Non-Lethal RV Personal Protection
While living in an RV, safety goes much further than careful driving. There are unique needs for personal protection. Some include being aware of your surroundings. Which is unique when it changes all the time. As a firearms instructor, I recommend other considerations first to avoid legal hassles that comes with firearms as a means of self defense. The thought that many RVers forget is that our homes have wheels. There are many that move into an RV to simplify their lives, only to find out that it is not that simple. So let’s keep this simple.
Avoiding Conflict
We have a saying in our home on wheels. Bless and Release. Sometimes situations can be easily avoided by simply moving on. Totally understand that it’s not that easy sometimes. Avoiding conflict is easy as long as you are willing to do just that.
Words escalate situations more than physical contact. Yep most men have a hard time doing this, especially if you’re like me and want to fix everything. Physical contact is the result of ill gotten words and never works out for the better. One large thing that people don’t realize is that words cannot be taken back. One commandment is to love your neighbor as you love yourself. With that, say nothing, even if you think you are right because they too think they are right. Bless and release.
If you forgot to say nothing, really throw that curve ball by thanking them for listening and walk away. You may have heard the southern words “Bless your Heart”. Yeah it’s not really a term of endearment but it is a way to calm yourself and walk away. You might want to just bless their hearts in silence to avoid more conflict though. Bless and Release.
Your not a Tree
Many RVers forget that their home is on wheels. Totally understand that it is not as easy for everyone but instead of making yourself miserable, work on an exit strategy by either finding work somewhere else or consider just moving. Even if it is just down the street. If you live in a home and don’t have love for your neighbors you’re stuck with them. Maybe they are loud and party all night or just simply rude. Bless and release.
Our neighbors, when we lived in a sticks and bricks, must’ve hated us on some weekend mornings. One hobby that we love is to adventure on our Harley. We love to get together with brothers and sisters on a Saturday or Sunday morning. There were sometimes over ten Harleys rolling in on any one of those mornings. A couple times pretty early in the morning. We tried to be quiet but that’s not so easy sometimes.
Personal Protection Thoughts
There has been more than one time that while traveling we felt a little uncomfortable while on the move. We have traveled all over this country and stayed in multiple Walmarts, Harvest Hosts and Elks lodges while traveling. We aren’t big fans of RV parks or resorts, that’s just us. Some of those stops were a little sketchy to say the least.
Although they were sketchy, we never stayed if either one of us didn’t agree that it just was not for us. We have pulled into a couple Walmart parking lots only to be woken up at 2:00 am by cars racing in the parking lot or nearby. Most of the time it is just easier to realize that it is only for the night. So we just try to get some sleep and move on early in the morning.
Be Self Reliant
Being able to take care of yourself in most situations is not only key to independence but it is also key to personal protection. If you have a tire that goes flat while traveling you can easily become a target while waiting for that tire to get changed. Practice self reliance. Learn to change your own tire and practice self reliance. It can be self gratifying and keep you safe. If you are so inclined, maybe even take some personal defense courses.
You don’t need to become a blackbelt, you can simply take note of your surroundings. There are courses that you can take that help you to refuse to be a victim. Keep in mind that there are so many options that do not require any type of lethal tools that are easily affordable as well as do not require special licenses or breaking any laws wherever you travel. Wherever you decide to be free. Be safe.
Non-Lethal Protection
First, as mentioned already, simply avoid conflict or sketchy situations. If your gut is telling you to bless and release, that is probably the best option. Next, always have a plan just in case the situation escalates. Knowing and familiarizing ourselves with laws specific to the area is the first thing we always do. Especially while considering lethal means but there are laws that regulate non-lethal means too.
Non-lethal personal protection weapons come in a plethora of different options. The first need of a non-lethal weapon is for self defense. Secondly they are intended to slow down an attacker to assist in your escape. Using any type of weapon in an offensive manner will find you a new set of bracelets, handcuffs. Note: Some of these require you to be of a certain laws to be in possession of or carry on your person. Here’s a few types of non-lethal weapons for self defense that may require some more serious consideration before making them the weapon of choice.
- Stun Guns
- Stun guns may require some considerations before considering them as a form of self defense. Know the states laws before making this your go to means of self defense while traveling. These usually require you to not be a convicted felon or have any type of assault charges against you.
- Pepper Spray
- Pepper spray also comes with a few considerations. Not all levels of pepper spray are legal in all states. There are typically age restrictions. Again, know the laws for the state you are in.
More Simple Non-Lethal Self Defense
Consider a more simple thought in personal protection while traveling. There are a few simple things you may already have that can be part of your self defense while traveling. Things like keys to your vehicle, keychains or flashlights. Let’s break them down for a moment.
- Vehicle keys
- This is a seriously overlooked option. Holding your keys in your hand gives you a few options if being attacked. Holding your keys in your fist with the longest key between your pointer and middle fingers gives you a weapon. If you find yourself punching your way out of an attack, that key may inflict enough pain to your attacker while you flee from the area.
- Next, most vehicles have a key fob that has an alarm feature. Yeah many people will be annoyed but they may at least look in the right direction.
- Also white on the subject of keys. Do not unlock your vehicle until you have a good visual site of it.
- Flashlights
- We as RVers all have at least one good flashlight. Selecting one that has a strobe function can disorientate an attacker, again giving you the time needed to flee. They make them small enough nowadays and can easily fit in your hand. Be sure that the flashlight you choose, choose one that is at least 120 lumens. Anything less will not be as effective.
- Another use for flashlights is to help punch your way out of the attack if necessary. Bigger ones can be used as a blunt object while under attack.
No matter what you choose for self defense while traveling, be sure to be familiar with local laws, be safe and alert.
Keep it simple
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