Law enforcement in the Ferguson area are preparing for potential protests and riots following the grand jury’s decision in the Michael Brown investigation, which is expected sometime this month.Talking to “St. Louis Coptalk” forum, a supposed police officer in the Ferguson area issued a warning to others in the community to “protect” their families with firearms.Many posting in the forum expressed fears that demonstrators will take to the streets regardless of the decision made in the Aug. 9 shooting death of the 18-year-old by officer Darren Wilson.” – CBS St. Louis
I’m pro self-defense and Second Amendment – but this is very concerning. The first round of protests in Ferguson, Missouri were relatively peaceful. But now we keep hearing little news blips that Ferguson residents may be arming-up.
The problem with this is that without training a population suddenly armed is not necessarily safer. Firearms are great personal defense tools, but tools require training and practice – especially ones that can deliver deadly force.
This news also hints that this round of protests may turn violent. We can also be certain that the National Guard and law enforcement are aware of the rising threat of firearms and will come to the streets prepared for that contingency.
This whole Ferguson thing seems to be really spiraling out of control. Hopefully it turns out to be nothing more than a media circus.
What to do?
If I lived in a place about to explode I think I’d do a few things:
- Enhance the passive defenses of my home. This might even be to shore up a single room to use as a safe room. Walls are not bullet or fire proof but with a little effort they can be retrofitted. I’d expect more firebomb & handgun use in a riot so the bullet proofing would not need to be extreme since handgun rounds have less penetration ability than rifles. Exterior fireproofing and window protections should be the top priority since that threat can be much more dangerous than stray bullets.
- Prepare a better first aid kit in case someone gets shot.
- Store extra food and water just like one might for an earthquake or storm.
- Have a way to keep warm without the grid since the weather has turned so cold.
- Have an exit plan to evacuate if things turn really bad. A full tank of gas and a place to go via side roads might be a good start.