Situational Awareness

Do YouHave a Plan?

✎ Ron Mullins & Thom Bolsch

📅 April 2026

🕒 5 min read

Most people discuss plans for a number of subjects — a plan for winning that round ball game on Saturday, a plan to run a business, a plan for dinner. What about a plan in case of an emergency?

You probably have a hurricane plan and kit (if you don't, you should). You may have a plan in the event of a fire. But do you have a plan for a home invasion?

Sure — it's not going to happen to you. That only happens to other people. Right?!

The government has a plan of response for an active shooting event in a public facility. Would it not be sensible — rational — to have a plan of response should there be a breach of your castle walls?

In the military, there are all types of plans. Generally referred to as Standard Operating Procedure. A laundry list of things you need to know and do if things are going well — and what to do if things are messed up.

"SERE training is a course that provides attendees with challenges. Situations are presented — and from those situations, a game plan is developed on how to respond."

SERE stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape. Four really good topics to know if your home security is breached. The purpose of the military's SERE program is to train service members on what to do if they find themselves in a bad place.

Could a similar mindset and a plan protect you and your family if you find yourself in a bad place?

Survival

That first letter — S for Survival — is important. You need to survive. To do that you must have a plan: a plan of preparation, a plan of possibilities, and a plan of action.

Evasion

The E is for Evasion. Your plan should have routes to avoid confrontation — whether in the home, a restaurant, or at work. Where are the back exits to allow you to get family, co-workers, and friends safely away from the action?

Resistance

Don't think you'll go all "Rambo" in a confrontation with a bad guy. That's just movie role playing. In a bad situation, the other guy(s) are NOT going to fight fair. It's not going to be a bar brawl. It will be raw violence. Knowing when to resist and how will determine the success of your survival.

Escape

And finally, Escape. Talk with any instructor on dealing with a criminal element and the primary focus is to escape the situation. Find a distraction, find a pain point, find a weakness and exploit it. Use that distraction, pain, or weakness to get away.

So what does all that mean for the average guy, or gal, heading off to work, school, or the grocery store? It's the planning.

If you are not thinking about what could happen and working out scenarios in your head about how to deal with them — you come to the plate already having a strike against you.

You have to plan to have an understanding of what might occur and how you address the various possible events.

"Defensive shooting is a perishable skill. If you have not participated in a training class within the last six months — pick up the phone and schedule something now."

Training is a key part of Saddle River Range. We offer several classes to help you consider and plan for bad situations — Everyday Carry, Judgmental Use of Force, Countering the Mass Shooter, and many more.

Come visit. Talk with an instructor, share with them your concerns. If there is a class on that subject, sign up. If it's a unique concern, sign up for private or semi-private lessons with a family member or friend.

Stay Alert. Stay Safe.

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Classes ReferencedIn This Article

Put what you just read into practice. These classes at Saddle River Range directly relate to the topics covered in this article.

Everyday Carry Part 1 & 2

Practical concealed carry skills — situational awareness, drawing from concealment, and defensive fundamentals.

Book This Class →

Countering the Mass Shooter

USCCA certified. Practical strategies for surviving and responding to an active threat situation.

Book This Class →

Essential Handgun Part 1 & 2

Build your foundational defensive shooting skills from the ground up with our certified instructors.

Book This Class →

View All Training Classes Call 936-271-2620

Ron Mullins & Thom Bolsch

Ron Mullins and Thom Bolsch are contributors to The Situation Report, the official blog of Saddle River Range. Thom Bolsch is the owner and founder of Saddle River Range, a retired U.S. Secret Service agent with decades of real-world experience in personal protection and threat response.

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