VIDALIA — There is no such thing as being too safe. And Rebecca Britt knows that women must learn how to protect themselves in an unpredictable world.

That’s why Britt started the Natchez/Vidalia Chapter of The Well Armed Woman, LLC, an organization that trains women to be aware of their surroundings, and comfortable handling a firearm when needed.

Britt said she felt the Miss-Lou needed an organization like this because there is a lot of safety options available but not enough women know how to utilize their resources.

“We have a lot of families that hunt, and have guns in their closets but are scared to use them unless they have to,” Britt said. “If they’re going to have a gun in their home, they need to know the legality of it.”

As the chapter just began in September, the women involved have already started learning how to safely handle a firearm with the help of John Cowan at the Concordia Parish Sherriff’s Firing Range.

“Last month we just tried to cover the basic safety and range rules so they’ll get used to the safety part of it, like keep your finger off the trigger,” Britt said.

Diane Willard and Linda Wilson are friends who signed up for the chapter together after seeing a posting on Facebook.

Willard said she just acquired a small handgun and wants to learn how to handle it.

“I’ve shot with my husband and he got me a smaller gun, so now I want to be able to handle it,” Willard said. “I still have a lot to learn about safety.”

Wilson said she is also the most interested in safety as she doesn’t own a gun of her own yet, but she’s hoping to make an educated choice in the near future.

“I have a gun that’s my husband but I’ll get my own gun,” Wilson said. “That’s the beauty of this, we’ll train with five different guns then I’ll pick which one is best for me.”

Mary Johnese is a member that always carries a handgun with her as she has a permit, but she said a permit doesn’t mean she is comfortable enough to protect her family in troubled times.

“I have a concealed handgun permit, but I’m still not comfortable,” Johnese said. “I carry a gun, and I have one with me all the time. I just want to be comfortable so if I get in a situation, I’ll be able to handle myself.”

Britt said they are on the right track to becoming comfortable with their firearms and handling themselves in any situation.

“Our motto is to educate, equip and empower,” she said. “They’ll empower themselves and each other as they learn about their weapons.”

The Chapter meets monthly at the firing range, and requires women be at least 21 years of age to join.