Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

Light is important to our personal psyche. When we enter a dark room, we search for the light switch that immediately washes the room with illumination, aiding in navigation and eliminating any subconscious suggestion that something, which might be harmful, is present beyond the threshold.  Light is also one of the single most important tools for personal safety.  Unfortunately, it is frequently under utilized as a personal security essential.  Law enforcement and other security-minded professionals have long understood the tactical advantages that light provides; aiding in searches, providing visual cues to colleagues and when required, an effective non-lethal response. 

As citizens, we too can take advantage of this portable utility.  Several firms stood up in recent years and are making a kings ransom marketing flashlight models that are durable, lightweight and in some instances very concealable.  These products are capable of producing intense light that will temporarily blind an attacker, thus aiding in a thwarted attack. The light—when directed at the pupil of an assailant—produces this result in both day and night scenarios. Quality lights are a bit pricy, however they come as state-of-the-art and are every bit as useful to homemakers and savvy business travelers as they are to people who face dangerous situations as part of their daily routines. 

I am reminded of a story shared with me by a close—security minded—friend. Not too long ago, the city she was traveling experienced a blackout that encompassed the entire metro area.  As luck would have it, the power failed just as she was returning to her hotel room after dinner.  Suddenly, the world around her turned black.  Never one left unprepared, she quickly retrieved the Surefire E2D flashlight clipped to the inside pocket of her blazer and lit the path from the parking garage to the hotel lobby. There she found the staff frantically trying to recover from the sudden loss of electrical power, not to mention field questions of concern from guests who descended on the front desk desperately seeking guidance. My friend swears that this event more than any other serves as continuous reminder of the need to prepare for the unexpected.  She has come to recognize the value of a quality flashlight as a personal protection savior and never leaves home without it.