Front Sight Course Descriptions

At Central Guns and Ammo, we like giving back to the community and our loyal supporters, so this month we decided to give away a Front Sight Training certificate for the training institute in Las Vegas.
More information on the contest and how to enter, can be found here

Here is a more in-depth description of the courses available to you, should you win the giveaway:

**The two day course may be used for two people, while the four day course may only be used for one person**


Two Day Defensive Handgun

(Photo Courtesy of guntrainingcentral.com)

This entry-level course is for students who want to get a fast start on their gun training.

Upon completion of this course you will have a fundamental understanding of the defensive use of the handgun. Among the many skills you acquire, will be the ability to safely and easily present your weapon from the holster and fire two, sighted shots to the center of a target 5 yards away – all under 1.5 seconds!

Lecture Topics Include: 

• Use of Deadly Force and the Law 
• Color Code of Mental Awareness 
• Stopping Power 
• Civil Liability

Firing Range Drills Include: 

• Loading and Unloading 
• Grip, Stance, Sight Picture, Sight Alignment and Trigger Control 
• Presentation from Ready and Holster 
• Target Engagement from Arms Length to 15 yards under Time Pressure 
• Malfunction Clearing 
• Speed and Tactical Reloading 
• Live-Fire Tactical Simulator Introduction

Firearm, Equipment and Ammo Requirements:

• The weapon must be fully functional, have all factory-installed safety devices intact, and have no dangerous modifications (such as a “hair” trigger less than 4 pounds, removed trigger guard, etc.)
• “Pocket Pistols” are not allowed due to their very small size and difficulty of use.
• Holsters must be on the belt, correctly fit the weapon, completely cover the trigger guard, remain open when the weapon is removed, not allow the weapon to cover the shooter’s body, and not have a trigger guard retention device (such as the Blackhawk Serpa model and others). NO thigh rigs, cross-draw, etc.
• Electronic hearing protection is mandatory and is available at the Front Sight Pro Shop or numerous retailers.
• 200 rounds of factory ammunition is required, NO reloads.

Age Requirements:

• 16 to 17 years old can take the course unaccompanied. (Parent or guardian must be onsite, though they do not need to be in the same course or on the same range.)
• Minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian. The parent MUST have taken this exact course before, work with the child during the entire course, and be responsible for only ONE child.
• Children age 10 and under are not allowed.
• Unattended minors are NOT allowed on the property. They must be escorted by a parent or guardian at all times or be enrolled in an appropriate course.

Two Day Tactical Shotgun

(Photo Courtesy of thefirearmblog.com)

This entry-level course provides you with much more than a fundamental understanding of the tactical shotgun. Upon completion of this course, you will have the ability to use your shotgun with a skill level well above the rest of the gun-owning public.

Lecture Topics Include:

• Use of Deadly Force and the Law
• Color Code of Mental Awareness
• Civil Liability
• A,B,C Engagement Zones
• Weapon and Ammunition Selection 
• Tactics

Firing Range Drills Include:

• Loading and Unloading
• Firing Stance
• The Three Secrets
• Carry Positions
• Patterning
• Offhand, Kneeling, Prone
• Target Engagement from 7-25 yards under Time Pressure
• Multiple Targets
• Tactical Reloading
• Emergency Reloading
• Select Slug Drill with Firing out to 50 Yards
• Malfunction Clearances
• Tactical Simulator

Ammunition Required (NO reloads, Magnum or steel shot!):

• 100 rounds of birdshot
• 100 rounds of 00 buckshot
• 25 rounds of slug

Firearm and Equipment Requirements:

• The weapon must be fully functional, have all factory-installed safety devices intact, and have no dangerous modifications (such as a “hair” trigger less than 4 pounds, removed trigger guard, pistol grip only stock, etc.)
• The weapon must be 20 gauge or larger and have an attached sling.
• Electronic hearing protection is mandatory and is available at the Front Sight Pro Shop or numerous retailers.
• Elbow and Knee pads are strongly recommended.
• Some type of shell carrier on the weapon and/or on the belt is strongly recommended.

