Episode # 436 Staying safe, and protecting ourselves against terrorist attacks at crowded public events
It is also a time of parades, tree lightings, community gatherings, and a whole lot of shoppers filling malls and stores. Being at these events and in public places is ample reason to be taking personal safety precautions, and that is what we discuss on this episode.
Links to earlier episodes mentioned on the episode:
Gray man
Situational awareness
Active Shooter
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Staying safe, and protecting ourselves against terrorist attacks at crowded public events
First, we need to stay informed
Stay updated with reliable news sources about any security alerts or advisories in your area. If the news is reporting lots of crime around XYZ Mall, then don’t go to XYZ Mall
Occasionally check on the DoD Alert Level. Today, it is at level three, which warrants caution. This can help you make informed decisions about attending public events or crowded places.
Avoid crowded areas during high-risk or peak periods.
Shop early and in off hours when the crowds are smaller.
Some specific events could be targeted. We’ve seen it at parades, marathons, protests and rallies. It certainly bears having a heightened sense of security.
Share your plans with a friend or family member. It's always good to have someone who knows where you are. Have a communications plan just in case.
If something does happen, cell phones will quickly become jammed, and you'll find that a text is more likely to get through than a voice call. It uses a lot less bandwidth, and once sent, the system keeps trying until it gets delivered.
Don’t make yourself an easy target:
Be the “gray man.”
We have a previous episode, # 47, from April/12/2021that covers “Being The Gray Man” if you would like to listen to that episode. The link is above.
The idea is, don’t stand out from the crowd, but rather blend in. That means no fancy or flashy clothing for shopping. Avoid displaying valuable items such as expensive jewelry or expensive devices.
Protecting yourself from Thieves, Pickpockets, & Robbers
If you are with a group, stick together; there is safety in numbers.
While you are out, keep an eye out for each other.
Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Keep valuables secure, and keep them in sight. eet
Consider keeping valuables such as wallets in a front pocket.
Consider using a theft-resistant bag: a bag with features like slash-resistant material,
lockable zippers, or hidden compartments.
Be extra cautious when navigating through crowded spaces.
Stay alert to those standing close to you.
Pickpockets often take advantage of crowded places to blend in
and snatch belongings, and these measures make it harder for them to ply their trade.
How do we protect ourselves from attacks in public places such as active shooters, or terrorist attacks?
Practice Situational Awareness
We have two previous episodes on situational awareness (#48, & #212)
We’ve added those links above as well.
Stay vigilant in crowded areas.
If you see something, say something.
Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Pay attention to people.
Identify emergency exits:
Familiarize yourself with emergency exits:
Inside, locate the nearest exits.
Outside, Decide on emergency evacuation routes.
Knowing where to go can be crucial in case of an emergency.
Don’t hesitate to go, and go quickly. You can always come back if it is a false alarm.
Trust official sources, particularly any safety alerts or instructions from event organizers
or security personnel, follow them promptly and without hesitation.
Identifying armed individuals in a crowd can be a challenging task, but there are a few signs for which we can look.
Visible weapons but be aware that openly carrying firearms may be legal in certain jurisdictions, and just because someone has a weapon does not mean they are a threat. Most of the time, those carrying openly are the friendlies.
Bulges under clothing may indicate someone is carrying a firearm. Often these will be behind the hip, particularly on the side of their dominate hand, but not always.
“Printing” or ‘imprinting’ is when the outline of a weapon can be seen through clothing. It may be in a front pocket or back pocket, or even through a thin shirt.
The butt of a pistol visible in a pocket. The butt may protrude only a half inch or so, and the pocket will be obviously filled.
Unusual behavior
Another tale tell-tell sign is tugging at certain parts of clothing such as pulling a shirt, jacket, vest down to be sure a gun is covered. Putting on a jacket or vest to enter a store or restaurant, or repeatedly adjusting or touching a specific area of their body can be a sign.
That person is checking the security of the weapon. This is a good reason for us to use a comfortable, quality holster and gun belt; one that is designed to support the weight of a firearm.
Inappropriately dressed persons
Someone wearing an overcoat or large sweaters, heavy or oversized clothing, even in warm weather, may be attempting to conceal a weapon or a tactical vest.
Here are some things we should report to authorities if we notice them.
Unattended bags or packages:
Alert security or the event organizers immediately.
Suspicious Activity:
Could be: Suspicious behavior or Unusual body language:
Suspiciously surveying the area
Frequent glances over the shoulder
Attempting to hide something
Showing signs of nervousness, fidgeting, or unusual body language
Continually checking a bag could be considered suspicious.
Exhibiting a heightened level of alertness could be an indicator, or if they are trying to not be seen by authorities. These behaviors may suggest someone is up to something.
Could be: Unusual or excessive interest in security measures that are in place at a public gathering, including attempts to bypass security checks or someone trying to access unauthorized restricted areas.
This could be a real red flag so report it immediately.
Could be: Unusual or excessive surveillance:
Excessively monitoring the crowd, or filming in a way that seems suspicious or invasive could be an indicator. Pedophiles will often do this. It is worth reporting.
Threats or violent behavior:
You may overhear someone making threats or witness any acts of violence or aggression, or someone is behaving inappropriately or causing disruptions that go beyond the usual excitement of a public gathering. That's important, and should be reported promptly.
Suspicious substances or odors:
If you encounter any suspicious substances, powders, chemicals, or unusual odors that raise concerns about potential dangers or illegal activities, notify the appropriate authorities immediately.
Stuff happens. Stay prepared.
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