I've spent most of my adult life in the security field/profession. A lot of time, hard work, education...now time spent posting a blog with tips which will help keep women safe from the dregs of society. What a waste of time.
I say this because apparently noone cares about their personal safety or that of thier daughter, mother, niece, friend. I read every day that some blog about bullshit..."Obama the new Messiah"..."democrats are going to save us from ourselves"..."how to make cheesecake"...get traffic out the yingyang. Are people stupid? Do you not care that you are a target? Do you not realize just how unsafe you are?
Barak Obama...doesn't give a damn whether you live or die. He wants to get elected. He's the most liberal senator and will lead us to a " morally bankrupt, extremely liberal, socialist agenda". What's his stand on criminal punishment and tools for law enforcement? Obama (the flaming liberal ) believes criminals are victims of society and just haven't had the opportunities afforded other law-abiding citizens. What a crock! Send his liberal, molly-coddling ass back to Illinois and let him baby criminals there.
Democrats are going to save us from ourselves? Democrats aren't what they used to be...it's now the party of "left-wing" liberals. Big difference. Liberals believe in high taxes, suppression of free speech, PCness to the point of anything goes unless you have conservative christian values. Save me from myself? Liberal democrats introduced "rehabilitation" into the prison system. Crime rates skyrocketed...when consequences are removed, punishment is absent. Criminals are now told by liberal defense attorneys that they are the victims of society! So, the next time you are attacked, call your democratic representative and thank his/her sorry ass for that.
I have seen first hand what crime does to victims. I have seen mangled bodies, sensed psychological scars that will never fade and listened to criminals brag about their escapades and how they will continue with criminal behavior because they know...they know there's a bleeding-heart liberal to champion for them.
It's disheartening but I hang in there. I believe in law and justice and doing right. I followed the path and worked hard for the credentials I have. I earned them. Only 600 people in the world have the education, training and real-world experience I have. You know what? Big damn deal. I see other sites listed by so-called experts and they aren't expert at anything except having a PhD. (what the hell does that have to do with real-world?) Oooh, here's a favorite..."a retired security guard"...what the fuck? Go ahead and take advice from some retired bozo...it will get you killed. Your tough luck. Too bad, so sad.
Why do I bother to write a blog noone reads? Maybe, just maybe, one woman who wants and needs accurate, factual and applicable security measures will find my blog and it will help her stay safe. That's the whole point, you know? So, go waste your time on bullshit. I'll waste mine on something that matters.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Home Security Routine-Security Comfort Zone
We spend more time at home than anywhere else. It's our "comfort zone". For that reason we tend to be complacent about safety and security. People that have bad things happen in their homes always say, "I never thought it would happen to me, not in my house, not in my neighborhood or my part of town." People tend to feel insulated from all the bad things that happen outside the walls of their home. But, there are windows and doors and you use them to let the cat or dog in and out and you go in and out yourselves with them. So do attackers/ intruders.
Being behind closed doors doesn't equate to safe and secure. They actually afford little security and you must take stock of how you secure your home. Security doesn't just mean "bars and locks", it also means how you present yourself.
When discussing "presenting yourself" and personal security it normally refers to the personna you present to the public. Do you walk with confidence? Head up, shoulders straight, steady walk, confident. Do you talk with a good, firm voice or a squeeky, mousey voice? Are you willing to take control of a situation or are you a follower? Being confident, using a strong, steady voice and taking control of a situation are choices you have to make if an intruder/ attacker is in your home. So, the way you "present yourself" and the comfort level you have in your home may make all the difference in being a victim or a survivor/ witness.
When you're home, do you have a routine? Could someone ask a neighbor what day you normally mow the yard or what time your lights go out at night and get a fairly accurate answer? Do neighbors know what hours and days you work and where you work? Do they know whom regularly comes to your home and the cars they drive? Do you talk to your neighbors and know their names and do they know yours? All these things can make a difference in your safety and security. The kind of relationship you have with your neighbors can help you or hurt you. One thing you must consider today (sad to say) is the moral character of your neighbors...there are a hell of a lot of people out there that are just plain dirty sons-of-bitches. If they seem to have a lot of "drama" in their lives, steer clear...they're trouble and you don't want any part of it. So, be very careful about the information you share and be very discreet with whom you share it .
If someone knocks on your door, do you automatically open it to see who it is? That isn't a safe thing to do. Do you keep all doors locked at all times, main and storm doors? Do you have a "peep hole" in your main door? Those are inexpensive and easy to install. Never just open the door...99% of main doors open inward and all an intruder/ attacker has to do is shove hard once you've started to open it. You're caught off guard and he's got the upper-hand.
