You can make a good argument that the internet has done more harm than it has good when it comes to the fabric of society.
But there’s no denying that with the rise and perfusion of the internet has come henceforth undreamed of access to information on every topic, and that includes the topic of survival and preparation.
There’s so much you can learn on the web, but much of the time that means reading. However, thanks to the popularity of podcasts you can actively listen even while your hands and eyes are engaged with other tasks.
Podcasts are one of my favorite ways to learn when I’m at the gym, on the road, or doing something around the property. You should be doing the same!
The following prepper podcasts cover every facet of preparation imaginable. You’re bound to find a new favorite below…
Warrior Poet Society Network
John Lovell, the former Army Ranger and founder of the Warrior Poet Society, is a true renaissance man in terms of survival and readiness.
Combining his faith, affable nature, wide-ranging expertise, and family-driven insights into shooting, self-defense, living, thriving, and surviving in the modern world and doing so while remaining ethical, enthusiastic, and positive, he’s one of a kind and so is his podcast.
Even better, you can listen to it literally on every platform you can think of. Find the link free at Podbean below:
Part hilarious radio show and part myth-busting expose, of a sort, the intrepid hosts of The Casual Preppers, Coby and Cam, are nonetheless quite seasoned and experienced concerning all matters of survival techniques and disaster scenarios.
They delve into every corner of survival and take on lots of dodgy lore and questionable old wives’ tales in the interim.
Certainly one of the most entertaining shows on our list, if you have trouble getting through some of the more dour and serious programming out there The Casual Preppers podcast is a perfect antidote.
It’s always a good idea to keep extra gas on hand, especially if you want to be prepared. You never know when shortages, disasters, or other events will cut off your access to the pump. But a big problem with gasoline compared to other types of fuel is it tends to go bad pretty quickly.
But gas can get old and stale before it goes truly bad, and some folks say that you can mix this older gas with new gas to bring it back to life. Great if it will work, but it sounds too good to be true. What’s the truth? Is mixing old gas with new a good idea or not?
Yes, it is possible to mix old gas with new, fresh gas in order to use it up as long as the old supply has not gone truly bad.
Turns out this is one old trick that has been around for a long time. But as you might expect it is entirely possible that your old gas can be too far gone to be salvageable, and mixing it with your new stuff is only going to ruin the new and you’ll still be wasting the old.
It’s a fairly simple process, but there’s a lot you’ll want to know, so keep reading…
Won’t Old Gas Work Okay by Itself?
Maybe, maybe not. Gasoline breaks down in time, and depending on the exact type and the blend it will break down a lot sooner rather than later.
For all types of gasoline, this is because oxidation starts to deactivate the volatile compounds that give gasoline its functional properties.
Harmful byproducts can also begin to form in the gas that can damage an engine, too. In the case of ethanol blends, which constitute most types of consumer-grade gas you’ll get these days, the ethanol and gas mixture will begin to separate, a process called phasic separation.
But the end result is ultimately the same: the older the gas gets, it loses ever more efficiency, becomes less reliable, and eventually will fail to function an engine entirely- or even cause damage!
When is Gas Too Old?
This depends on the blend. Most ethanol-gasoline blends are in very bad shape by about 3 months or so. Most of these blends even start degrading significantly within just 30 days.
However, some long-life gasolines or pure gasoline blends will be good for 6 months or even significantly longer.
The most important thing you can do is it keep an eye on the gas and inspect it for signs of degradation. Knowing what to look for, and with a little experience, you’ll be able to tell when your gas is a little old, pretty stale or when it is truly bad. Look for the following symptoms of degradation with age, and keep in mind gas can exhibit one or multiple:
A distinct layered look akin to oil on water Significant darkening of the gas
A reddish hue starting to develop
Slime or particulates floating in it
Peculiar odors when you crack the seal on the container.
Gas that is going stale but is still usable will usually darken just a little, but that should be the only thing that you notice something off about it.
Does Gas Go Bad Sitting in a Fuel Tank?
Yes, it does. Gasoline can go bad sitting in any kind of container, be it an approved fuel container or the gas tank of a vehicle or tool.
Basically, the chemical processes that cause gasoline to go bad will occur no matter what, and the more air that can reach the gasoline the faster this will happen although it isn’t strictly necessary for it to become stale and then break down.
Regardless of how the gasoline is stored, or what it is stored in, you’ve got to have a plan for using it in time or reconditioning it with fresh stuff.
What Happens if You Use Gas that Has Gone Bad?
It depends on how bad the gasoline is and how sensitive the engine is.