Age Requirements:

• Minimum age is 16 if taking the course unaccompanied.
• Minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian. The parent MUST have taken this exact course before, work with the child during the entire course, and be responsible for only ONE child.
• Children age 10 and under are not allowed.
• Unattended minors are NOT allowed on the property. They must be escorted by a parent or guardian at all times or be enrolled in an appropriate course.

Two Day Practical Rifle

(Photo Courtesy of guntrainingcentral.com)

This entry-level course provides you with the practical skills of the accomplished rifleman. Upon completion, you will have the ability to quickly strike center hits from a variety of shooting positions at ranges out to 100 yards. If you want to acquire the skills that tamed the Wild West and won the last World Wars, this course is for you.

Lecture Topics Include:

• Use of Deadly Force and the Law
• Color Code of Mental Awareness
• Civil Liability
• Weapon and Ammunition Selection
• Ballistics
• Zeroing, Sight Adjustments

Firing Range Drills Include:

• Loading and Unloading
• Carrying Positions
• Ready Positions
• Shooting Stance
• Sight Alignment, Sight Picture and Trigger Control
• Rapid Assumption of Kneeling and Prone
• Target Engagement from 3 to 100 yards under Time Pressure
• Tactical Simulator

Ammunition Required:

• 220 rounds of factory ammunition required. 
• NO steel core or steel jacketed ammunition allowed. 
• Please check the bullet with a magnet before arrival.

Firearm and Equipment Requirements:

• The weapon must be fully functional, have all factory-installed safety devices intact, and have no dangerous modifications (such as a “hair” trigger less than 4 pounds, removed trigger guard, etc.)
• The weapon's caliber must be a rifle round of at least 5.56mm/.223 or larger and have an attached sling.
• Electronic hearing protection is mandatory and is available at the Front Sight Pro Shop or numerous retailers.
• Elbow and Knee pads are strongly recommended.
• Some type of magazine pouch on the belt is strongly recommended.

Age Requirements:

• Minimum age is 16 if taking the course unaccompanied.
• Minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian. The parent MUST have taken this exact course before, work with the child during the entire course, and be responsible for only ONE child.
• Children age 10 and under are not allowed.
• Unattended minors are NOT allowed on the property. They must be escorted by a parent or guardian at all times or be enrolled in an appropriate course.

Four Day Defensive Handgun

(Photo Courtesy of guntrainingcentral.com)

This fast paced and exciting course is for law enforcement officers, military personnel and private citizens who want a complete understanding of the defensive handgun and a skill level that surpasses 95% of those who carry a gun for a living.

Regardless of your experience prior to entering this course, upon completion, your gun handling, marksmanship, and tactical skills will be better than they have ever been and you will be able to safely and easily present your weapon from a CONCEALED holster and fire two, sighted shots to the center of a target 5 yards away - all under 1.5 seconds! That's right, from a concealed holster in 1.5 seconds!

You will understand the principles of tactics and have multiple opportunities to use your acquired skills under the stress of simulated, lethal encounters. This course is a must for anyone who chooses to own or carry a handgun for self defense.

Lecture Topics and Firing Range Drills: 
As outlined in Two-Day Defensive Handgun with added emphasis on:

• Concealed Carry
• Tactical Training Simulation using Realistic Targets in Shoot/No Shoot Scenarios
• Target Engagement from Arms Length to 15 yards under Time Pressure. 
• Course also includes Supplemental Lectures on Shotgun and Rifle topics with Single Elimination Shoot-off, and Distinguished Graduate Skills Evaluation.

