Know Your Environment

With the increasing rate of random active shooters, violent crime, and overall “changing times” we have some tips and suggestions to keep you, your business, family, and friends safer:

If you have a firearm, make sure you know how to use it and keep it secure. We recommend a training class with a qualified firearms instructor. Many people regard themselves as “firearms instructors” or firearms savy. Make sure your instructor is qualified to teach the course. Make sure you take a training course in at least basic firearms operation and safety such as a qualified NRA course. More and more, people are taking tactical courses to add a level of knowledge. More training is always better. Unfortunately, as seen in the Sandy Hook incident and the movie theater shooting, active shooter generally are crazy and suicidal. Lock your firearms up when not in use or not at home. Most firearms fall into the hands of criminals because they are unsecure. This is especially important if a family member has “issues” or street criminal breaks into your home and obtains your weapons. And of course, you don’t want to make firearms available to juveniles in your home that may accidentally use them or use them unsupervised. If you plan on carrying a firearm, make sure you have a permit that is applicable in that state.

Don’t release unnecessary information and leave yourself open to unnecessary risk. Many criminals are opportunistic. If you are walking with your head down in your cell phone you have increased your chances of a violent encounter several fold. Make sure that you pay attention to your surroundings and people. If walking through a parking lot, be wary of spaces in between vehicles as this is a classic ambush tactic. When parking, lock all valuable equipment in your trunk or take it with you. Leaving belongings in view is an easy way to get victimized. Do not advertise your status. This includes the family cartoon stickers on the back of vehicles, address information, or any sensitive information that you do not want the get in the hands of a criminal.
An ounce of prevention. Ultimately, your security is paramount. You are not going to be able to provide for your family, employees, or loved ones if you do not provide for your security and safety. More crime deterrence is always better. Get a security survey done of your property. Get security lighting that is active dusk until dawn. Get an alarm system, cameras, and a dog or a combination of these. Dogs are a great preventive measure for criminal intrusion into your home when away. Don’t leave your garage door open. Do not leave your home or vehicle doors and windows open because “we always leave our doors unlocked”. Famous last words.

Plan for the worst. Although we don’t encourage people to be hyper-vigilent to the point of paranoia, be aware that an active shooter or violent encounter can happen anytime, anywhere. When walking into or out of an establishment take a second to take a mental picture of your surrounds and escape routes. The best way to combat a violent encounter is to avoid one all together.

Respectfully Submitted, , CEO Tactical American Security Consulting, LLC.

www.ustasc.com

888-813-4434