Do You Have an Every Day Carry Kit?

Mark Walters, host of Armed American Radio, says if you are going to carry “Carry on, carry often, and carry everywhere!”  If you have made the decision to conceal carry, do you have an EDC (Every Day Carry) Kit prepared and ready to go? If you're wondering what should be in your Kit, here is some advice from Kevin Michalowski, editor of Concealed Carry magazine:

• Firearm of your choice
• A holster for your firearm
• Spare ammo so you can shoot repeatedly to stop an attacker; your goal is not to kill them but to stop their aggressive actions so you can get away. It has been proven that it may take 3 or 4 or 5 or even more shots to stop an attacker, especially someone jacked up on drugs. And you could be facing multiple attackers, too
• Alternative weapon such as pepper spray that will give you some distance and allow you to get away; expect some over-spray and never use in a crowded room
• High intensity pocket flashlight can take away a would-be attacker's element of surprise if you spot them first and shine a light in their direction
• First aid kit for a gunshot wound in case you or a loved one gets shot
• Cell phone to call 911 and get law enforcement and/or medical help coming your way in an emergency

Many people disagree about having an EDC. Some say that carrying all these things shows your intent to be aggressive. For example, if you shoot an attacker and must later face a judge and jury for your actions, will having had these items make YOU appear the aggressor? Will it seem you left the house that day "looking for a fight" or wanting to use lethal force?  Will the jury consider the fact that you had less than lethal options on your person that you could have used instead of a firearm?

Some experts say that pepper spray gives a huge false sense of security when dealing with bad guys intent on causing you bodily harm or worse. Some insist pepper spray should only be used by those who are trained to use it properly. An alternative to pepper spray might be a small knife.

Probably the best advice anyone can give regardless if you are carrying or not is to be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert. Next best piece of advice is to be trained. Learn how to properly use what you carry, or do not carry it, firearm included.