Today's Safety Sunday Tip: Maintain Defensible Space
"Help! Police! Help!"
If you've ever heard those startling words being shout out loud, it might raise the hair on the back of your neck. In this day and age, we see more and more violent acts of terrorism, physical destruction of property, and even physical attacks. It is important to consider conducting a personal risk assessment in and around your area to choose the right physical security measures and apply them appropriately. The risk assessment, accompanied by an understanding of physical security measures to select and implement, will help to mitigate potential physical harm to yourself and others who might be around you.
Therefore, my thoughts today focus on what I call a "defensible space." Defensible space is the area around you should there be an unexpected security event, like an attempted mugging or robbery. Heaven forbid! In the countries where I've personally traveled, I always kept a defensible space in mind. For instance, when I'm on a public sidewalk, I try to walk closer to a physical structure, like a building, rather than on the street side curb. This defensible space helps to keep a barrier between myself and a runaway vehicle. Another tidbit to consider whenever you're out in an unfamiliar location or another country is to limit yourself from engaging with a large gathering event. Too often, terrorists are looking to make a name for themselves, and if they could hit a large gathering of people, it brings more notoriety to their cause.
Whenever I go to dinner, I make it a practice to never sit my back against the main entrance to a venue or building. Some might say that I am paranoid or, as my wife sometimes says, "What have you been doing that I don't know about?" LOL!The truth is, I want the flexibility to be able to see and move quickly and decisively if some unplanned event occurs. You should also always know where the primary and secondary exits are in a facility or building structure.
As an extra precautionary step, I recommend never going anywhere alone. The adage "there's always strength in numbers" is true. A crook or perpetrator is less likely to do something if he has to deal with multiple people while in the act of attempting to commit a crime.
One more final note- whenever practical, have protective layers of security around you. An outer protective layer would be something like a wall, a fence, or a solid structure where the assailant can't approach you without being noticed. An inner protective layer (e.g., doors, bars, locks) are barriers within a building or structure offer up a level of protection should you need to close off and isolate yourself from a "goon" or "thug" as I like to call them.
It's not my intent to paralyze anyone from seeing this beautiful planet and experiencing life, but I want to make you more mindful of the "what ifs" and help you make a trip or event more enjoyable with a safe return home.
Be anchored to safety by maintaining defensible spaces.