ACTIVE SHOOTER – Some Thoughts

It’s happened again; another active shooter incident. More people killed. More shock.

At this writing, the FBI has announced that it is investigating the San Bernardino shooting as terrorist related. Whether terrorist related, workplace violence related, or due to mental illness, to the victims, it does not matter what the motive, they are now victims.

As the number of active shooter incidents increase, the number of incidents of gun violence is declining according to this Washington Post article https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/12/03/weve-had-a-massive-decline-in-gun-violence-in-the-united-states-heres-why/. So in the big picture, we may be safer, but we have a growing problem with active shooter incidents.

The ultimate solution for this epidemic of active shooter incidents will only come after a national discussion of what to do. Whatever measures that are implemented, they will not eliminate the problem overnight.

In the meantime, we need to take action to protect ourselves while we live our lives. Paranoia and fear will not lead to effective action. Awareness and a determination to survive will lead to success.

People who teach personal safety teach the importance of being aware of your surroundings before they teach any physical techniques of personal defense. Awareness is important not only in the context of mass casualties or potential terrorism, it is important to the safety of our lives in preventing property crimes and the protection against assault.

Active shooter situations are proving to be very difficult to prevent, by police and by our society as a whole. An active shooter incident can occur quickly and at unpredictable times and places. Hardening certain locations with metal detectors, bullet proof glass and bullet proof doors might help for some locations, but as the recent Paris terrorist attacks have shown, there are many places that cannot be protected with extraordinary efforts.

Surviving an active shooter attack requires quick, thought out action. The modern recommendation from law enforcement agencies in these situations is to Run, Hide, Fight. This is a radical change in their thinking since the Columbine mass casualty incident of several years ago. Major corporations and governmental entities have taken to practicing what to do in the case of a mass casualty incident. Planning and practice before an incident, is key to survival.

Active shooter is as complicated as it is horrifying. Here are some resources that you can use to better understand the subject and can give you recommendations on what you can do to protect yourself.

CBS 60 Minutes:

The segment below, which aired before the San Bernardino shootings, and its associated videos give a broad overview of law enforcement’s perceptions of active shooter situations.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/responding-to-an-active-shooter-60-minutes-anderson-cooper/

 

Active Shooter- Here is what to do in an active shooter situation:

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4261

 

Homeland Security:

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/active_shooter_booklet.pdf

 

Safety Sessions/Art of Manliness:

Thanks to Safety Sessions (https://www.facebook.com/www.safetysessions.net/?fref=nf) for the following link. Despite the name of the web site, the advice that is provided is credible advice.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2015/11/30/what-to-do-in-an-active-shooter-situation/

 

 

 

HOLIDAY SHOPPING- Personal Safety

While keeping belongings safe in your car, keeping yourself safe is also important. As you mingle with the shopping crowds, consider these steps:

·       Be discreet with your valuables. Do not wear expensive jewelry. Women should carry their purses close to their body. Men should consider carrying their wallet in a front pocket and/or wrapping it in a large rubber band so that it will catch in the pocket should a thief try to take it.

·       Ladies, keep your keys in your pocket not your purse. If your purse is stolen, then the thief will not be able to find your home from your driver’s license and enter it with your key.

·       When walking in a crowd, be alert to what is going on around you. Enjoy the day, but look for unusual activity. Protect and conceal your valuables. A thief can easily take your possessions then melt into the crowd.

·       Be discreet when using your cell phone. They can easily be snatched out of your hand. When not in use, carry them in a front or inside pocket of your clothing. Write down the phone’s IMEI number so that if it is stolen, you can report to your carrier as stolen. (For more information go to:  http://www.kirotv.com/videos/news/video-cell-phone-thefts-how-to-keep-yourself-safe/vC2DNd/). Also, use the password protection feature on your phone so that only you can use it.

·       Remember where you parked. That way you can walk like you know where you are going and not wander around looking for it, becoming an easy mark for a potential robber.

·       At an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), choose one that is located inside a mall, grocery store, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Shield the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you so they cannot view your transaction or obtain your PIN. Do not throw your ATM receipt away.

·       Be alert in public restrooms. If anything seems amiss or if a group of people is loitering in the area, leave quickly and find another facility.

 

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141127/NEWS01/141129229/While-scooping-up-the-bargains-take-precautions-against-th

SELF DEFENSE- KUOW Interview with a Self-Defense Expert

Earlier this month, KUOW 94.9’s Ross Reynolds interviewed a self-defense expert on the Conversation. Listen to it for some reminders on how to protect yourself:

http://kuow.org/post/should-you-defend-or-avoid-ask-self-defense-expert

CRIAGSLIST HOME INVASION ROBBERIES- Personal Safety & Selling Online

This morning's Everett Herald has a good summary of yesterday's reporting on the Craigslist home invasion robberies, http://bit.ly/acgIdA. It also reported the following prevention recommendations from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office:


Tips for staying safe when doing business online

Meeting people via Craigslist, the Internet or any other cyber-venue is inherently risky. They are hunting grounds for fraudsters and worse, police said. Here are some basic tips for staying safe:


Trust your instincts. If you get a bad feeling, trust it. No deal is worth the safety of a loved one.

Demand to meet in a busy public place. If the person asks you to come alone or tries to change locations , call it off. If they try to change locations last minute, that's also a warning sign.

Tell a family member or friend if you plan a meeting with a buyer or seller. Bring a cell phone and stay in contact with friends to share details about who arrives, including vehicle information.

Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early and watch who shows up. Criminals will do this to you.

Don't go alone. There's safety in numbers.

Never give out personal information including your home or work address. Don't meet buyers or sellers at home.

Source: Snohomish County Sheriff's Office