Rey Gonzalez graciously contributed today’s post.
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It is frequently reported, practically in every daily news cycle; a terrorist attack, a crime rampage, a tragic event that affects many the world over. But I will focus on critical incidents here at home, in our country, our states, and our towns. The remembrance of Oklahoma City, 21 years ago yesterday, compelled me to write and share tidbits that perhaps can put many of us in a frame of mind, of awareness, and having a plan to stay safe and prepared to act and react.
School or theater shootings, restaurants, (as seen and heard of in Israel and the Middle East) the San Bernardino office party attack, mall shootings, and armed robberies at banks and grocery stores are all too familiar. And they seem to occur somewhere else; not in my town. Well? What if it did occur in your town? Are you prepared? Do you have a plan? What would you do?
No. It is not paranoia or a chronic personality disorder. It’s awareness and preparedness. It’s survival. And no, I’m not referring to doomsday bunker living, guns and ammo survivalist. It is planning and preparedness. It’s our everyday living.
While at the mall, a grocery store, the bank, a theater, do you notice how and where employees access the public area? It takes a few seconds to recognize a point of egress in case of an emergency, and I don’t mean the exit signs. Do you envision what you’ll do? The mere playing out of a scenario in your mind can save you. Even if you are armed/carrying, what would you do? Will you take action without finding cover and/or concealment? It’s your call, but will you know how and when? What about those friends and/or loved ones accompanying you? Do you prepare them as well with simple, easy to follow instructions on a “what if”?
Surviving a critical incident is paramount. Be ready. Be smart.
I saw video of the Brussels airport terminal bombings and could not help but wonder why those who survived, startled, confused, and incoherent as a result of injuries caused by the blast’s over pressure, grabbed their suitcases and belongings before fleeing. What was so valuable and/or irreplaceable in a suitcase that you turn over to a gate agent, and handled by so many workers, before it gets to the plane? Oh well. Did they not consider a secondary or third attack? Prepare. Have a plan. Survive.
And my last point, communication. We all have cell phones with hundreds of contact numbers. Will you recall a phone number after a critical/tragic event if you misplace your phone? Who would you call? How will you communicate? And if you’ve lost your phone but can not communicate, and are well enough to do so, step behind a few news cameras and let yourself be seen. Friends and relatives will appreciate that. Designate a meeting point away from the incident. A park, a library, a local place where you and loved ones know where to wait, meet; the actual target location, outside police/EMS lines is not a good place. Also, what if you are unconscious and first responders need a contact? For me, it’s ICE…In Case of Emergency. Program a few numbers in your cell phone.
I share these thoughts because I think it is important to be prepared. Having a plan is better than winging it. Stay safe.