Firearm, Equipment and Ammo Requirements:

• The weapon must be fully functional, have all factory-installed safety devices intact, and have no dangerous modifications (such as a “hair” trigger less than 4 pounds, removed trigger guard, etc.)
• “Pocket Pistols” are not allowed due to their very small size and difficulty of use.
• Holsters must be on the belt, correctly fit the weapon, completely cover the trigger guard, remain open when the weapon is removed, not allow the weapon to cover the shooter’s body, and not have a trigger guard retention device (such as the Blackhawk Serpa model and others). NO thigh rigs, cross-draw, etc.
• Electronic hearing protection is mandatory and is available at the Front Sight Pro Shop or numerous retailers.
• 600 rounds of factory ammunition is required, NO reloads.

Age Requirements:

• 16 to 17 years old can take the course unaccompanied. (Parent or guardian must be onsite, though they do not need to be in the same course or on the same range.)
• Minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian. The parent MUST have taken this exact course before, work with the child during the entire course, and be responsible for only ONE child.
• Children age 10 and under are not allowed.
• Unattended minors are NOT allowed on the property. They must be escorted by a parent or guardian at all times or be enrolled in an appropriate course.

Four Day Tactical Shotgun

(Photo Courtesy of stu-offroad.com)

This is a comprehensive, entry-level course in the tactical use of the shotgun that will give law enforcement officers, military personnel and private citizens an undisputed certainty in their ability to operate a shotgun with authority.

Upon completion of the course, you will have the ability to rapidly and decisively engage targets out to 25 yards and you will know your weapon and ammunition well enough to deliver buckshot to end a hostage scenario! Select slugs drills will extend the range of your control out to 50 yards. This course is a must for anyone who chooses to own or use a shotgun for defense or duty.

Lecture Topics Include:

• Use of Deadly Force and the Law
• Color Code of Mental Awareness
• Civil and Criminal Liability
• A, B and C Engagement Zones
• Weapon and Ammunition Selection
• Tactics

Firing Range Drills Include:

• Loading and Unloading
• Firing Stance
• The Three Secrets
• Carry Positions
• Patterning
• Offhand, Kneeling, Prone
• Target Engagement from 7-25 yards under Time Pressure
• Multiple Targets
• Tactical Reloading
• Emergency Reloading, Select Slug Drill with Firing out to 50 Yards
• Malfunction Clearances
• Tactical Movement
• Tactical Simulation using Reactive Steel Targets and Shoot/No Shoot Targets.

Ammunition Required (NO reloads, Magnum or steel shot!):

• 300 rounds of birdshot
• 250 rounds of 00 buckshot
• 75 rounds of slug

Firearm and Equipment Requirements:

• The weapon must be fully functional, have all factory-installed safety devices intact, and have no dangerous modifications (such as a “hair” trigger less than 4 pounds, removed trigger guard, pistol grip only stock, etc.)
• The weapon must be 20 gauge or larger and have an attached sling.
• Electronic hearing protection is mandatory and is available at the Front Sight Pro Shop or numerous retailers.
• Elbow and Knee pads are strongly recommended.
• Some type of shell carrier on the weapon and/or on the belt is strongly recommended.

Age Requirements:

• Minimum age is 16 if taking the course unaccompanied.
• Minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian. The parent MUST have taken this exact course before, work with the child during the entire course, and be responsible for only ONE child.
• Children age 10 and under are not allowed.
• Unattended minors are NOT allowed on the property. They must be escorted by a parent or guardian at all times or be enrolled in an appropriate course.

Four Day Practical Rifle

(Photo Courtesy of guntrainingcentral.com)

This is a comprehensive 4 day course in the practical use of the rifle that will leave law enforcement officers, military personnel and private citizens with the comforting ability to hit what they can see!

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to score center, first-round hits on targets appropriate to your weapon, at unknown distances, from improvised positions against the clock. With a rifle in your hand, you will be able to control your environment out to distances that you can identify targets. If you desire such ability, we await you.