Gas that is a little stale and when it loses combustibility, it will usually run a little bit rougher and sometimes turn on a check engine light in a car.
Gas that’s seriously old might fail to start at all, and gas that is well and truly bad, full of nasty deposits, could clog up fuel lines and filters, injectors, and cause other havoc that can mean costly repairs.
This is why you must be so cautious about using old gas; take care in determining if the waste is worth the potential heartache and hassle.
How Does Mixing in New Gas Help Old Gas?
Mixing in new, fresh gasoline with old gas will help rejuvenate the older fuel because it in essence replenishes the combustible compounds necessary to make it function in an engine. If you want to look at it a different way, it cuts the worn-out, harmful compounds in the old gas.
Either way, it creates a blend that is capable of working and can be a good method of using up old supplies that aren’t too far gone.
Can You Always Mix Old and New Gas?
No, not necessarily. As mentioned, it is entirely possible that very old fuel is just beyond saving. Worse, aside from being unable to bring it back to life and use it up, adding new gasoline can severely contaminate it and cause it to fail or damage your engine!
You should only add new gasoline to older gas that is a little bit stale. If it is darker in color or showing slight signs of separation, you should be able to rescue it by mixing the two together.
What’s the Best Way to Mix New Gas with Old?
If your old supply isn’t too far gone and you’ve got some new you’re willing to mix with it, and you don’t mind the risk of a potential malfunction concerning your engine, all you need to do is mix the old stuff with the new gas in a one-to-one ratio if the old gas is just a little stale.
If you’re dealing with very old gasoline that isn’t totally broken down or separated, you’ll need to use more fresh gas in the mixture. A three-to-one or even four-to-one ratio might be needed for very old fuel.
When you think of self-defense implements, your mind probably goes immediately towards guns or maybe knives. On the less-lethal side of the spectrum pepper spray is the go-to.
Florida flag
But what about tasers? Tasers are undoubtedly effective when used properly and when they work as advertised, and they are another ranged method of self-defense.
Seems like civilians tend to shy away from them compared to police. Part of this is probably because tasers aren’t freely legal everywhere.
How about in Florida? Are tasers legal or not in Florida?
Yes, tasers are legal in Florida and available with very few restrictions. You can carry a taser openly or concealed with no permit so long as you’re at least 16 years old and are carrying it only for self-defense purposes.
For some folks, a taser can be a great defensive implement. They can go into places where guns and other weapons might be forbidden, and they are indeed a less-lethal option that still gives you standoff capability. Nonetheless, there’s plenty you’ll want to know about Florida’s state laws on the matter. I’ll tell you what you need to know below…
How are Tasers Classified in Florida?
Tasers don’t fall under the definition of other common weapons, and instead inhabit two specific definitions according to the state statutes and 790.001. The first is an “electric weapon or device,” meaning any device which uses electrical current for offensive or defensive purposes, the infliction of injury or the destruction of life.
The second is a “dart-firing stun gun,” which applies to tasers more specifically, a term that Florida defines as any device having one or more darts capable of delivering electrical current.
Check the precise text taken directly from 790.001 below.
790.001 – Definitions
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(14) “Electric weapon or device” means any device which, through the application or use of electrical current, is designed, redesigned, used, or intended to be used for offensive or defensive purposes, the destruction of life, or the infliction of injury.
(15) “Dart-firing stun gun” means any device having one or more darts that are capable of delivering an electrical current.
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Stun Guns Legality in Florida
Yes, they are. Stun guns are distinct from tasers even though they’re close cousins technologically. A stun gun lacks the probes and wires that tasers fire, and is only useful at contact distance when you can jab the arcing electrodes directly into the assailant.
The terms are often used interchangeably in conversation, and sometimes even in legal definitions. But it’s important to know that these devices are distinct functionally and in the case of Florida stun guns are considered an “electric weapon or device,” but not a “dart firing stun gun.” Try not to get it mixed up!
Can You Carry Tasers Openly?
Yes, you can. Open carry of a taser in Florida is completely legal as long as you are only carrying it for legal, lawful purposes of self-defense. No permit required. Check 790.053 for more.
790.053 Open carrying of weapons.—
(1) Except as otherwise provided by law and in subsection (2), it is unlawful for any person to openly carry on or about his or her person any firearm or electric weapon or device. It is not a violation of this section for a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm as provided in s. 790.06(1), and who is lawfully carrying a firearm in a concealed manner, to briefly and openly display the firearm to the ordinary sight of another person, unless the firearm is intentionally displayed in an angry or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense.
