The Low Light Setting
A low light setting is best described as one where we can see other people, but there is not enough light to identify them or discern any detail. It's also an environment that contains areas of total darkness that conceals anyone who might be hiding in them.
The photos used in this article are meant to depict this kind of setting, which most of us encounter on a regular basis - especially in the winter months. We use a cardboard silhouette target to represent other people we might encounter in a low light setting.
The photos used in this article are meant to depict this kind of setting, which most of us encounter on a regular basis - especially in the winter months. We use a cardboard silhouette target to represent other people we might encounter in a low light setting.
Deploy Early
The ideal EDC flashlight is small, light and easy to carry, yet large enough to provide a secure grip. Like any other item we use daily, the EDC flashlight should be carried in an easily-accessible location, such as a pocket or purse.
When entering a low light environment, the flashlight should be “pre-deployed” and already in-hand. This is a habit that is easily established as part of our daily routine, and is key to effectively using an EDC flashlight for self protection.
When entering a low light environment, the flashlight should be “pre-deployed” and already in-hand. This is a habit that is easily established as part of our daily routine, and is key to effectively using an EDC flashlight for self protection.
Threat Detection
As we traverse a low light setting, use the light in short bursts to “ping” dark areas that are in or along our path of travel. With a powerful beam, a short burst will reveal any potential danger that might be lurking in those areas.
For the purpose of situational awareness and self protection, the bursts of light should be made randomly in a wide arc, and with longer light-off intervals in between. The light should NOT be left on constantly! Doing so will only serve as a beacon for others to track our step-by-step movement.
The goal is to use just enough light to maintain situational awareness while also blending into the low light setting ourselves.
For the purpose of situational awareness and self protection, the bursts of light should be made randomly in a wide arc, and with longer light-off intervals in between. The light should NOT be left on constantly! Doing so will only serve as a beacon for others to track our step-by-step movement.
The goal is to use just enough light to maintain situational awareness while also blending into the low light setting ourselves.
Threat Assessment
Most people we encounter in a low light setting are simply going about their business and pose no threat to us. For this reason, if we feel the need to take a closer look at someone encroaching our social space boundary (12 feet), we can direct the center “hot spot” of the beam low enough to avoid blinding them. In this case, a slightly longer burst of a few seconds will convey that we’re watching their approach without risking the escalation that a direct-to-the-eyes burst could bring.
In the vast majority of cases, non-threats will adjust their course of travel to avoid coming any closer. Alternatively, we can adjust our own course of travel to accomplish the same thing - those who pose no threat will simply continue on their way.
In the vast majority of cases, non-threats will adjust their course of travel to avoid coming any closer. Alternatively, we can adjust our own course of travel to accomplish the same thing - those who pose no threat will simply continue on their way.
Threat Management
In the unlikely (and unfortunate) event that the other person continues to close distance even after we have illuminated them and changed our course of travel, we should now consider the possibility that we’ve been “selected” and the person poses a threat to us.
By itself, our EDC flashlight can be used to create a photonic barrier by shining the light directly into the eyes of the threat. This will temporarily blind the threat and provide a window of opportunity to evade and escape. Though it cannot be depended on, it might also deter the threat from advancing any further.
By itself, our EDC flashlight can be used to create a photonic barrier by shining the light directly into the eyes of the threat. This will temporarily blind the threat and provide a window of opportunity to evade and escape. Though it cannot be depended on, it might also deter the threat from advancing any further.
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