Lecture Topics:

• Use of Deadly Force and the Law
• Color Code of Mental Awareness
• Civil Liability
• Weapon and Ammunition Selection
• Ballistics
• Zeroing, Sight Adjustments, Hold Over

Firing Range Drills Include:

• Loading and Unloading
• Carrying Positions
• Ready Positions
• Shooting Stance
• Sight Alignment, Sight Picture and Trigger Control
• Rapid Assumption of Kneeling, Squat, Sitting, and Prone
• Target Engagement from 3 to 200 yards under Time Pressure
• Tactical Simulator with Reactive Steel Targets
• Emphasis on Speed and Accuracy of Target Engagement
• Shoot-Off
• Distinguished Graduate Skill Evaluation.

Ammunition Requirements: 

• 540 rounds of factory ammunition required. 
• NO steel core or steel jacketed ammunition allowed. 
• Please check the bullet with a magnet before arrival.

Firearm and Equipment Requirements:

• The weapon must be fully functional, have all factory-installed safety devices intact, and have no dangerous modifications (such as a “hair” trigger less than 4 pounds, removed trigger guard, etc.)
• The weapon`s caliber must be a rifle round of at least 5.56mm/.223 or larger and have an attached sling.
• Electronic hearing protection is mandatory and is available at the Front Sight Pro Shop or numerous retailers.
• Elbow and Knee pads are strongly recommended.
• Some type of magazine pouch on the belt is strongly recommended.

Age Requirements:

• Minimum age is 16 if taking the course unaccompanied.
• Minimum age is 11 if taking the course with a parent or guardian. The parent MUST have taken this exact course before, work with the child during the entire course, and be responsible for only ONE child.
• Children age 10 and under are not allowed.
• Unattended minors are NOT allowed on the property. They must be escorted by a parent or guardian at all times or be enrolled in an appropriate course.

Hidden gun storage ideas

(Originally posted on Survivallife.com)

There are plenty of reasons to hide your firearms and keep them out of the wrong hands.

Whether you want to keep them away from prying eyes, children’s hands or robbers, we have some tips on how to keep your guns hidden.

These secret storage options can blend in perfectly, keeping your firearms hidden and out of the wrong hands without drawing attention to where they are stored.

Keep yourself protected and your firearms inconspicuous with these ideas and thisamazing report that shows you why you MUST hide your guns.

  

40 Unique Places to Stash Firearms

We’ve all heard of hiding a safe behind a hanging picture, but have you ever heard of hiding a gun in an empty cereal box? How about on a hook under the bathroom counter? Check out this list for 40 secret storage ideas like these that you probably haven’t thought of!

  

Book Spines Box

Simply gluing some book spines to a box that is the depth of your book case will create an area of concealed storage. Whether you use decorative book spines for the living room or cookbook spines for the kitchen, you can choose a look that will easily conceal firearms in any room around the house! Want one of these? We sell a similar version in the store! 

Framed Art Secret Storage

This DIY gives you step by step instructions for this attractive hidden gun storage idea. Once again, you can choose to go with a picture that will work no matter where you place your secret storage. Check out the DIY here!

Giveaway -- Front Sight Firearms Training Institute

We just got a huge shipment of ammo in. We have over 10,000 rounds of 9mm, which can only mean one thing: a sale! We're marking down the prices on these 100-round boxes of ammo.

With each box of 9mm purchased, you'll be entered for a chance to win a gift certificate to Front Sight Firearms Training Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada (valued at more than $2,000!).

You can choose between a two-day course for two people, or a four-day course for one person. Front Sight is the world's premier facility for self defense training and recreation, and with this giveaway, you can be a part of it.

**No purchase necessary, see store for alternate ways to enter. Airfare and accommodations not included. Front Sight may have additional requirements, check website for details**

Depending on which course you choose to take, you will get to spend an exciting weekend at Front Sight and leave with the skills to safely protect yourself and your family. Firearms, edged weapons and empty hand defense courses taught by personable, real-world instructors who will dramatically elevate your skills and bring out the best in you.

