Recent events around the country and here in Northeast Ohio have left people wondering: "How can I protect myself?" Many in Summit County are turning to conceal carry permits and the proof is in the numbers.

NewsChannel 5 reports that In the entire year of 2011, a total of 1,252 people were issued a CCW (concealed carry weapon) permit. This year, that number is already up to 1,168. This month alone 93 people have already applied for their CCW.

Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander expressed his concerns about the 40% jump in CCW holders in Summit County.

"I would suggest that they get a lot of training. Just don't rely on the 12 hours by law is required to get your CCW" Alexander tells AkronNewsNow.

Alexander attributes the increase in conceal carry permits to recent violent events.

"People don't feel safe. The shootings in Colorado, Wisconsin, the suspected shooter in the Cleveland area. It seems like there increasing instead of decreasing" says Alexander.

To get your CCW you need to have 10 hours of classroom training and 2 hours of range training.

It's been legal to carry a concealed weapon with a permit since 2004; since then more than 12,000 CCW permits have been issued.