Do you recommend putting important documents in your bug out bag? If I have to bug out because of a disaster and start over I’m assuming I will need identification.

-From Brian A.

Answer: One of the most valuable things you can do to prepare for any type of disaster is put a flash drive in your bug out bag loaded with all your important documents.

I recommend some type of encrypted flash drive and to put copies of birth certificates, social security cards, driver’s license, etc.

You can also put physical copies of all documents in your bag depending on your comfort level if they went missing.

 

I carry a knife for self-defense because a gun is not an option. If I pull my knife out, is it the same as pulling a gun on someone?

-From Willie R.

Answer: Most laws regarding knives are similar to gun laws. What I mean is, you can’t pull a gun out and point it at someone and the same would go for pulling a knife on someone.

With that being said, if you are in fear for your life and pull out a knife to defend yourself, I don’t think there would be any legal issue as long as you were justified to do so.

Since I’m not a lawyer, I would recommend contacting an attorney in your state who could explain the specific knife laws where you live.

 

Recently, I watched a video of a man who was walking in Los Angeles and a guy walks up and puts a gun to his head. What do you do in this situation if the bad guy already has the upper hand?

-From Sean C.

Answer: At the end of the day, a watch, wallet, or whatever else the guy wanted is not worth losing your life over.

However, if the bad guy tried to kidnap or take you with them then you would need to intervene. In other words, if the criminal takes a hostage, it usually doesn’t end well.

If they try to force you into a vehicle that would be the time to fight back. This is where I would use a gun, knife, or tactical pen to defend your life.

But if someone wants your valuables, which can be replaced, give them what they want and get away to safety.

Also, if you are trained in gun disarms, then when someone has a gun to your head, it’s actually much easier to disarm them than most people think.

 

With all the talk about gun control, what are your thoughts about Red Flag Laws?

-From Blake B.

Answer: Red flag laws are no doubt a way of gun control. Basically, these are laws that allow police or even family members to petition a court to remove firearms from a person.

The person petitioning the court must show the judge evidence of why the guns should be taken away, such as if the person is a danger to themselves or others.

The problem with this law is that it can be abused. For example, a family member could be dishonest and cause someone to lose their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.

This is a very fine line for judges. If someone is truly a danger then, of course, they shouldn’t have guns. But the reality is these types of laws can be misused.

I wouldn’t want anyone to have their guns taken away unless they were a true threat.

 

Last week my husband and I installed a DIY home security alarm system. We were proud of ourselves until we realized we forgot about our small basement window. Now, I’m worried that this window will be the one used by burglars. Should I be concerned?

-From Lori T.

Answer: You are right that it’s important to never overlook a window or door even if you think it’s too small or not an ideal point of entry.

I recommend installing glass-break window sensors for your home security system on your windows.

Finally, I would place a piece of wood in the window track to prevent the window from being opened.

 

Jason, I have been reading a lot about the recent shooting in Indiana where a Good Samaritan shot the shooter. If you were the Good Samaritan, what would you do as soon as the bad guy is no longer a threat? What if people think you are the bad guy?

-From Jesse R.

Answer: As soon as the threat was down, I would immediately holster my gun. The most important thing is that as soon as the threat is down you need to get the gun out of your hands.