Note: The following is a guest post from SafeGuardArmor.com
Surviving is all about preparation. Adequate preparation covers self-defense, resource management, first aid, and a number of other skill sets. Keeping yourself safe is of the utmost importance when the situation changes and this starts with easily accessible products, such as body armor.
Body armor comes in many shapes and types, but you should have a good understanding of what it can and cannot do for you in all situations. Essentially, no body armor is 100% bulletproof and different levels are only suited against the type of bullets they are tested against. This means that you should carefully examine the potential threats you are likely to face and choose your vest accordingly. For example, a bodyguard or security agent working in close proximity to multiple people will likely need a carrier with combined ballistic and stab/spike resistance.
When you think about survival, there are a number of situations that call for the use of protective equipment, such as:
Dangerous urban areas high in crime
Body armor is becoming a popular choice of civilians who live in crime-ridden neighborhoods. For the needs of untrained individuals, who don’t want to draw attention to themselves, a covert vest in level IIa is sufficient. It offers protection from 9mm FMJ RN 124gr/1090fps up to .40S&W FMJ 180gr/1025fps in addition to all Class I threats – 22LR, 40gr/1050fps up to .380 ACP FMJ RN 95gr/1025fps. It is worth mentioning that the 22LR is the most commonly used handgun in America. This is also a light vest and can be worn all day without causing discomfort of overheating.
High levels of civil unrest, protests and attacks
The economic, politic and social scenery of urban centers these days is rapidly changing. This requires civilians to exhibit a constant state of preparedness for the worst. Buying quality body armor is a safe(ty) investment that can be the difference between life and death. Although you should generally avoid any large gatherings of people due to the possibility for a terrorist attack and/or quickly escalating violent clashes with police forces – if necessary, it’s always better to be equipped with a protective vest in such situations. Level IIIa vests are lightweight enough to allow you to move quickly, but cover all weapons you are likely to encounter. In addition, they can be fitted with ceramic or metal plates to increase the level of protection if things get particularly bad.
The bottom line is that no one can be sure whether or not they will find themselves in a potentially life-threatening situation at any given moment. Being prepared is part of the strategy to say alive and safe. Body armor can significantly increase your chances of survival both in your line of work and in an urban setting, but you need to learn to rely mostly on your skills, speed and ability to plan ahead. Use body armor as a supplement to your survival strategy and it will fulfill its intended use.
That being said, if you are truly preparing for the worst, and you expect to face particularly extreme threats, you may want to consider a tactical vest. These vests, similar to overt vests, are worn over clothing and are more durable than covert body armor. They are extremely protective, offering upgrades to protect the upper arms, throat, neck, and groin area. Even though this type of armor is heavier and bulkier – it is unmatched in the level of protection if offers and will surely hold up in the direst of circumstances.