Do you allow delivery men entrance to your home? That is absolutely not a safe thing to do, especially if you're alone. Believe me when I say those guys aren't going through extensive background checks (99% do not get any kind of criminal history check) and huge numbers are drifters. They make just enough money to support a habit, buy gas and leave town. Always make sure someone else will be with you when a delivery is scheduled..any delivery. And, if you can arrange it, have 2-3 people there...there's safety in numbers.
If a "salesman" calls or an acquaintence, do you let them know you're home alone? Do you tell them you're single and don't need those family products they're selling? Do you tell that new friend/ acquaintence that you're home alone? If you don't know the person on the other end of the line, never let them know you're alone or single, whether it's a salesman or new friend/ acquaintence. You don't know that sales call is valid. It could be a "fishing expedition"...someone looking for an easy target/ victim. And, when dealing with a new friend/ acquaintence, wait until you know them better before giving out too much personal information. Remember, you don't know their history. A huge number of attacks/ home invasions are perpetrated by people who have a relationship or have had some form of contact with their victim. And, it isn't always direct contact. It could be someone who was sitting with or visiting someone you know. Learn to be observant of the people you have contact with. If someone calls and says, "Hi, I got your number from so-and-so...remember me..." then be very careful about the information you give this person. Then give so-and-so a call and give them hell for giving your number out to someone whom is a stranger to you without asking you first!
When you're home, do you play the music loud while doing something else? Do you wear headphones while cleaning house? Get into the habit of not doing these things. If someone comes into your home, you won't know until it's too late! Or, how will you hear the window break or door being kicked in? You won't.
Do you have a dog or cat? Do they let you know when someone is at the door or around the house? This is a good thing and you should never correct them for being protective and sounding the alarm (yes, cats do let you know there's a stranger around). When someone is at your door, do you chase the dog away? Teach him to stay next to you. Dogs (particularly big, snarly dogs) are great for deterrence/ intimidation.
Do you have an escape plan? Does everyone in your family and any guests know your plan? They aren't just for fires. They are to get you out if there's an intruder/ attacker in your home. Practice your escape during the day and then at night in the dark and make it simple because you want to get out quickly. Write your plan down on a simple map of your home and tape copies to the inside of cabinet doors so friends and family will be sure to see them.
And, probably the most important thing to remember about your home routine and being safe and secure at home...it is your home...and, noone, absolutely noone, has a right to take your comfort and peace of mind from you! It's your home and what happens will happen on your terms. So, your "security presence/ security persona" starts at home. Your home should be a "comfort zone" and not a "combat zone". Take stock of where you are and where you want to be.
Copyright 2008, CAB, All Rights Reserved
Being behind closed doors doesn't equate to safe and secure. They actually afford little security and you must take stock of how you secure your home. Security doesn't just mean "bars and locks", it also means how you present yourself.
When discussing "presenting yourself" and personal security it normally refers to the personna you present to the public. Do you walk with confidence? Head up, shoulders straight, steady walk, confident. Do you talk with a good, firm voice or a squeeky, mousey voice? Are you willing to take control of a situation or are you a follower? Being confident, using a strong, steady voice and taking control of a situation are choices you have to make if an intruder/ attacker is in your home. So, the way you "present yourself" and the comfort level you have in your home may make all the difference in being a victim or a survivor/ witness.
When you're home, do you have a routine? Could someone ask a neighbor what day you normally mow the yard or what time your lights go out at night and get a fairly accurate answer? Do neighbors know what hours and days you work and where you work? Do they know whom regularly comes to your home and the cars they drive? Do you talk to your neighbors and know their names and do they know yours? All these things can make a difference in your safety and security. The kind of relationship you have with your neighbors can help you or hurt you. One thing you must consider today (sad to say) is the moral character of your neighbors...there are a hell of a lot of people out there that are just plain dirty sons-of-bitches. If they seem to have a lot of "drama" in their lives, steer clear...they're trouble and you don't want any part of it. So, be very careful about the information you share and be very discreet with whom you share it .
If someone knocks on your door, do you automatically open it to see who it is? That isn't a safe thing to do. Do you keep all doors locked at all times, main and storm doors? Do you have a "peep hole" in your main door? Those are inexpensive and easy to install. Never just open the door...99% of main doors open inward and all an intruder/ attacker has to do is shove hard once you've started to open it. You're caught off guard and he's got the upper-hand.
Do you allow delivery men entrance to your home? That is absolutely not a safe thing to do, especially if you're alone. Believe me when I say those guys aren't going through extensive background checks (99% do not get any kind of criminal history check) and huge numbers are drifters. They make just enough money to support a habit, buy gas and leave town. Always make sure someone else will be with you when a delivery is scheduled..any delivery. And, if you can arrange it, have 2-3 people there...there's safety in numbers.