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2) A person may openly carry, for purposes of lawful self-defense:
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(b) A nonlethal stun gun or dart-firing stun gun or other nonlethal electric weapon or device that is designed solely for defensive purposes.
(3) Any person violating this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Can You Carry a Taser Concealed in Florida?
Yes, you sure can. You can conceal carry a taser or stun gun in Florida also, without need of a concealed weapons permit, as long as you’re only carrying it for legal, lawful purposes, of self-defense as described above.
790.01 has more.
790.01 Unlicensed carrying of concealed weapons or concealed firearms.—
(1) Except as provided in subsection (3), a person who is not licensed under s. 790.06 and who carries a concealed weapon or electric weapon or device on or about his or her person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
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(3) This section does not apply to:
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2. A nonlethal stun gun or dart-firing stun gun or other nonlethal electric weapon or device that is designed solely for defensive purposes.
(4) This section does not preclude any prosecution for the use of an electric weapon or device, a dart-firing stun gun, or a self-defense chemical spray during the commission of any criminal offense under s. 790.07, s. 790.10, s. 790.23, or s. 790.235, or for any other criminal offense.
Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession
Yes, there are. In the State of Florida anyone aged 16 or older may own and carry a taser or a stun gun for legal self-defense purposes, and carry it openly or concealed.
It’s worth noting that people under the age of 16 cannot even handle a stun gun or a taser unless under the direct supervision of an adult, or an adult that is acting with the consent of the minor’s parents.
790.22 Use of BB guns, air or gas-operated guns, or electric weapons or devices by minor under 16; limitation; possession of firearms by minor under 18 prohibited; penalties.—
(1) The use for any purpose whatsoever of BB guns, air or gas-operated guns, or electric weapons or devices, by any minor under the age of 16 years is prohibited unless such use is under the supervision and in the presence of an adult who is acting with the consent of the minor’s parent.
(2) Any adult responsible for the welfare of any child under the age of 16 years who knowingly permits such child to use or have in his or her possession any BB gun, air or gas-operated gun, electric weapon or device, or firearm in violation of the provisions of subsection (1) of this section commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
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How to Purchase a Taser in Florida
Buying a taser or a stun gun is simple in Florida. You can buy a stun gun right over the counter anywhere such devices are sold. The purchase of a taser is likewise pretty simple, though typically this will entail the dealer recording your personal information and identification. You also cannot have any felony convictions on your record or have been adjudicated mentally defective.
Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership in Florida?
No. You don’t need any specialized training to own or carry a taser legally in Florida, and you don’t even need a concealed weapons permit in order to hide one legally so long as you’re only carrying it for legal purpose of self-defense.
Where Can You Carry a Taser?
You can carry a taser pretty much anywhere in Florida with the notable exception of schools and school properties, any government buildings at the municipal, state or federal level, including courtrooms, and the secured area of an airport or seaport.
When Can You Use a Taser to Defend Yourself?
Only in cases of legitimate self-defense where you’re in fear of death or great bodily injury. Tasers are considered less lethal weapons, but definitely not non-lethal weapons, so discharging one is always considered a serious event.
Use your taser on someone as a joke, in order to win an argument, or because they were verbally harassing you and you can expect to be charged with serious crimes!
The majority of citizens living in the US have full and nearly unfettered access to their Second Amendment rights. Sadly, this cannot be said of every state, and in these states, folks might turn to other self-defense options that are less restricted… perhaps something like a Taser…
flag of Michigan
But, as it turns out, tasers themselves might be seriously restricted, and only recently are inroads being made to fully legalize them across the nation. Let’s look at Michigan, a state known for its somewhat restrictive laws. Are tasers legal in Michigan?
Tasers are illegal to possess, carry, and use for self-defense in Michigan but you must complete training to purchase and carry one along with having a concealed pistol license. Also, any taser device must have an active identification and tracking system built into it.
Well, Michigan is nothing if not consistent, and even though tasers and stun guns were completely banned prior to 2012, they still aren’t giving up on regulating them into oblivion if they can. It’s a sad state of affairs, but if you care to jump through enough hoops you can still get and carry a taser in Michigan.
There’s a lot more you have to know before that point, though, so keep reading and I’ll tell you about it…
How are Tasers Classified in Michigan?
Tasers are classified as a “device that uses electromuscular disruption technology.” Quite a mouthful, but this is just Michigan’s way of defining any device capable of creating electromuscular disruption use or intended as a defensive device that can temporarily incapacitate a person via conducted energy.
