Family Self Defense Plan - Movie Theater

The last time I wrote on the subject of family self defense plans those that took the time to comment wanted concrete examples of developing and putting one into action.  If everyone took the time to develop these types of plans, I believe it would greatly decrease victimization in our society. So, let's go over a family self defense plan for a movie theater.

If you have children, you have probably already developed numerous plans to get them from point A to point B. I know in my family of six, each has a responsibility in just packing the car up before going out to eat. We don't think twice about giving our children mundane tasks to ease our load, but giving them a crisis response plan is completely foreign. It is a simple change in mindset.

Whenever we head out, we must make it a habit to give them a quick plan in case of an emergency. Look at it in the same way as the flight attendant's brief before traveling. For instance, I have my children identify the exits.  In the example of a movie theater, they are generally located in front and back. If they have never seen the exit in the front, I will allow them to wander down prior to the show to scout it out.  We try and sit toward the front exit, because if something goes down, most of the people will rush to the back exits, because most are not use to exiting out the front. We sit as close to the aisle as possible, so we can get in and out quickly. Cramming ourselves in the center of the aisle would not be good if things break bad. We use at least two rows, so that each adult can sit next to the aisle and can run interference, engage a threat or lead them to safety. A basic seating and exit strategy is followed up with individual orders.

Each one of our children has someone they are responsible for. The oldest daughter is responsible for the baby--if my wife or I cannot grab him--and the middle daughters have each other. They know that if things go bad and we give them the get out order the rally point is the car. They know the route to the car from either exit.  My two older daughters each have cell phones and know how to call the police. In the event of gun fire, they all know how to bear crawl (fast running on the hands and feet) and to keep a low profile and to only stop once they are out of danger.

Things like practicing the plan can be really fun. If the situation never allows you to physically practice, quiz your children while waiting for the show to begin. The bear crawl training has come from years of mat drills in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, I would not advocate practicing in your local movie theater.

Remember, this is a basic plan and you can add or subtract tactics and variables depending on your family dynamic. Just remember, have a plan is better than no plan at all.

What kind of family self defense plan have you come up with for movie outings?

Enjoy the show.

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