Defensive Countermeasures Institute —

As we promised in our last topic of discussion The Times, They Are A Changing, this week will address precautions that we should all be aware of when paying a visit to gas stations, quick stops and other such facilities.  Before we begin, let us point out that in terms of comparative safety, gas stations that allow patrons to pay at the pump offer a greater degree of security.  While understandably filling the tank of your vehicle does require you to step outside, you remain in close proximity of it, which affords a measure of protection and barrier against crimes of opportunity.

If you—like most—travel away from your home during days of the week, it is inevitable that at some point you will stop for one necessary commodity or another.  It may be for a tank of gas or a loaf of bread and a quart of milk.  Many times these stops are impromptu or lightly anticipated at best.  The desire is to get it done quickly and get back underway.  It is this behavior as consumers that has given enormous rise to gas stations, quick-stops, convenience stores and the like that hawk everything from lottery tickets to Elvis t-shirts.

Criminal opportunists recognize these locations as a source of quick cash with minimal risks, with some facilities so fruitful that multiple robberies are common.  With this is mind, there are some precautions that you can, and should implement if you are otherwise obligated to use one or more of these types of businesses.  Remember these simple steps with the phrase, “It’s wise to use your “I’s.”

–Inspect.  Once reaching the decision to stop, inspect the surrounding area before exiting the relative safety of your vehicle. Look for signs of abnormal activity such as individuals loitering nearby—particularly on the sides of the storefront overlooking the customer entrance.  Many times a lookout or surveillant will post themselves in these locations. Be mindful of other vehicles stopped nearby.  Watch for occupants in vehicles with engines idling or irregular parking patterns. Commit to entering only after you eliminated any outside threats.

–Inside.  Before crossing the threshold of the store, take a cursory look for activity inside. If lack of windows restricts your viewing, this is accomplished by pausing momentarily at the entrance and peering around inside.  Observe for the location of the cashier or other workers.  Do things look and feel normal? Look for signs of duress or anxiety.  Workers can give a feel for “business as usual,” and their outward disposition will often yield signs of normalcy or apprehensiveness.  Monitor the situation for other patrons who may be present or for those entering after you.  Stay alert and do not become distracted.

–Identify.  Have a plan.  Identify what it is that you need to purchase, locate it quickly and proceed to the cashier or checkout without lingering.  Get what you need and stay no longer than necessary to complete your transaction.  Moreover, just as you inspected the surrounding area before entering, the same is required of activities outside.  If no threats are present, commit to walking outside and move in the most direct manner to your vehicle.

–Instinct.  One of the most important tools that we possess that aids in our personal safety and security is instinct.  Learn to trust it.  If we sense something is not as it initially seems—in particular when focused on reducing vulnerability to crimes of opportunity—it is a good rule of thumb not to ignore it.

Too often convenience can lead to complacency. It is imperative that we adopt a mindset that allows us to maintain vigilance in all that we do.  One manner of feeding this focus is by remaining abreast of social, political and economic realities within the environments we frequent. Crime will always manifest some degree of presence within our neighborhoods and society at large.  Our goal is to anticipate its impact on personal safety and security and plan accordingly.  “Stay Safe!”

It’s time to lift our heads from the proverbial sandbox and acknowledge that the US economy has begun to slow, as some may argue, considerably.

One thing is certain—more and more Americans are encountering difficulty with finding high paying jobs while others struggle to make financial ends meet.  Nevertheless, Americans are overwhelmingly resilient, repeatedly demonstrating the ability to rebound from troubling times, emerging stronger than before.

The unfortunate side to the predicament we are facing as a nation is the period of uncertainty.  How long before our economy breaks free of its sluggish performance and picks up so folks can return to honest work and a sense of normalcy?

When viewing times such as these with the perspective on personal safety and security, it is understandable why vigilance is paramount.   An unfortunate reality to consider is the inclination of social predators to sink even lower, becoming more audacious and brazen in their criminal behavior.   It is often stated that “desperate times require desperate measures.”  This practice applies to both sides of the social spectrum.  As the criminal element in our society begins to feel the affects of an economic slowdown—and they will—we should anticipate their move to seek out targets of opportunity and avoid becoming a victim.

Quick sources of cash are the most sought after.  We should always assume that ATM machines are under surveillance by criminally minded individuals or even groups, hoping to cash in as you take cash out.  For this reason, it is ill advised to use these bank instruments during darkness.  Some other points to consider about ATMs:

–Machines should provide superb light and should be clear of any close objects that provide concealment to anyone nearby, nor should obstacles impede your ability to monitor your surroundings when withdrawing cash.  If anything does not look or feel right, move on and find another location.

