Staying Safe in an Unsafe World

With the tragic events recently occurring in Newtown Connecticut, it becomes prudent for all of us to revisit the importance of planning for the potential of violent incidents occurring in the workplace and in other public areas.  While some believe assault weapons are the problem, I don’t agree.  To quote Jeff Cooper, "The rifle itself has no moral stature, since it has no will of its own. Naturally it can be used by evil men for evil purposes, but there are more good men than evil, and while the latter cannot be persuaded to the path of righteousness by propaganda, they can certainly be corrected by good men with rifles."

In our society today, with the increase in the portrayal of violent acts becoming an hourly occurrence on our television and movie screens, and with even more frequent displays available to us in video games, it is likely that we will continue to see morally deficient members of our society acting out.   Unfortunately, life has always been a dangerous venture, and it is getting even more dangerous with the decline of morals in our society.  So what do we do?

First recognize that we live in a potentially violent environment.  Often the victims of violent events fail to immediately recognize that they are in danger.  Their first thought is, “This can’t be happening” or they ask, “Is this real?”  In a crisis failure to recognize danger and act immediately, can result in you becoming a casualty.  So first we need to understand that violence happens in our society every day.  While we can hope it doesn't happen in southern Utah, over 25 years in law enforcement has taught me that everything that happens elsewhere, eventually happens in southern Utah.
 
Second, Pay attention to your surroundings.  The best way to avoid being a victim is to be gone when the bullets begin to fly.  Violent actors look for easy victims.  They select easy targets and when you fail to recognize a threat in your environment you become an easy target.  Take the time scan your surroundings and look at people, especially their faces and hands.  Look at what they are wearing.  Certain behaviors, types of clothing, and objects are symbolic dangers.  If they look nervous or angry, if their clothing doesn't fit the season, or seems to be concealing something, recognize it, pay attention to what they are doing and take action if necessary before they get too close.  

Last, have a plan.  Ask yourself, “What would I do if I was confronted with violence?”  Think through escape routes, barricades, and the potential defensive tools available to you.  In a crisis, almost anything can become a weapon if you need it bad enough.

Your plan should involve escape and evasion as your first option.  The only two friends you have in a violent attack are time and distance.  Put enough distance between you and the threat and you have additional time to react, escape or be rescued.

If escape is not an option, then hiding is your next best option.  Lock yourself in the most secure room you can find.  Use everything at your disposal to barricade the entrance and keep quiet.  Notify law enforcement and turn down your phone or other devices that might give away your position.  If you are too hard to get at, a criminal may likely look for an easier target.

As a last resort, you may have to fight to survive.  As you think through possibilities, you should resolve that if necessary, if your life is in jeopardy, you will fight.  Your fight might just save you and others.  If you are not carrying a weapon, look for potential weapons, including chairs, tables, shelving components, anything which can be used to deter an attacker.  If you are forced to fight, you must fight with all your strength, using everything available to you.  It is likely that you will surprise the gremlin if you fight back.  Most degenerate personalities don’t expect you to attack them.  Use that surprise to your advantage.  Be quick, determined, ruthless, and don’t give up until the fight is over.

I hope none of us is ever involved in a situation like this in our lives.  In today’s world, there is a real possibility that you will either be a victim of a violent crime or know someone who is a victim.  With a little planning, crisis rehearsal, and awareness, you can potentially limit the damage to yourself and others.  Remember, Preplan now, Escape first, Hide if you can’t escape, and Fight if it becomes necessary.  Be safe.