That certainly fits the taser to a tee, but read closely the following definition taken word for word from 750.224a and you will see that it also describes a device containing a tracking and identification system that will activate when the device is discharged.
This is a critically important factor for taser possession in Michigan, because any legal device that is sold or owned by folks must meet both of those standards. If it doesn’t have a tracking system, it isn’t legal.
750.224a Portable device or weapon directing electrical current, impulse, wave, or beam; sale or possession prohibited; exceptions; use of electro-muscular disruption technology; violation; penalty; verification of identity and possession of license; prohibited use; definitions.
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(7) As used in this section:
(a) “A device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology” means a device to which both of the following apply:
(i) The device is capable of creating an electro-muscular disruption and is used or intended to be used as a defensive device capable of temporarily incapacitating or immobilizing a person by the direction or emission of conducted energy.
(ii) The device contains an identification and tracking system that, when the device is initially used, dispenses coded material traceable to the purchaser through records kept by the manufacturer, and the manufacturer of the device has a policy of providing that identification and tracking information to a police agency upon written request by that agency. However, this subdivision does not apply to a launchable device that is used only by law enforcement agencies.
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Are Stun Guns Legal in Michigan?
Yes, stun guns are legal in Michigan but only nominally. Because of the requirements for the function of these devices and the mandate for a built-in tracking and identification system most classic stun guns, consisting of little more than a box with an activation switch and electrodes at the front, will not be legal in Michigan.
Can You Carry a Taser Openly in Michigan?
Yes, but only if you have a concealed pistol license. Sounds strange, but consider that only people who are exempt from the statutes or who are licensed to carry a pistol concealed may even be in possession of a taser.
Accordingly, if you don’t have your concealed pistol license you aren’t allowed to be in possession of a taser unless you are one of the exempted people listed in the statute. That statute, 750.224a, and its relevant paragraphs are in the following section.
Can You Carry a Taser Concealed in Michigan?
Yes, so long as the device is legal and you are carrying it for a legal purpose while in possession of a concealed pistol license. You’ll also have to abide by all other Michigan laws concerning the carry of weapons and firearms generally, and that includes where you can and cannot carry the taser.
Below is an excerpt from 750.224a concerning exempted persons, and you will see that those in possession of a concealed pistol license are one of them. Nonetheless, you need it to read the entirety of 750.224a on your own to understand everything going on with tasers in the state.
750.224a (…)
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(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not sell, offer for sale, or possess in this state a portable device or weapon from which an electrical current, impulse, wave, or beam may be directed, which current, impulse, wave, or beam is designed to incapacitate temporarily, injure, or kill.
(2) This section does not prohibit any of the following:
…
(b) The possession and reasonable use of a device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology by an individual who holds a valid license to carry a concealed pistol under section 5b of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.425, and who has been trained under subsection (5) in the use, effects, and risks of the device.
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(4) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 4 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both.
Are there Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession in Michigan?
Yes. You must be 21 to possess a taser in Michigan, and that’s because you have to be 21 to get a concealed pistol license which enables possession. There are no other exceptions for age outside of the exempted personnel listed in 750.224a.
What Do You Need to Do to Purchase a Taser in Michigan?
If you want to purchase a taser in Michigan you’ll have to go to an authorized dealer of such devices, submit yourself to a background check and then get the prerequisite training to obtain a concealed pistol license. This is the only way.
Concerning the background check, the usual disqualifiers for firearm possession apply to tasers here, meaning if you are a filling or have any conviction of misdemeanor domestic violence on your background or any assaultive crimes generally you’ll usually be disqualified.
And remember, any taser that is a legally sold and possessed in the state of Michigan must have a tracking and identification system built into it that will activate when it is discharged.
750.224a (…)
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(5) An authorized dealer or other person who sells a device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology to an individual described in subsection (2)(b) shall verify the individual’s identity and verify that the individual holds a valid concealed pistol license issued under section 5b of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.425b, and shall provide to the individual purchasing the device, at the time of the sale, training on the use, effects, and risks of the device. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 30 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.
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Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership in Michigan?
Yes. You must undergo specific training on the use, effects and handling of a taser prior to purchasing and possessing one in Michigan.
Where Can You Carry a Taser in Michigan?
You can carry a taser anywhere that weapons can lawfully go, though there are many restrictions. This includes government buildings of all kinds and at all levels, be they municipal, state, or federal, courthouses, courtrooms and courthouse annexes, police stations and sheriff’s offices, any school, school bus or other school property and anywhere else where weapons are generally forbidden, including the security area of airports and seaports.