–Complete your transaction quickly and do not count your cash at the machine.  Retrieve your cash, card and receipt if requested and move to a safe area.  Typically, machines located inside businesses, such as shopping malls or grocery stores are safest.  This is because there are usually more people present.  The old adage “safety in numbers” applies.  Least safe are those found in gas stations or roadside quick stops.  These ATM should be avoided when at all possible.
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–ATMs that allow you to drive up and remain in the vehicle have advantages and disadvantages.  As an advantage, they allow you to remain safe in your vehicle during the transaction.  Pull up as close to the machine as possible.  Ideally, this allows you to reach the keypad without leaning too far out of the window. The disadvantage is with visibility, which is obscured. There are numerous blindsides around your vehicle that could conceal someone’s approach.  For this reason, all doors should remain locked and ensure you keep the engine running.  As the computer is reviewing your account request, remain alert and monitor the immediate area for anyone moving toward you.  Others in the vehicle with you can assist with observation.   Remember, if you feel threatened, depart immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement. 

Our next discussion will address precautions needed when visiting everyday facilities, such as gas stations and fast-food restaurants. You won’t want to miss tips for remaining safe at these and other places of business.  Hope to see you again next week.  “Be Safe!”

Many recognize the value of a hard-earned dollar. In fact, much of our working lives are devoted to earning even more dollars, thus being able to provide for some of life’s necessities and increasing financial wealth in the process.  In time, we begin to understand the power of investing a portion of our earnings wisely and the dividend growth that follows.

Another instrument worthy of wise investment is the time it takes to develop the mental capital needed to master common sense approaches. We have all heard at one time or another that the solution to a particular problem is “common sense.” But what is ‘common sense’ and how do we know if we truly possess it?

This unique reference to communal knowledge works its way into discussions about personal safety and security as well.  For example, “It’s just common sense not to open your door to a stranger.” or,  “Common sense dictates that you don’t leave a firearm anywhere within reach of a child.” Arguably, few adults would disagree with the logic of these statements.  Unfortunately, each of these sound measures is violated repeatedly and often meets with tragic results.  The problem can be traced to the failure to invest in mental capital and spending it to reach common sense solutions.

To understand the path to common sense as a conscious undertaking is to acknowledge the requirement to analyze choices by weighing the near and long-term outcomes, e.g. to what extent will our decisions influence the nature of our environment.  Simply stated, each challenge faced produces a unique set of circumstances, which may only be addressed in two manners—the right way and the wrong way. Reaching the correct solution requires thinking through the problem and uncovering the positive or desired outcome.

Let’s return to the first common sense example.  In most every instance, we choose correctly not to open our door to a stranger, recognizing the near-term threat to our safety and well-being. This decision is reached quickly since we have acquired the mental capital that—when divested or spent—calculates the risk involved. The common sense dividend is personal security.

In the second example, the potential for serious injury or death resulting from failure to secure a firearm in such a manner that precludes a curious child from handling it is another example of the benefit from analyzing decisions—and the near and/or long-term impact. Firearms are one of many tools that may be selected to increase personal security. However, like any tool, firearms—left unsecured where children are present—pose unacceptable risks to serious injury or death.   Upon thinking through the scenario it becomes clear a positive outcome demands storing the weapon in a safe and secure manner—out of a child’s reach. Once again, we see the advantages of investing in mental capital.  The common sense dividend is a safer environment for children.

In summary, common sense is the solution-based decision, which produces a positive outcome and is only arrived at through careful calculation and experience. Acquiring these sound skills and techniques through education and practice is a step in the right-direction to dividend growth that aids with increasing personal safety and security.  For more information on how you or your employer can benefit from our personal safety and security-based solutions, contact DCI today.  There’s no obligation. Begin investing in your security today. Be Safe!

CPSC Warns Winter Storm Victims: Use Portable Generators Outdoors Only

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a warning to consumers confronted with severe winter weather. When there’s a power outage, exercise caution when using portable generators.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can’t see or smell it. A generator’s exhaust contains poisonous CO which can kill you in a matter of minutes.

At least 65 people died in 2006 from generator-related CO poisoning. Many of the deaths occurred after winter storms knocked out power.

Follow these important generator safety tips:

* Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.

* Use portable generators outside only, far away from the home. And keep the generator away from openings to the home, including doors, windows and vents.

* Read the label on the generator and the owner’s manual, and follow the instructions.

* Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside each sleeping area.

* Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy. CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can quickly lead to incapacitation and death.

CPSC recently mandated a new danger label on generators manufactured after May 14, 2007. The label states that, “Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.”

CPSC has additional rulemaking underway on generators. The Commission directed staff to investigate various strategies to reduce consumers’ exposure to CO and to enable and encourage them to use generators outdoors only. Those strategies include generator engines with substantially reduced CO emissions, interlocking or automatic shutoff devices, weatherization requirements, theft deterrence and noise reduction.

In addition to safe generator use, CPSC suggests consumers follow these safety tips after a storm:

• Never use charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal carbon monoxide.

• Use caution when burning candles. Use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
• Do not use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 8 January 2008