ARE YOU READY?

If you’re like most Americans, you likely often forget about the world around you. In fact, you may go through your day without ever considering your safety. The objective of effective risk management is to balance security and convenience. The reason so many fail to meet even the most basic requirements is because there’s a fear that somehow adding security will impede or upset others because of an inconvenience. The reality is, you jeopardize your safety by even considering that notion.  Security begins with each-and-every person and begins with the most common-sense approach.

You will be happy to know the following skills for developing solutions that incorporate observation strategies and products that bridge the gap between security and convenience. In law enforcement we call this approach “Simple Stupid” because it really is this simple to get started and stupid to ignore.

With just 30 seconds to observe your surroundings I can help keep you safe. You should assess the security where you live, work and visit each day, every day. The 30 seconds you spare can literally save you or your company the hassle of defending yourself against security claims and avoid losses all while strategically positioning yourself for success.

Considerations

• Whether on foot or in a vehicle, you should carefully consider the distance from your means of transportation to the entrance of your destination.
• It’s also important to know the location of your nearest Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
• I recommend you look for the nearest security camera and/or street light and park your vehicle as close as possible. If you’re unable to see a camera or light I recommend you position yourself with the flow of activity.

Although I can’t guarantee everything, in my experience the criminals like to corner their targets and separate them from the crowd prior to striking. The closer you are to other people engaging in routine daily activities, the more likely you are to go unnoticed. It’s also equally as important not to overtly advertise yourself. That said, you must be discrete about your valuables and personal belongings. Unlike decent and honest people, criminals not only also admire your valuables, they’ll rob, harm or even kill you for them just to make a few dollars. Prior to exiting your vehicle, be sure your prepared to act in the event of an ambush. Take note of your route and surroundings – observe for unusual behavior, people and surroundings. If you experience a bad “gut feeling”, trust your gut and leave the area or have a friend, colleague or law enforcement escort you to your destination.

As you walk to your destination, have your head on a “swivel”. Keep your phone in your non-dominate hand, purse or pocket and walk confidently with your head up – poor confidence and the appearance of fear attracts criminals. There’s also no reason to be playing games, watching a video or talking while you navigate to your destination. The fact is, most violent crimes where a stranger’s targeted involves extensive pre-planning, staking and observation of habits and routines prior to the assault. Please, consider the following to evaluate your safety and whether basic measures exist or not:

Physical Security Considerations:

1. Your Geographic Location (High Crime Area, Rural or Difficult to Find/Access)
2. Effective or Poor Signage (Visible Address, No Trespassing, Camera Use, etc.)
3. Presence of Access Controls – (Gates, Fencing, Card Readers, Intercoms, etc.)
4. Working Alarms (Door/Window contact Sensors, Motion, Fire, Glass Break, etc.)
5. Surveillance (Fixed cameras, Motorized Cameras, Multi-sensor, etc.)
6. Construction (High Security Door/Window Locks, Unexposed Hinges, Man Traps, etc.)

General Safety and Security Recommendations:

1. Always know your route and have at least 2 exit plans in the event of an ambush.
2. Position yourself near security cameras, lit areas, security guards or main entrances.
3. Don’t park away from people just to avoid a scratch on your vehicle – Safety First.
4. Back-in when possible to allow for a fast and easy get-away.
5. When stopped, do a 360 check of your surroundings – Is Anyone walking up or Watching You?
6. Exit within 1 minute of stopping or move – Avoid becoming a sitting duck.
7. Ready your vehicle for departure prior to exiting – Verify mirror positions, steering wheel, seat, etc.
8. Secure all valuables inside a fully-enclosed trunk or hide valuables in locked compartment.
9. Never remain in a parked vehicle while unlocked – Disable auto-unlock.
10. Keep Interior Light Off and Headlights/Parking Lights ON to illuminate surroundings
11. Keep stereo or speaker phone volume low
12. Have your belongings prepared before your exit – Dominate hand should always be free.
13. Use keys for defense or panic feature for audible alarm.
14. Have phone ready for 911 – Program speed dial and keep phone unlocked while holding
15. Walk confidently with your head up and always scan your surrounding – Head on The Swivel.

I also recommend you refrain from posting controversial stickers, license plates or placards on your vehicle or where visible from the outside – including political, special interest, weapons related, etc. We’re in an unfortunate time where expression of differing opinions has become hostile and often leads to assault.

If you face a situation where you can’t escape and become trapped, immediately drop whatever it is your doing and run as fast as you can to any populated area. Never look back or check on the attacker’s position. Looking around will likely cause you to trip and fall. It makes no difference to you whether the attacker stopped chasing you – you’re not going back at this point, so keep running!  Make as much noise as possible without causing yourself to become short of breath. You may do whatever’s necessary to defend your life in any event where you feel you’re in imminent jeopardy or face potential for serious permanent injury or death.

If you’re concerned about safety and interested in enhancing your security, it’s best to stay away from the spotlight – Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Give us a call today to discuss how we can get you started with BluLine.

I invite you to begin working on these skills and I’m hopeful to soon contribute to your future.

Warm Regards,

Eddie Lauth, President.