We Have Never Been This Way Before

Historically pandemics have not really happened here in the United States. They typically occur overseas in countries where they lack scientists, health standards, and vaccines, but the blunt reality is that we are currently in a pandemic within the United States. Jobs are getting eliminated. The economy has slowed down. Social distancing is a new reality, and there has been a demand for firearms like we have never seen before–so strong that most gun ranges have emptied their inventory in a matter of hours nationwide.

The Covid-19 is an enemy that does one thing. It makes you sick, by attacking your lungs in an attempt to kill you. It does not care about your race, gender, political leanings, wealth, sexual orientation, or education. It is especially dangerous for the most treasured members of our society–senior citizens. So, let’s do our part and continue to fight. We are all one big family, and family comes together in tough times.

7 Things You Can Do During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The big question for African American gun owners is, “How do you survive?” The first thing you need to do is to develop a survival strategy. There is not one perfect plan that fits everyone, but there are some common themes you need to understand and essential items you should acquire along the way. This is my own list that I have for my family, but yours might differ:

1. Common Sense – Think strategically. Quick decisions can often lead to problems so do not panic or let social media “soldiers” feed you with misinformation. In the short term, it will be tough, but you will get through this.
   
2. Water is the Key – Have a water supply that you and your family can survive on for at least a month. A good rule of thumb is that you need 1 gallon per person per day. 
   
3. Food – Have food that can withstand long periods of storage (MRE’s – Meals Ready to Eat,  beans, canned food, peanut butter, rice, lentils, pasta, and canned meat).
   
4. Medical  Supplies – Aspirin, towels, first aid kit, disinfectant, scissors, medical gloves, face masks, thermometers, soap, hand sanitizers, and toilet paper. 
   
5. Emergency Team – Group of family and friends that can help you in an emergency. Make sure you talk to them and get a mutual agreement. It is all about team tactics. A group has a better chance of surviving than an individual. 
   
6. Home Security – Make sure you check the entire house, and make it safe–alarm, locks, entry and exit, etc. If someone breaks in your home, what is your family trained to do? What room do the kids go to? Where are the firearms and lock keys?
   
7. Firearm – It is my belief that you need to have a gun. In times of crisis, there is a small–but dangerous–segment of society that wants to steal from and/or hurt you. You must be able to protect and secure your home. Rational thinking, kind words, and hoping for mercy will not matter to intruders who want to break in. Select a gun that you are comfortable with and can provide safety for your home. This is a personal selection. Some individuals like shotguns, some AR-15/Ak-47’s, and others like pistols which can be easily manipulated in tight quarters. The odds are that you will not get attacked or robbed, but there is a saying that my father told me, “It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”