Good luck!

How to properly store your guns

It's no surprise that we need to keep our weapons locked up, but many of us aren't doing it correctly. The following tips from Guns & Ammo magazine will ensure the protection of both your guns and your family. If you need any gun storage items, we have trigger locks and cases in the store!

A wide variety of safe gun storage accessories and containers are currently available. However, there is no universal solution to fill every role, or to fit every budget. Safe storage options are intended to perform one or more of the following tasks, which they do with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on how much money you’re willing to spend:

1. Prevent a gun from firing
2. Protect a gun from physical damage
3. Act as a theft deterrent

It’s much easier to consider the pros and cons of each storage system when they can be compared side by side. The following discussion is a walkthrough of the most common safe gun storage options, starting with the least expensive:

Trigger Locks ($0-$15):
Trigger locks fulfill a single safe gun storage objective: Prevent the gun from firing. Most new guns now arrive from the manufacturer with a trigger lock of some kind or other in the box. Trigger shoes clamp and lock around the trigger housing to prevent the trigger from being pressed. They should not be engaged on a loaded gun because they come in contact with the trigger as they are installed and removed. Cable locks allow the shooter to run cable through the barrel or action of a firearm. Since the cable blocks the action from being closed, the gun cannot be loaded or fired with the cable lock in place.

If these two lock options are not available, a simple household padlock can be looped over the trigger guard with the hasp set behind the trigger. This will prevent the trigger from completing a firing cycle. Although trigger locks are inexpensive (or even free), and can successfully prevent a gun from firing, they do nothing to protect the gun’s finish or to deter theft.

Soft-Side and Hard-Side Gun Cases ($10- $150):
Most sporting goods stores have entire aisles dedicated to affordable handgun, rifle, and shotgun cases. The options available range from padded fabric sleeves to rugged foam-lined plastic cases. The primary role of this kind of affordable carry case is to protect guns from physical damage. While they do a good job of preventing dings and scratches, their role as a security device is relatively limited.

Most soft and hard side cases can be “legally” locked for transport to and from the shooting range (check your local regulations). This could be a luggage lock through a soft case’s zipper pull, or a padlock through the handles of a hard case. This security system may be enough to keep small children out as well. However, the materials these cases are made of are easily defeated by ordinary edged implements. These low-cost cases also have a low theft deterrence value since they are light and easy to move. They have to be hidden or locked inside of another container to protect them from theft.

Gun Safes ($500 – $2,500+):
Simply stated, gun safes are the most secure gun storage option available to the average gun owner. Even the basic units have terrific advantages over any of the other gun storage units described so far. A locked safe will definitely prevent a gun from being handled or loaded. The upholstered interior and built-in gun racks will help to protect the finish of the firearms while allowing air to circulate. And, best of all, they are an effective theft deterrent.

Much like automobiles or personal computers, gun safes are available with a wide variety of features, locking systems, and finishes, all of which affect the bottom line cost of the unit. These cost-changing features include the gauge (or thickness) of the steel used to construct the safe, the strength and reliability of the locking mechanism, the level of fire resistance (if any), the extent of the warranty, shelf and rack configuration options, as well as the color and quality options for the exterior finish.

Because all gun safes are relatively expensive (compared to other gun storage options) it makes sense to consider what you want very carefully before you buy. First-time safe buyers should be careful to avoid two common, but serious, mistakes. The first thing to avoid is buying a safe that’s too small. A unit that’s a perfect fit for your collection today may not serve your needs in ten years. A bit more expense up front may save you the trouble of changing out or adding a second safe down the road.

The second mistake is waiting too long to buy one. Yes, gun safes are big, heavy, difficult to install, and expensive to pay for. But they are well worth the trouble if you have a gun collection you care about. How do you know it’s time to invest in a gun safe? If the guns you have are worth more (sentimentally as well as financially) than the cost of the least expensive safe you would be willing to purchase, then it’s time to start shopping for one.

