OK, I'm asking --> Pirate questions

[m2244]

Fairly recently, my wife and I started talking more and more about sailing in the near future. She is a bit of a nervous Nelly so when I first brought it up what do you think she said first?

“What about the pirates?!”

So OK, what about the pirates? Can you guys give me any information on the following:

1. Are there areas to avoid?
2. What about areas such as around BVI, Caribbean, etc?
3. Do people arm themselves? Warning shots? (I have considerable experience with fire arms)
4. Should you avoid flying certain flags?
5. Are there fake flags you can fly that might deter them?
6. Is there any kind of help available if you run into pirates?

I feel silly asking this question but hey, I don’t know much about this subject? I’m basically trying to cover all my bases in answering any other pirate-related questions my wife might come up with.