Much can be learned each day by reading the metro section of any large city newspaper and analyzing crimes involving personal assault, home invasion, carjackings, or robberies.
A common theme heard from victims is, “They just came out of nowhere.”
What they are really saying is, “I was not aware that I was being stalked, until it was too late.”
Many situations could be averted entirely by the intended victim simply being more strategically aware of their surroundings. Using the Homeland Security system of alert to help us be aware of our personal safety, is a commonly accepted way to guide us in observing our personal surroundings.
Green means safe. That would imply that you are safely locked in a properly secured home or a safe-room within your larger home. This entire topic of safe-rooms and securing your home will be thoroughly explored subsequently, but first let us consider that it is already safe.
When we leave the safety of our home, our Color Alert System raises to Blue, which means that we should consciously be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. This could be a parked car in the neighborhood that doesn’t belong there, an out of state tag on a car that may appear to be following you, any car that appears to be following you. It means planning your routes while driving or jogging, avoiding secluded places, known areas of town where drive-by’s or car jacking s are known to occur.
It means looking around when you enter or leave stores where you shop. It means not parking next to large vans or objects that block vision between you and safety. Before you get into your car with your groceries at the supermarket, first look around. If you observe anything suspicious such as loitering nearby, or a car parked with one or more people in it, for no apparent reason. sometimes it may require going back inside or calling the police to express your discomfort.
Yellow Alert means that you are in an area where mischief can be expected—such as an area of town or when the news has reported carjackings with regularity or home invasions or assaults. You must be especially aware of cues such as anything unusual or out of place. Be wary of door to door solicitors or apparent yard-care services that slow or approach you. They have no business approaching you. You might do well to head to the nearest house or store our group of people.
Anytime you choose to cross a large park or secluded area your alert system should be raised to yellow. Just as it should when you are out of sight of the mainstream of public sight, such as behind a building for a parcel pickup or what have you. Jogging or walking after dark should elevate to at least yellow. Much mischief occurs under the cover of darkness. Seclusion is a danger anywhere it occurs, and it can occur in a small alcove or archetechtural idiosynchrosy of a mall or large shopping area. A good rule is to have your eye on someone or somewhere you can run to as a refuge when required.
Orange means you really probably shouldn’t be there. but if you feel you have to, be extra alert. Groups of young me on street corners are usually up to no good. Places where traffic flows rapidly and where it would be difficult to get anyone to top for help. If you have car trouble in a bad area, you’ll do best to immediately call for help if you have a cell phone or find a nearby place of business until you can get someone you know to come help you. Although it is tempting, never accept the help of strangers in such situations.
Red. Ahhhh, Red. Means immediate danger. a gang is surrounding you, a couple of guys are following you. a suspicious care is obviously following you. It means immediate evasive action is required regardless of inconvenience or embarrassment if you are wrong. Odds are you are reading the situation correctly, and no harm is done if you are not. You may be late to a meeting because you choose to go to a nearby police station or fire station for help.
Next, we will explore how predators pick their target victims.
Links: The Wright Place