10 shooting skills every gun owner must know

(Originally posted on Guns.com by Jeffrey Denning)

Want to be a great shooter? Whether you’re in tactical competition or real-world confrontation, developing skill sets found on this list of shooting skills will enhance your performance on the range and under fire. In the event of an emergency, these skills will ensure your safety.

1.  See Fast, Decide Fast
To shoot or not to shoot, that is the question. Deciding to shoot is the crux of the matter, really, and every shot must occur because of your informed decision to shoot.

Watch the hands for weapons that can kill, know the law and act fast very fast. Mental reflexes are the foundation here. Are you justified? Is it time to perform? Using shoot/no-shoot target training along with a variety of realistic scenario-based training can help hone this skill. What if-gaming and having a pre-determined tactical mindset will help too.

2.  Rapid Target Acquisition
Target shot at center mass.You see the threat, you’ve made the decision to aim center mass, now it’s time to get the sights lined up and on target and whether you’re holding a long gun or a concealed handgun, getting sights on target quickly is paramount to your success in a gunfight. Your vision needs to go from the target/threat to the sights in this scenario and this vision transition is absolutely essential and often overlooked. Using a natural point of aim and your pointer (index) finger to aim, helps with a quick target acquisition or TA.

3.  Smooth Trigger Pull
Many people can line up the sights correctly, but as soon pressure is applied on the trigger, the sights wobble. Arc of movement aside, shooters who have the focus to concentrate on both the sights and a smooth trigger all the way through the break, will have the best success. I bet you’ve heard this one a million times: watch the sights all the way through a smooth trigger.

Avoid convulsing the hand, rushing the shot, slapping the trigger or anticipating the recoil. Practice with double action only (DAO) and double action/single action (DA/SA) triggers and realize no two triggers are alike.

4.  Multiple Target Transition
Where there’s one threat, there’s often two making target transition clutch. Don’t get tunnel vision. Stop the immediate threat but then scan and transition to the next threat. Remember to scan with your eyes first: eyes, muzzle, target.  On occasion practice shooting three targets all at the 7 yard line. Shoot each of them once then follow up with more. Practice 180-degree shooting, as well as with targets at 5, 7 and 25 yards, all less than 30-degrees angle.

5.  Flash Sight Picture
A flash sight picture is an imperfect or less than perfect sight picture. When shooting up-close you don’t have to align your sights too precisely. Shooting a six-shot rhythm drill, for instance, will send multiple rounds towards the threat (or downrange) with a better than fair change of landing quality hits on the target. In this case, six very fast nearly bulls-eye perfect shots are better than one slow but perfectly accurate X ring shot.


6.  Pie-ing
Pie-ing drill for target acquisition.“Slicing the pie” or “pie-ing” is slowly moving from behind either cover or concealment while maintaining your eyes in line with your muzzle. Pie-ing is different than a quick peek. In order to keep the tactical advantage, you cannot give away your position or telegraph your movements.

Keep your elbows tucked in and don’t stick your muzzle, knee, head or foot out around the corner. Face the wall and bend at the hip. Learn to do it well on the non-dominant side without switching hands. Mastering this skill will give you a huge tactical advantage.

7.  Low-Light Shooting
Ideally, your guns should be outfitted with lights and rail mounts to accommodate them. Since you’re not the one initiating the gunfight, but are instead a reactive opponent of someone else’s violent stupidity, shoot-outs never happen when it’s to your advantage and there’s a good chance an attack will be in the dark or in low-light.

Practice with a weapon mounted light, but also practice with a handheld light. Reloads, malfunctions, pie-ing, and opening doors are all vastly different when holding a light.

8.  Aggression
Assertiveness and aggression can help you win and survive. Hold the beast in the cage; don’t attempt to spur or promote fighting; try everything you can in order to avoid fighting; but in the end, you’ve got to be aggressive. An aggressive stance and an aggressive attitude will help you maintain positive physical control of your weapon and quite frankly the situation. You will have greater balance, speed and a platform for mobility, in addition to the right mental attitude.

