Publisher’s note:
We recently worked with Holly Springs author James DeMeo on an article for the magazine to talk about how to handle yourself in a public emergency. The article was finished prior to the shootings in the first part of August. Following the shootings, it seemed both inappropriate to run an article following the tragedies, and also seemed that the timing couldn’t be more poignant to bring these tips to the attention of the readers. I ultimately decided that the upside to sharing this information was more important than those that feel the timing is insensitive. I hope that you never find yourself in a situation where you need to follow the steps that James recommends, but hope you’re able to remember them if you ever do.
My name is James A. DeMeo. I am a resident of Holly Springs, a husband and father to two terrific kids. I am also a security expert. On a personal note, our family moved to NC for many of the same reasons you did for your family. Good jobs, quality of life, education, transportation, safe communities in which to live, grow and prosper. Our area has received national recognition as well. In 2018, Forbes Magazine ranked Raleigh, NC the #1 place to raise a family and Holly Springs has received top accolades as the safest city in all of North Carolina.
When Being Prepared
Means Not Being Afraid
The world we find ourselves living in today is filled with conflict and turmoil. The recent shooting tragedy coming out of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, near San Jose, California, is a stark reminder of the personal safety challenges we are facing both here in the U.S. and abroad. The festival organizers had appeared to have all the proper security procedures in place, i.e. metal detectors, law enforcement, etc., in what was purported to be a happy, joyous family event. The Gilroy Festival has also raised millions of dollars for non-profits. The 19-year-old shooter managed to gain access to the fairgrounds by cutting through a back fence and proceeded to open fire on innocent people. Law enforcement engaged the shooter who was then fatally shot.
The smartest people on the planet talk about “motive” when something tragic occurs. We all know that motive, while important to understand, is a reactionary response to something that has already tragically occurred. Of course you can’t know when you are going to find yourself in a dangerous situation, but I would like to share five useful tips to keep in mind while out in public spaces:
Advanced Planning:
It’s vitally important to know what you and your family would do when faced with an emergency situation. This starts with having a conversation with your loved ones prior to an event taking place. Knowing what to do places you in a position of strength to meet these challenges. Take a proactive stance in terms of your own personal safety. Reactionary measures will no longer suffice.
Meeting Place:
Select a predetermined meeting place for you and your family in case you become separated while out in public. Establish a special “code” word for you and your family only. And always remember to follow law enforcement’s direction and guidance.
Pay Attention to Your Immediate Surroundings:
It’s important to be aware of the world around you by being hyper-vigilant. Maintaining a personal situational awareness for your personal safety is key for your survival. If something does not feel right, trust your gut instincts and tell someone in a position of authority to check it out. The mantra of “See Something, Say Something” is a great way to go. Don’t presume someone else will notify the authorities. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Let someone in a position of authority know right away if something or someone looks/feels out of the ordinary.
Walk with Confidence:
When walking in public, square your shoulders, walk with a confident stride. The bad actors look to exploit any weaknesses they can find. Keep your head up and eyes wide open. Resist the temptation to look down at your smartphone. See the world around you at all times. When you are looking up the bad actors will not be looking at you. And don’t forget to have fully charged cell phones on you at all times.
Have No Fear:
Lead from the front. Lead without fear. Knowledge and education are the antidote to fear. Fear is simply not an option. Fear is not part of the equation.
So many people that experience these tragedies feel it’s something that would never have happened to them. Educate yourself. My book, What’s Your Plan? A Step-By-Step Guide to Keep Your Family Safe During Emergency Situations, a bestseller on family safety and preparedness, is not based upon instilling fear but rather empowering individuals to know what to do when faced with a true emergency. The Y2018 FBI statistics show that 60 percent of active shooter incidents occur within corporate settings. In Y2017 DHS statistics for an active shooter incident occurred within the first 10-15 minutes prior to law enforcing arrival on scene. Fast forward the clock to today and we are looking at approximately a 7-10-minute window, i.e. bad stuff is over before the good guys get on scene.
I wrote my book on family safety & preparedness nearly 2 years ago. Knowing exactly what to do, especially in crowded places, allows you to be in the best position to survive an unthinkable situation. What’s Your Plan? covers emergencies in sports and entertainment venues, shopping centers, places of worship, and corporate workplaces to name just a few. At the end of each chapter there is an exercise action list to go over with your family. Another great source of information is at
www.ready.gov.
James A. DeMeo, M.S is the bestselling author for What’s Your Plan? A Step-by-Step Guide to Keep Your Family Safe During Emergency Situations, a bestseller on family safety and preparedness during emergency situations. With nearly 29 years of security, law enforcement and consulting experience, he is regarded both domestically and internationally as the subject matter expert in event security and crisis planning. He was recognized by Security Magazine as one of The Most Influential People in Security in 2017. Mr. DeMeo is a distance learning adjunct faculty member for Tulane University and founder, president and CEO of Unified Sports & Entertainment Security Consulting (USESC) based in Raleigh, N.C. Mr. DeMeo has delivered countless media interviews as well as presentations at national conferences, colleges and universities throughout the United States. For more information please visit: jamesademeo.com
