Unfortunately, you also need to know how you'll react in a life or death situation. Most people haven't experienced being involved in a gun battle, and no matter how you think you'll react, you don't know until shots start firing.

I had always assumed I'd freeze up if it happened, but when I was on Bourbon Street during Mardi gras when shots rang out, I surprised myself. I immediately, without thinking, got down and ducked into an alley, then had to go back for my friends who froze.