Hi folks,Every so often, I like to discuss ideas on what we can do to stay safe in public areas. I mean any place except camping grounds, especially Walmart type places.What I do.1. Make sure the doors are locked. I will periodically check by going outside and making sure all the doors and windows are locked. Also check to see that your curtains are doing their job.2. I carry one of the new flash lights that will blind anybody who wants to make trouble. Remember they might have one too.3. I have heard that hornet spray in the eyes will stop a person in their tracks. It is said it will not permently damage.4. When parking in a parking lot for the night, I will park under the lights near other campers and trucks. I stay away from any vehicles that might cause harm. It is called SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. Very important.What do you think?Heapie

3. I have heard that hornet spray in the eyes will stop a person in their tracks. It is said it will not permently damage.I think it would stop someone in their tracks. But I wondered about serious eye damage, too. I don't believe for a moment that the chemicals in hornet spray sprayed directly in the eyes will not result in some kind of permanent vision damage.Of course, if it became a matter of life and death, I wouldn't hesitate. I prey to God, I nor my family are never put in that position.

common sense.some people are so scared they should just stay homeI worry more about some "defender" banging off shots than any bad guy...and have packed up and moved when I didn;t trust my neighbors.Mike

It's good to be vigilant, careful and aware.....but...It's much more dangerous just driving you rig on public highways than camping in public areas.

mkguitar wrote:common sense.some people are so scared they should just stay homeI worry more about some "defender" banging off shots than any bad guy...and have packed up and moved when I didn;t trust my neighbors.x2 ... I'm far more worried about being injured by folks living in such fear - if they're truly confronted, will they have clear though to check their sight lines, or will the brain lock up and reflex take over?

Why not just carry pepper spray rather than hornet spray? It's designed to repel humans.And, if your attacker is on something, either spray may not work as expected. Are you ready and equipped to literally stop them in their tracks if necessary to protect youreslf or your family's life?Situational awareness is very important. Unfortunately some don't get it.

Safety in camping in public areas. | Good Sam Community

korbe
Explorer
Dec 03, 2016
I do my best to be aware of my surroundings. If those surroundings make me feel uncomfortable, I leave. I can't always be able to defend the unexpected, but I sure do try it be close.
jrobe
Explorer
Dec 03, 2016
Bionic Man wrote:
I carry something a little more solid than a spray. And have training to use it appropriately should the need arise.

I have a big collection of guns and the training to use them but I think my can of bear spray would be more effective in most confrontations. I was even sprayed myself once by accident (long story) and I was completely disabled for 20-30 min. It puts out a wide cloud of pepper spray that eliminates any need to even aim.

There is certainly no good reason to use hornet spray. That is just plain mean. Most of these chemicals are neurologic blockers designed to kill and not just chemical irritants.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Dec 03, 2016
This is my list:

1. if I have any doubts about the location, I don't stay there
2. a place for everything and everything in its place
3. my keys in an easy to reach location that I can access as I move from the back to the cab
4. drive away

#1 prevents me from finding myself in a bad situation more often than not.
#2 allows me to move quickly without worrying about things falling about.
#3 allows me to get into the driver seat quickly without wasting time searching for keys in pockets/packs/etc.
#4 gets me away from the trouble so that I don't need to worry about a confrontation.
gbopp
Explorer
Dec 03, 2016
Why not just carry pepper spray rather than hornet spray? It's designed to repel humans.

And, if your attacker is on something, either spray may not work as expected.

Are you ready and equipped to literally stop them in their tracks if necessary to protect youreslf or your family's life?

Situational awareness is very important. Unfortunately some don't get it.
GordonThree
Explorer
Dec 03, 2016
mkguitar wrote:
common sense.

some people are so scared they should just stay home

I worry more about some "defender" banging off shots than any bad guy...and have packed up and moved when I didn;t trust my neighbors.

x2 ... I'm far more worried about being injured by folks living in such fear - if they're truly confronted, will they have clear though to check their sight lines, or will the brain lock up and reflex take over?
downtheroad
Explorer
Dec 03, 2016
It's good to be vigilant, careful and aware.....but...
It's much more dangerous just driving you rig on public highways than camping in public areas.
mkguitar
Explorer
Dec 03, 2016
common sense.

some people are so scared they should just stay home

I worry more about some "defender" banging off shots than any bad guy...and have packed up and moved when I didn;t trust my neighbors.

Mike
3oaks
Explorer
Dec 03, 2016
3. I have heard that hornet spray in the eyes will stop a person in their tracks. It is said it will not permently damage.
I think it would stop someone in their tracks. But I wondered about serious eye damage, too. I don't believe for a moment that the chemicals in hornet spray sprayed directly in the eyes will not result in some kind of permanent vision damage.

Of course, if it became a matter of life and death, I wouldn't hesitate. I prey to God, I nor my family are never put in that position.

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