9.  Shooting on the Move
Shooting while moving drill. Standing still in a gunfight is plain stupid. It’s difficult to hit moving targets—so be a moving target. If you need to shoot on the move, it’s better to learn how to do it well on the range, under minimal amounts of stress. Start with baby steps. Shooting on the move is a good tool to add to your toolbox as a “just in case” skill.

10. Shooting Moving Targets
Just as you should be moving if someone’s taking aim at you, the threats may be moving too. Learn the difference between tracking and ambushing. Depending upon the distance to the target, you may not have to lead the threat/target at all. In fact, if you can’t tell it’s a plausible threat because the distance is too great, you’d better not shoot. That said, shooting paper targets on a static range will almost never simulate shooting real, mobile threats on a dynamic range.

Until next time, continue to hone your skills and keep adding to your tactical toolbox.

Air Riflery 2014-15 Season

(Photo courtesy of Pearl City High School)

The MIL air riflery 2014-15 season is underway, and we couldn't be more excited. We've been strong supporters of local riflery clubs and teams, and this year is no different.

We are offering special pricing on all air riflery equipment and accessories that your child may need for this season. If you know what you will need, whether it be air rifles, targets, rifle rests or cases, we can order them for you.

Give us a call or come visit us in the store, and we'd be happy to help!

2014-15 Air Riflery Schedule:

MIL Meet #1

Baldwin

Sat, August 30

8am

MIL Meet #2

Postal

Sat, September 6

8am

MIL Meet #3

Kekaulike

Sat, September 13

8am

MIL Meet #4

Postal

Sat, September 20

8am

MIL Meet #5

Maui High 

Sat, September 27

8am

MIL Meet #6

Postal

Sat, October 4

8am

MIL Meet #7

St. Anthony

Sat, October 11

8am

MIL Championship

War Memorial

Sat, October 18

8am

HHSAA Championship

Oahu

Tues, October 28

8am

  

Are you prepared for a hurricane?

As Hurricane Iselle and Julio quickly approach the islands, it's extremely important that you're prepared for whatever the storms may bring. As one of Maui's few outdoor stores, we stress the importance of safety and preparedness. But are you ever really prepared for a natural disaster?

In the store, we sell many items that are vital for remaining safe before, during and after a storm. We've got an assortment of guns, ammo, pepper sprays, knives and emergency food kits.

Since Hawaii is so remote and relies on many products being imported, it's very important that you prepare a 7-Day Disaster Supply Kit:

Your disaster supply kit should contain enough of the following items to last for 7-days:

• Water - One gallon of water per person per day for seven days for drinking and sanitation.
• Food - Non-perishable food that does not require cooking. Popular local foods such as Spam, corned beef and Vienna sausage.
• Eating Utensils - Plates, mess kits, forks and chop sticks. Don't forget a non-electric can opener for canned foods.
• Radio - Battery-powered or hand crank radio with NOAA Weather alert.
• Light - Flashlight and/or a portable fluorescent or LED light Spare batteries.
• Check annually First Aid - Get a first aid kit and consider enrolling in a certified first aid, CPR and AED course.
• Whistle - Important for signaling for help. A whistle carries much farther than the human voice and uses less energy than yelling.
• Dust Mask - Helps to filter contaminated air Sanitation - Moist towelettes, toilet paper, 5-gallon bucket, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Tools - Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, duct tape
• Maps - Local area maps
• Prescription - Special medications and glasses
• Baby - Infant formula and diapers
• Pets - Pet food and extra water for your pet

Also, organizations like the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be readily available in your area to assist you. Keep in mind that during natural disasters, public buildings (ie., school gymnasiums) will be turned into public shelters for displaced individuals.

Lastly, stay safe out there!