There are many other restrictions besides, and quite a few restrictions in different counties and cities throughout Michigan, so make sure you consult a knowledgeable self-defense attorney as part of your preparations if you plan on carrying a Taser in Michigan.
When Can You Use a Taser to Defend Yourself in Michigan?
You can only ever use your taser to defend yourself in case of legitimate self-defense wheen you’re genuinely in fear for your life or fearful of great bodily injury.
Any lesser use or deliberately misusing your taser for any purpose, including as a prank, could see you charged with a felony and facing up to 10 years in prison. Tasers aren’t toys, party favors, or joy buzzers, and using them on a person could potentially inflict great bodily harm or death!
When most folks think of self-defense implements, the first thing they will think of is a gun, maybe a knife, and probably pepper spray if they aren’t inclined to either one of those.
flag of Illinois
All have their pros, but tasers have special advantages that might make them the right tool for certain people. They’re extremely effective when they connect and work, and they give you some room to stand off from the bad guy.
But, as generally safe as they are, some states don’t allow citizens to own them. Is Illinois one of them? Are tasers legal or not in Illinois?
Tasers are legal in Illinois, strictly speaking, but they are heavily regulated and to this day it remains unclear if carrying one in public is legal or not.
If you’ve been paying attention to the 2nd Amendment situation for any length of time, you probably already know that Illinois is something of a pit concerning the constitutional rights of citizens.
Simply stated, Illinois would rather see you completely unarmed and at the mercy of criminals. Believe it or not, this attitude even extends to tasers. I’ll try to help you figure out what’s what in the rest of this article…
How are Tasers Classified in Illinois?
Like all legal statutes in the State of Illinois, you’ll have to dig and dig and dig to find a clear-cut definition of what a taser is in the eyes of the law. The first meaningful definition we find is in 720 ILCS Section 24-1 concerning the unlawful use of weapons.
Illinois broadly defines a “taser” as any device which is powered by electrical charging units like batteries and which fires barbs attached to wire which can transmit a current capable of disrupting a person’s nervous system.
That’s the short, layman’s definition, but you can check the full relevant text below in the transcribed section.
And because this is Illinois, it’s also useful to know what a taser is not: looking at 430 ILCS Section 66/5, we see that a taser or stun gun is specifically excluded from the definition of handgun, which is otherwise defined as a device that uses the expansion or escape of any gas to expel a projectile. That could describe a taser also!
720 ILCS Sec. 24-1. Unlawful use of weapons.
(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:
…
A “stun gun or taser”, as used in this paragraph (a) means (i) any device which is powered by electrical charging units, such as, batteries, and which fires one or several barbs attached to a length of wire and which, upon hitting a human, can send out a current capable of disrupting the person’s nervous system in such a manner as to render him incapable of normal functioning or (ii) any device which is powered by electrical charging units, such as batteries, and which, upon contact with a human or clothing worn by a human, can send out current capable of disrupting the person’s nervous system in such a manner as to render him incapable of normal functioning; or
430 ILCS 66/5. Definitions
As used in this Act [Firearm Concealed Carry Act]:
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“Handgun” means any device which is designed to expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosion, expansion of gas, or escape of gas that is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand. “Handgun” does not include:
(1) a stun gun or taser;
Are Stun Guns Legal in Illinois?
Yes, stun guns are broadly legal in Illinois but are in the same sort of gray zone that tasers are. You can legally obtain a stun gun for personal protection, but it’s unclear when and under what conditions you can carry it.
Can You Carry a Taser Openly in Illinois?
It is unclear. Although it’s legal to purchase and possess a taser in Illinois, you can only certainly carry it on private property, either property that belongs to you or property that belongs to someone else if you have the express permission of the person that owns it.
Frankly, I would not try to open carry a taser anywhere in Illinois. If you read 720 ILCS Section 24-1 concerning the unlawful use of weapons, you’ll see that the unlawful use of weapons is carrying one with the intent to unlawfully use it against another.
Simple enough, seems fair, but unfortunately, Illinois has proven time and time again and illegal cases that it’s overtly hostile to the notion of its citizens going around armed.
Do so only at your own peril!
720 ILCS Sec. 24-1. Unlawful use of weapons.
(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:
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(2) Carries or possesses with intent to use the same unlawfully against another, a dagger, dirk, billy, dangerous knife, razor, stiletto, broken bottle or other piece of glass, stun gun or taser or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character; or
Can You Carry a Taser Concealed in Illinois?