If a "salesman" calls or an acquaintence, do you let them know you're home alone? Do you tell them you're single and don't need those family products they're selling? Do you tell that new friend/ acquaintence that you're home alone? If you don't know the person on the other end of the line, never let them know you're alone or single, whether it's a salesman or new friend/ acquaintence. You don't know that sales call is valid. It could be a "fishing expedition"...someone looking for an easy target/ victim. And, when dealing with a new friend/ acquaintence, wait until you know them better before giving out too much personal information. Remember, you don't know their history. A huge number of attacks/ home invasions are perpetrated by people who have a relationship or have had some form of contact with their victim. And, it isn't always direct contact. It could be someone who was sitting with or visiting someone you know. Learn to be observant of the people you have contact with. If someone calls and says, "Hi, I got your number from so-and-so...remember me..." then be very careful about the information you give this person. Then give so-and-so a call and give them hell for giving your number out to someone whom is a stranger to you without asking you first!
When you're home, do you play the music loud while doing something else? Do you wear headphones while cleaning house? Get into the habit of not doing these things. If someone comes into your home, you won't know until it's too late! Or, how will you hear the window break or door being kicked in? You won't.
Do you have a dog or cat? Do they let you know when someone is at the door or around the house? This is a good thing and you should never correct them for being protective and sounding the alarm (yes, cats do let you know there's a stranger around). When someone is at your door, do you chase the dog away? Teach him to stay next to you. Dogs (particularly big, snarly dogs) are great for deterrence/ intimidation.
Do you have an escape plan? Does everyone in your family and any guests know your plan? They aren't just for fires. They are to get you out if there's an intruder/ attacker in your home. Practice your escape during the day and then at night in the dark and make it simple because you want to get out quickly. Write your plan down on a simple map of your home and tape copies to the inside of cabinet doors so friends and family will be sure to see them.
And, probably the most important thing to remember about your home routine and being safe and secure at home...it is your home...and, noone, absolutely noone, has a right to take your comfort and peace of mind from you! It's your home and what happens will happen on your terms. So, your "security presence/ security persona" starts at home. Your home should be a "comfort zone" and not a "combat zone". Take stock of where you are and where you want to be.
Copyright 2008, CAB, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Secure Your Home Before Taking A Vacation
Whether you're going to be away three days or a full week, there are things you should do before you leave. Never leave and make it obvious that your house or apartment is empty. That is an open invitation to a burglar and there are people whom regularly drive around neighborhoods and apartment complexes looking for those telltale signs. They are experts at what they do but there are steps you can take to help protect your property.
First and foremost, always tell someone...family member, close friend or trusted neighbor...when you're leaving and when you're coming back. Make sure you personally talk to that person and don't leave a message on an answering machine or voice mail. You don't know who else has access and you don't want just anyone knowing you're going to be gone. Make sure to tell someone who will watch your home for you.
Now that you have someone to watch your home, ask them to pick up your mail/newspaper and check to ensure all your doors are locked and secure. Also, ask them to look at windows. They should not only look for broken windows but for any signs of tampering such as a partially opened window. If they notice any sign of tampering with doors or windows, they should never go into your home! Tell them that. Tell them to leave and call 911 since an intruder could still be there. You don't want them to be a victim.
If they are going to have access to the inside of your home, tell them to put your mail/newspaper in a designated cabinet. If it's left out or on a table then anyone looking in through a window or door could see it and quickly figure out you're away. Plus, if it's easy to find and someone does break into your home, they'll grab the bills/ credit card statements with your personal information and use it themselves or sell it. Another thing you might ask your house watcher to do is use your trash service (for curbside pick-up). It will appear as if you're home. Or, if it's wintertime, have someone plow your drive or shovel your walkway or sidewalk. During summer months, have a family member or friend mow the lawn if you're going to be gone at least a week.
Before you leave, put timers on lamps in different rooms of your house and set them for morning and evening hours. Also, if you have porch lights, leave them on. Before you leave, put a small mark on the porchlight, somewhere that's hard to see. Plus, hook a timer up to your TV and set it to run for several hours a night. You can buy timers at any retail or hardware store and they are fairly inexpensive.
We're all a little tired when we get home from vacation...go figure. But, don't just walk right in. Take a minute and look around. Check the windows and doors. If anything is open or slightly open, call 911 and leave. Is the porch light on? If not, is it loose in the socket? If it is, don't go in! Call 911 and leave. Loosening the porchlight is a trick burglars use so they can't be seen. Remember that little mark you put on the light? Is it still perfectly lined up? If not, don't go in. Call 911and leave. If the light is out then then try to twist it to see if it comes out of the socket easily. Another trick burglars use is to tap the light to break the filament but it usually breaks or cracks the light at the metal base at the same time. If you can't twist the light out and it breaks at the metal base, again, don't go in your house. Call 911and leave.
