SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP

BY JIM COBB

All too often, survivalists tend to think of security issues in an end-of-the-world context. Visions abound of blasted wastelands filled with mutated bikers or devastated urban landscapes with danger at every turn.

The reality is that security concerns are just as important in today’s world as they would be in some far-flung apocalypse. Let’s face it: We’re in more danger of a home invasion, identity theft or even a mass-shooting event than we are likely to see a punk sporting a Mohawk haircut and a crossbow on his wrist coming to steal our last case of MREs.

1.0 PHYSICAL THREATS

There are various types or categories of security risks, and the threat of physical violence is probably the most immediately concerning. Even though the loss of some possessions, such as heirloom firearms or jewelry, would be heartbreaking, in the grand scheme of things, they are just “stuff” that could conceivably be replaced. Our physical well-being, as well as the safety of our family members, is a whole different ball game.

1.1 Physical Assault

At the top of the list for many people is some sort of physical assault. This would include everything from getting punched in the nose to rape. While we can partially mitigate this threat through training and education, as well as increased situational awareness, we’re not all-knowing superheroes. Common sense can be a valuable tool in the prevention of assault, but we can still be caught off guard; and bad things can, and do, happen to the best of us. Wounds will heal, but some injuries can be long-lasting or even permanent.

At this range, even his sloppy stance won’t be enough to cause a miss. How do you handle this threat?

1.2 Workplace Violence

Violence in the workplace has been a serious issue since the early 1980s. It could be a disgruntled current or former employee who feels slighted and decides they want revenge. Or, perhaps a spouse who has just been served divorce papers arrives at the office of their soon-to-be ex with plans to end the relationship with a little more finality. Either way, others present could very well end up caught in the crossfire.