Only on private property that you own, or private property that’s owned by someone else when you have their express permission to carry the taser.
There is an ongoing Supreme Court-level battle concerning civilian carry of tasers and other weapons in Illinois, but it does not seem to be resolving itself to the satisfaction of concerned citizenry.
Simply stated, if you decide to conceal carry a taser in Illinois, even inside your own vehicle while in public, you might be setting yourself up for serious charges.
However, 720 ILCS Section 24-1 states that an exception to the statutes is made for anyone who has a firearm concealed carry license. The relevant text is included below, but the section is very lengthy, so make sure you read it for yourself.
720 ILCS Sec. 24-1. Unlawful use of weapons.
(a) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of weapons when he knowingly:
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(4) Carries or possesses in any vehicle or concealed on or about his person except when on his land or in his own abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business, or on the land or in the legal dwelling of another person as an invitee with that person’s permission, any pistol, revolver, stun gun or taser or other firearm, except that this subsection (a)(4) does not apply to or affect transportation of weapons that meet one of the following conditions:
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(iv) are carried or possessed in accordance with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act by a person who has been issued a currently valid license under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act;
Are there Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession in Illinois?
Yes. You have to be 21 years old or older to legally purchase, own or possess a taser. People that are 18 years old or older may possess a taser if they have their parents’ written permission on their person at all times while in possession of the device and have a clean criminal background.
What Do You Need to Do to Buy a Taser?
If you want to purchase a taser in Illinois, you must obtain a Firearm Owners Identification Card, commonly referred to as a FOID. The only exceptions are made for military, law enforcement, or government personnel.
You must be 21 years old or older, or 18 or older with your parents’ permission, in order to initiate the purchase, you must have a criminal background free of felony and domestic violence charges, you cannot be a drug addict, you cannot be under a restraining order or any other court order that restricts your rights to own, purchase or protect firearms, and you cannot have been adjudicated mentally defective.
A background check is required, and you must wait 24 hours before you can take possession of the taser, the same as any firearm.
More information concerning the FOID and its relevant laws can be found in 430 ILCS Section 65, partially included below.
Sec. 1. It is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination that in order to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, it is necessary and in the public interest to provide a system of identifying persons who are not qualified to acquire or possess firearms, firearm ammunition, stun guns, and tasers within the State of Illinois by the establishment of a system of Firearm Owner’s Identification Cards, thereby establishing a practical and workable system by which law enforcement authorities will be afforded an opportunity to identify those persons who are prohibited by Section 24-3.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012, from acquiring or possessing firearms and firearm ammunition and who are prohibited by this Act from acquiring stun guns and tasers.
Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership in Illinois?
Yes. Training is required to get an FOID, and you’ve got to have one of those if you want a taser or stun gun in Illinois.
Where Can You Carry a Taser in Illinois?
Frankly, it is very unclear. With some certainty, you can carry your taser, concealed or unconcealed, on your private property or the private property of anyone else as long as you have their explicit permission. Note that Chicago completely bans the devices as of press time, and other municipalities might as well.
Nominally, you can carry a taser in public places, but this is very questionable according to all the uncertainty surrounding the Illinois Supreme Court decisioning.
In any case, you aren’t allowed to carry a taser at any public gathering where an admission or cover fee is charged, within 1,000 feet of any public park, in public housing, on public transit, and any place that sells alcohol on premises or into any school, college, courthouse or other government buildings, facilities, or properties.
When Can You Use It to Defend Yourself in Illinois?
The only time you can use a taser to protect yourself in Illinois is if you’re in genuine and reasonable fear of the unlawful use of force against yourself, specifically unlawful force that has a significant chance of causing death or great bodily injury.
Tasers aren’t a joke, and even though they are typically thought of as non-lethal weapons the use of a taser against a person can result in substantial injury or even death, directly or indirectly.
This means they are serious business, and any unlawful, frivolous or reckless use of a taser will get you charged with substantial felonies.
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Every few decades, a new viral or bacterial infection rears its ugly head and rattles the global sense of security.
Swine flu, HIV Aids, and Ebola are all recent scares that, while relatively contained, are clear reminders of the horrors of widespread uncontrolled global pandemics.
Since the black plague, society has invented new technologies to help combat the spread of pandemic diseases.
Reaching out to your community may at first seem counter-intuitive.
Why would you reach out to your community when talking about a highly contagious disease?
Shouldn’t we avoid contact with others?
But at this stage, we are discussing preparedness (before the disaster) and not survival (after the disaster).
