Editor's Note: As we begin the holiday weekend, we want to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. But we also want to encourage you to consider the points Tactical Wire Training Editor Tiger McKee raises in the following "think" piece. We are responsible for the safety of our entire family -whether we're with them or not. Be safe, have fun and we'll be back in your email box on Wednesday, September 3 as normal.

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One of the most common reasons people give for coming to defensive classes is their desire to be able to protect their family. And culturally, in the average two-parent family, security is the male's responsibility. The vast majority of our students are male. This is a step in the right direction, but the problem is that when "dad" isn't around the family has no security. Additionally, a family's defensive plan should have a role for everyone. Not involving the entire family is a big mistake, greatly reducing your family's ability to respond to danger.

Parents are responsible for their children's safety. All responsible adults, male and female, should be trained to defend against a violent attack. The best tool for this job is a firearm. To use a firearm properly, which means safely and efficiently, requires training and subsequent practice. You don't need to be a high-speed operator. You do have to know the fundamentals, which includes teamwork, a mandatory skill regardless of the source of trouble.

A lot of guys I talk to tell me their wife doesn't carry, and has no desire to. This doesn't mean they can't be part of the response. You should talk about having a code phrase that means "pay attention, I've got something important to tell you." This phrase should be something that would never come up in general conversation; "The goat needs new shoes." (Unless you have goats that wear shoes.) Anyone can say this at any time they think there is possible trouble.

Now you provide the information needed, such as "Go out the side exit, call 911, and tell them ..." For a situation that develops quickly, a sudden violent attack that completely consumes you physically and mentally the rest of the family needs to know what to do without getting any commands.

Older children should be taught what to do with their younger siblings who may not be able to comprehend the problem and what needs to be done. They can also be used as a set of extra eyes; it's amazing how quick younger people can learn to spot trouble.

In your home there should be a plan in place. Each member of the family should know in advance how to respond to trouble. Have the entire family practice the plan, so you can discover possible problems, and their solutions, in advance. Being prepared also means you practice what to do in case of a house fire, car wreck, or any other mishap that might pop up.

It's difficult to plan for everything, but you can be prepared for almost anything. When times get exciting things probably won't go exactly like you planned, but having an foundation to start with goes a long way towards success.

As I've said before, personal protection is a individual responsibility. This doesn't only apply to you but to preparing your family as well. Anything less is unacceptable.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns," writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk's DVD, "Fighting With The 1911 - http://shootrite.org/dvd/dvd.html Website: www.shootrite.org

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