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Security Tips for Private
Citizens By Goran
Lozo
We live in a wicked world.
Stories that were unthinkable a generation ago are
common today: school shootings, child abductions, and
violence of every kind.
In times like these, the
quickest way to become a victim is to assume that bad
things happen to other people. It’s not paranoid; it’s
simply practical to step up your basic, everyday
precautions to protect yourself, your children and your
property.
Once or Never
If you’re lucky, you may
never need these tips. But if you’re ever in a crisis
even once, your preparation today can save innocent
lives. Never assume that you can recognize
criminals from how they look. Assume, instead, that any
stranger has the potential to hurt you: in the parking
lot, at the ATM, or at your own front door.
As a
security professional, I know the lengths that
celebrities and the very wealthy go to for protection.
You don’t have to spend millions, but if you don’t have
the essentials in place now, it’s time to make some
basic purchases.
Home Alarm Defense
If you don’t have a system at home, find
a phone now. Installation is often free and protection
averages about $1 a day. Have alarms installed on
every door and all your windows – including upstairs.
Criminals know that you think, “They’ll never try to get
in up there.” You’re wrong.
The best system in
the world, however, won’t help you if it’s not turned
on. Make it a habit every time you leave the house.
Remember that criminals love to work the 8-to-5 shift
when most of us are at work. Have the timer
changed from 60 seconds to 20 or 30 seconds, if you can
easily get to your keypad, because bad guys are fast.
They can force your door open and be in and out with an
armload before your alarm goes off.
And if you
have children, you’re not doing your job as a parent if
every door and window in your home isn’t protected. If
you think I’m exaggerating, just go online and look up
the sex offenders in your zip code.
Handgun Security
I’m not telling you to buy a gun; I’m
telling you what to remember if you have one. You can
use a gun for self-defense only if it is reasonable and
necessary, and if you’re not ready to fire in
self-protection, you’re better off without it.
Bottom line: if you keep a gun at home, you’ve
got to practice to be safe. Four times a year, minimum.
You’ll spend maybe $20 each time for ammunition and
shooting range fees. But what you save may be
priceless.
If you have children, always –
without exception – lock away your gun in a gun safe
when you’re not home. Kids are naturally curious about
and drawn to powerful things. When you have a spare 30
minutes, empty your gun, show it to your children and
teach them what can happen if they ever touch the
trigger.
Personal Safety
Assume that every parking
lot is dangerous, and just don’t walk there alone at
night. Yes, that includes the lot that’s right in front
of your apartment.
Plan ahead and always ask for
an escort. Restaurants and stores – and family members –
would much rather see you to your car than see you hurt
or robbed. If you must be alone, carry pepper
spray and be ready to use it. Be wary, be alert
and be ready to scream and fight. Sex offenders
are everywhere. They are continually tempted, alert for
opportunities and ready to take chances – and they live
in your neighborhood. Don’t underestimate the
danger. Never give them the chance to abduct,
rape, hurt or kill.
The days when children could
walk alone are history. No matter how short the
distance, no matter how much they plead, make it an
ironclad family rule that no child walks alone. Ever.
Because when it comes to children and danger, you can’t
react; you can only prevent.
Proactive Protection
You may never need that pepper spray,
handgun or home alarm. But you only have to need it
once.
Too many women are assaulted. Too many
kids are abducted. Too many homes are robbed. You can’t
guarantee that nothing bad will happen to you or your
family. What you can do is quit being an easy victim.
 Goran
Lozo is an international karate
champion and 5th degree Black Belt, having served as a
member of the Yugoslav Special Forces and personal
bodyguard for opponents of Serbian dictator Slobodan
Milosevic. Goran Lozo is owner of the security and
investigative company “Tough Guy Security” from Atlanta.
If you wish to contact Goran you may
email him at: mailto:goranlozo@bodyguardinthelineoffire.com, or
vist his website at: http://sandyspringsga.ourlittle.net/eu.aspx?url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bodyguardinthelineoffire.com
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