Once a pandemic sets in, you will want to limit your exposure to others.
So in the meantime, gather the Home Owners Associations, assemble the town hall meetings, and rally the troops!
You are safest when your community takes the necessary measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
It’s time to plan for the worst.
Preparing at a wider community scale can do wonders to limit the spread of a pandemic locally. I
f a neighborhood or town can work together to create a simple neighborhood quarantine, the chances of surviving a pandemic increase dramatically.
Agree To Avoid Community Hubs
Large congregation areas and travel hubs (i.e., bus stops, train stations, airports, churches, sporting events, etc.) are the most dangerous points of disease transmission.
Agree with your community to avoid these places in the event of an uncontrolled spread; it will significantly decrease the chances of mass contamination.
Agree To Limit Travel
When a nasty disease spreads quickly, it’s time to limit travel—no long road trips or school field trips.
You don’t want to catch the disease and spread it even further.
Put A Plan In Place To Quarantine The Infected
Isolate and treat the illness as appropriate. If members of your community are infected, try to isolate them in their homes or healthcare facilities.
Strategic isolation will help to limit the spread of disease while making it easier for volunteers, nurses, EMTs, and doctors to treat the sick.
Agree To Use Your Vacation Time and Keep Your Kids At Home
Schools, daycares, and children’s camps should all be closed while the pandemic is a threat.
Take time off!
These areas are notorious for helping nasty viruses and bacteria spread like wildfire.
Kids are good at spreading sicknesses.
Normally it is just a case of the flu or pink eye, but these places become grave hazards in a pandemic emergency.
Agree To Cancel All Community Functions – Communicate Using Phones or Radios Only
The community should distance itself socially.
Your friends will have to survive without you for a while.
It’s for everyone’s own good.
Limiting interactions with others while the disease is at large helps limit the opportunities a virus or bacteria can transfer from one human being to the next.
The one benefit of all the latest technological communications devices is communicating with others from great distances.
Keep an emergency community supply cache stashed somewhere in your neighborhood or town in small, tight-knit communities.
No one knows how long a pandemic might last.
All survival supplies may become scarce even if you have your own stash of prepper supplies.
Being selfish may sound harsh.
But your own supplies won’t last long if you try to help everyone else.
A public supply of necessities decreases the likelihood that your neighbors will break down your door to get their hands on some survival canned foods and stored water.
Having a community stash may help keep the peace. A city or town should store at a minimum:
A bio-hazard bag is a location dedicated to any disposable item that may have come in contact with a pandemic disease.
Disposable gloves, rags, wipes, needles, etc.
Keep them in bags labeled to prevent accidental exposure to others.
Diapers (buy sizes for all family members)
Depending on the pandemic, humans may have severe diarrhea.
It may also leave the infected too weak to get to a bathroom.
In such situations, you’ll be glad you have a way to contain the mess with diapers.
Vomit Bags
Like diapers, having vomit bags designed for and dedicated to vomit will ensure proper containment of the infected bodily fluids and disposal.
NOTE: You need to buy these items TODAY.
If you try to buy these items after the pandemic spreads, millions will also be trying to buy these items.
There will not be enough supply for everyone.
So if you wait, it could be too late…
Keep Your Body Fit and Healthy
The simplest, most effective way of keeping yourself safe from disease and infection is to STAY HEALTHY.
The stronger your body and the more efficient your immune system, the less chance you get sick and die a horrible death.
Being healthy also means eating well, exercising regularly, going to the doctor for check-ups, staying hydrated, etc.
Besides reducing direct exposure, nothing will help protect you more than staying healthy.
Keep Your Regular Survival Stock Topped Up
Like any disaster scenario, you want to stock up on the necessities for living.
In the previous section, I mentioned having a community supply – an excellent idea, but don’t rely on it completely.
Keep a stockpile of supplies for yourself, and be thorough about the list of things you keep stocked:
WATER is the most important thing you can store. If the faucets stop working for whatever reason (like if no one is manning the power station due to illness), anyone who doesn’t have water on hand will be in trouble. People should consume 1 gallon per person daily, so supply accordingly.
Non-perishable survival food is necessary for obvious reasons. Keeping a stash of top sirloin steaks ready for the end of the world would be amazing, except that they’ll all go bad before you get the chance to enjoy them. You may not love canned or dehydrated foods, but they are your best bet for staving off hunger should food become scarce.
Medicine and medical supplies are useful for obvious reasons. Here is a thorough guide to building a medical kit. The biggest thing to remember about storing medicine is that it expires, and you must keep close tabs on which medications go bad and when so you can replace them.
