Posted on 11/10/2015 11:05:36 PM PST by packrat01
We had a bit of a scare this evening. It was after dark. Several LE vehicles on the roads around our house shining spotlights, soon joined by a helicopter. Obviously looking for someone. Before the helicopter joined, I had thought it might be an exercise, but one of the neighbors said our county can't afford a chopper for a practice run.
It was 'bout a week ago when the LE did find a different someone, hiding in a culvert not far from here. Suspect in a high-speed chase who had fired (allegedly) at the LE in pursuit. We were wondering if it was more of the same, or something similar.
We had just gotten home after meeting one of the LE vehicles spotlighting. We called several neighbors to make them aware, urge caution, and ask if they knew what was happening. Nothing learned.
We made some strategic and tactical mistakes this evening, in our response to the events. Most of the mistakes were of the we-had-our-heads-up-our-butts kind of things. Some were things we had forgotten, and some were things we hadn't practiced in a while. Actually, we had gotten slack in our state of alert and preparedness. Shame on us.
We hope to never again become complacent in our "alleged" security. The following are notes to myself as much as anything.
Lock the house. Even if we plan on only being gone a short time (that turned out to be a long time). As we hadn't locked up when we left, we should have immediately...
Clear the house FIRST. Don't fret the non-essentials, like feeding the dogs. Yeah, we had just gotten home and they were probably hungry, but a hungry dog is NOT a bad thing if there is a BG in the neighborhood. Practice clearing the house. Don't wait for a maybe-event to prompt us.
Earlier in the day, the pup had exhibited "weird" behavior, and Missus Packrat did not investigate. Next time, check it out!
Light discipline. Interior lights OFF, exterior lights ALL on! Flashlights! Rotate your batteries. Don't present a silhouette. Cover, or change out of, your light colored clothing.
Movement. Know where everybody is, at all times. Move together. Communicate if you're out of direct line-of sight. Have names for different rooms in your house and any placed you MIGHT have to clear that only y'all know, so the BG can't anticipate your movements by your communications. ("I'll check the bathroom" lets him know your heading his way IF he's in there. Don't telegraph to the BG your intentions.)
Firearm selection. Don't put down the .22 single-action until the .40 semi is in your hand. (Note to self: get a sling for the shotgun so you're not leaving it for the BG to find.)
Get ALL the neighbors phone numbers, not just a few of them. Get everyone watching, listening, preparing, and communicating.
If you can learn from our mistakes, please do so. Hints and suggestions would be MOST welcome, particularly in regard to a good sling for the 870.
Turns out that a plane went down in our area and three counties and the state were all searching. Unknown outcome at this time.
I did make my suggestion based on the fact that I tripped on something and fell on my bed in the dark 2 nights ago. I piut away the offending item in its proper place. Good thing I was not doing anything tactical. A clear floor is more benficial to you since the BG is not familiar with your house and must move slower while you can move a bit quicker in the dark.
Corn flakes? that’s a good idea.
Mine weren’t bright, but I’ll bet they would have been dangerous if they got inside. It is nice though to have gone through it as an unplanned “exercise” in the home. It felt very different from the military and very different from planned practice at home.
If the left ever confiscates guns, and if we comply, home invasions will become much more common.
After shutting the lights, place your hands over your eyes (with eyes open) and count to twenty. When you remove your hands you'll be amazed at how much night vision you have.
Thanks, I’ll try that.
Reminds me; I need to make a directional strobe light for messing up the BG’s night vision.
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