The very best option is to vacate the area.

Distance is your friend and a tactical response option resulting in the least risk of physical injury.

Creating distance makes you a moving target, which is one that is more difficult to hit.

Shown is the author with a metal pipe used as a weapon of opportunity. Weapons of opportunity can be found everywhere if you are suddenly attacked by a criminal ambush.

Understanding how to employ weapons of opportunity can mean the difference between survival and death.

Knowledge of your environment can be critical in avoiding victimization.

Self-awareness is important for finding a safe space and even a fraction of a second can make a difference!

You must consider it a life-saving tool like your firearm or knife.

In this photograph, the author Steve Tarani uses a SureFire flashlight to disarm a knife wielding attacker.

You might find yourself in a situation where you cannot have a firearm. What can you use for defense in its place?

Even a laptop computer or desk chair can be used as an impact weapon in a life-threatening situation.

It can also cause pain which may help.

How do real-world protection experts do this?

In this digital photograph we see a mature woman choking a man with a wood baton on his throat. This is a use of deadly force.

Improvising with the means at hand is an important aspect ofself-defense training.

The professionals run a resource assessment listing.

If you are without a firearm, your primary self-defense plan should consist of secondary or improvised weapons.

What is around you that you might immediately get into your hands and use as a weapon?

In this image, the author is in a knife fighting training class. An instructor demonstrates using a karambit to stab an attacker.

Always be prepared to respond with anything that might be accessible.

What category is it?

How close are you and your potential adversaries?

Is there more than one weapon?

A woman uses a colorful scarf to choke a larger man who tried to sexual assault her.

Something as non-threatening as a scarf can be a potent weapon if the situation calls for it.

Is there more than one potential adversary that you better protect yourself from?

If it goes down, who will be your biggest threat?

How will you stop or deter that threat and then which direction will you move?

Woman and her daughter walk through a dark parking lot deck. Is this safe? Do they have a plan? Will things go horribly wrong?

Always have a plan for self-defense, no matter your location or situation.

What is your objective?

Consider using hit-and-run tactics like guerrilla warfare when you do have to fight.

Be aware of where your nearest pistol or rifle may be.

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If you are able to move to one of these superior weapons, get there.

Your mind is your most powerful weapon.

Mental preparedness is critical to the selection and usage of improvised weapons in self-defense.

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