Vitamins are also great for boosting immune functions, so keeping an extra tub of multivitamins handy is a good way to prepare for a pandemic.
Survival gear and tools are always useful, especially when limiting human-human interaction. If the pandemic is at large, and you want to minimize your exposure, it probably isn’t good to have repairmen and other visitors coming and going from your home. As long as the disease is spreading, repairs are a DIY issue.
Cleaning supplies aren’t something many people think about when preparing for the worst, but they are important! Soaps, sanitizers, disinfectants, and rags are always handy – especially in a pandemic emergency when sanitation is VITAL.
Gross, as it sounds, having a portable toilet with disposable linings might save you a massive headache should your water stop working. Without a flush feature, your house toilet isn’t going to work for very long. You need to figure out your survival sanitation plan.
Basic household items become increasingly useful the longer you have to hold out. Ziplock bags, garbage bags, duct, and electrical tape, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, buckets, and anything useful in day-to-day life will be extremely helpful when you don’t have access to stores.
Minimize your exposure. As the pandemic sweeps through society killing people off and leaving millions ill, the safest way to live is in solitary.
Don’t go outside (especially if the disease is airborne) more than necessary.
Stay away from sick people entirely, and do your best to avoid people in general (even healthy ones) – you never know who might be carrying an illness without displaying symptoms yet.
Wash your hands, and shower often. Stay clean, and keep your home clean and sanitary – the disease is more likely to infect you if your hygiene is poor.
Cover any open wounds immediately, disinfect and keep them clean until the injury is healed. Open skin is ripe for infection.
Rest up! Get a lot of sleep, so your immune system is strong and ready to fight for your life.
Stay informed. You will probably not make it if you do not hear about a pandemic before it sweeps across your area. Watch the news, read articles, and stay tuned to current events. If you keep yourself informed, you will probably have a longer head-start to prepare when the pandemic strikes. The longer in advance you know about a disease emergency, the higher your chances of survival are – so try to stay on top of it. The CDC and the WHO are excellent resources for monitoring global health situations and threats.
The Final Word
We’ve all seen TV shows and movies where pandemic diseases spread like wildfire. We read stories about them in novels and history books.
They are everywhere in popular culture: in shows like The Walking Dead, bestselling novels like The Stand and comic books, and at least one movie per year like Contagion.
Our culture is seemingly obsessed with the idea of a pandemic spreading and wreaking havoc on our society.
As functions of entertainment, pandemics are great!
But should the fantasy become a reality or a worldwide epidemic disease manifest, it won’t be fun to watch.
People close to you will probably die.
The social order of your community may start to break down into violence, looting, and riots, and anyone who isn’t prepared for all of that will not last very long.
The Black Death is an example of how a disease can quickly cover great distances and leave millions dead.
It took Europeans generations to recover from those seven years of hell.
That pandemic left a permanent stain on history, a scar we will never forget because it was horrifying and apocalyptic.
It left a permanent stain on history, a scar we will never forget because it was so horrific and apocalyptic.
Today there are billions more people on Earth than when the Black Death ran rampant.
And our transportation systems are unimaginably more complex and efficient – the stage is set for an aggressive and rapid pandemic emergency.
It is like a dry, dead forest just waiting for a spark.
How To Survive A Pandemic Action Plan
Start A Community Conversation
Develop A Community Pandemic Preparedness Plan
Buy The Essential Prepper Survival Gear
Get Your Family On Board and Discuss A Plan To:
Seal Your Home With Plastic
Limit Travel
Check Your Survival Stock Levels (water, food, medical supplies, etc.)
Practice Sealing Your Home and Wearing Your Pandemic Survival Gear
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North American Rescue’s NAR Doc reviews a field expedient way of determining if your blood bag is full when a scale isn’t available. This is valuable for prolonged field care and dealing with blood collection and transfusions when a field hospital or higher level of care is not available.
For more info: https://www.narescue.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=fbtk
North American Rescue’s NAR Doc helps us understand when and how you would convert a tourniquet to a pressure dressing.
For more info: https://www.narescue.com/combat-application-tourniquet-c-a-t.html
This short video takes a quick dive into the data surrounding ballistic threats that first responders face today. What is the most common handgun used in assaults of EMS and other medical providers in the field?
For more info: https://www.narescue.com/ballistic-body-armor-ppe-for-first-responders
You won’t be able to wear a mask 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Like lungs, the eyes are one of the most common entry points for pandemic viruses.
As humans, we use our hands to do nearly everything.
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