in body armor clothing. Civilians wearing body armor is legal in most states with some restrictions. Do research for your area before proceeding. Prices vary so see what best fits your budget. There are vests, shirts, jackets, and even backpacks. There are also backpack inserts you slip into a pack to add personal protection. Inserts start at just over $100.
There’s even bullet proof clothing designed for children and teens but if adults are wearing protection, they may be able to shield young family members. Invest in your family’s safety. Give yourself a better chance to survive if you should be unlucky enough to be at a mass shooting.
Some people freeze or panic and knowing what to do when the worst happens could keep you and your family safe. Consider wearing protective gear and be prepared for whatever might happen while attending a public event. You can also learn more about keeping everyone safe by reading my book, “Rent A Cop Reboot.”
Today’s decisions will affect all of our tomorrows.