If you get home and have a problem then call 911 and leave (I can't stress that enough). Give the dispatcher your cell phone number or a number where you can be reached after explaining the situation and be sure to tell the dispatcher that you believe someone is in your home when you make that call. Leave and get to a safe area. Your car is not a safe area...go to a public area...gas station, library, hospital or drive to the police station. Don't do it from your home! You have no way of knowing when your home was entered and the intruder/ intruders could still be there. Always go to a safe area first. If you get home and an intruder is there, you could very easily become a victim of a horrible crime. Remember...call 911 and get to a safe area!
Copyright 2008, CAB, All Rights Reserved
First and foremost, always tell someone...family member, close friend or trusted neighbor...when you're leaving and when you're coming back. Make sure you personally talk to that person and don't leave a message on an answering machine or voice mail. You don't know who else has access and you don't want just anyone knowing you're going to be gone. Make sure to tell someone who will watch your home for you.
Now that you have someone to watch your home, ask them to pick up your mail/newspaper and check to ensure all your doors are locked and secure. Also, ask them to look at windows. They should not only look for broken windows but for any signs of tampering such as a partially opened window. If they notice any sign of tampering with doors or windows, they should never go into your home! Tell them that. Tell them to leave and call 911 since an intruder could still be there. You don't want them to be a victim.
If they are going to have access to the inside of your home, tell them to put your mail/newspaper in a designated cabinet. If it's left out or on a table then anyone looking in through a window or door could see it and quickly figure out you're away. Plus, if it's easy to find and someone does break into your home, they'll grab the bills/ credit card statements with your personal information and use it themselves or sell it. Another thing you might ask your house watcher to do is use your trash service (for curbside pick-up). It will appear as if you're home. Or, if it's wintertime, have someone plow your drive or shovel your walkway or sidewalk. During summer months, have a family member or friend mow the lawn if you're going to be gone at least a week.
Before you leave, put timers on lamps in different rooms of your house and set them for morning and evening hours. Also, if you have porch lights, leave them on. Before you leave, put a small mark on the porchlight, somewhere that's hard to see. Plus, hook a timer up to your TV and set it to run for several hours a night. You can buy timers at any retail or hardware store and they are fairly inexpensive.
We're all a little tired when we get home from vacation...go figure. But, don't just walk right in. Take a minute and look around. Check the windows and doors. If anything is open or slightly open, call 911 and leave. Is the porch light on? If not, is it loose in the socket? If it is, don't go in! Call 911 and leave. Loosening the porchlight is a trick burglars use so they can't be seen. Remember that little mark you put on the light? Is it still perfectly lined up? If not, don't go in. Call 911and leave. If the light is out then then try to twist it to see if it comes out of the socket easily. Another trick burglars use is to tap the light to break the filament but it usually breaks or cracks the light at the metal base at the same time. If you can't twist the light out and it breaks at the metal base, again, don't go in your house. Call 911and leave.
If you get home and have a problem then call 911 and leave (I can't stress that enough). Give the dispatcher your cell phone number or a number where you can be reached after explaining the situation and be sure to tell the dispatcher that you believe someone is in your home when you make that call. Leave and get to a safe area. Your car is not a safe area...go to a public area...gas station, library, hospital or drive to the police station. Don't do it from your home! You have no way of knowing when your home was entered and the intruder/ intruders could still be there. Always go to a safe area first. If you get home and an intruder is there, you could very easily become a victim of a horrible crime. Remember...call 911 and get to a safe area!
Copyright 2008, CAB, All Rights Reserved
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Lock Your Doors For Security
It amazes me when talking to friends about being home alone and the things they tell me they do without thinking. They clean house while the stereo is blasting away, take a shower but they aren't sure if they've locked the doors, work in the backyard and the front door is wide open. I cringe, bite my lip and do my best not to yell through the phone.
I guess because they haven't seen the horrible images of beautiful young women literally cut down in their prime, it doesn't occur to them they could become a victim. It only takes a few seconds for a criminal to notice an open door or hear loud music to recognize opportunity. Criminals are lazy, slugs of the world. They won't work for the things they want...they steal them. Quite often that includes more than material goods. That open door is opportunity.So...here are some tips to help...
- Lock your doors at all times! Lock your doors at all times! Lock your doors at all time
- Get yourself in to a habit of keeping doors locked even when you're home. All doors...front, back, side.
- Being home will not always deter an intruder...if the door is locked, you stand a good chance of hearing them attempting to open it.
- Always check when leaving or coming home or from being outside that you've locked the doors.
- Keep the doors locked even if you're outside in you're yard. If you're out back, what's to keep someone from entering your home from the front or vice versa?
Hopefully, these few tips will help you become more secure/ safety conscious around your home. It only takes a few minutes to walk around and check the locks on doors. I do mean check the locks...turn them by hand to ensure they are locked and working and the door is pulled completely shut and is secure.
Please come back for more tips and I hope my posts are helpful and informative.
Copyright 2008, CAB, All Rights Reserved
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