Tag: personal safety

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Travel Security – Pre-Planning

***Note: this is the first in a series on personal travel security.***

Proper Previous Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance! “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”.

Proper Previous Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance!

If you plan well, you have better chances of travelling well. It’s that simple.

Every time I travel, whether it’s for an overnight or for a sustained travel period, I got through several pre-travel stages of planning.  I have found that this both allows for maximum comfort and enjoyment while travelling and mitigates any fuck-ups while away and on one’s own (or with your family without the security net of home).

Travel light. It enables you to move fast and remain flexible.

Once it’s been determined what the circumstances of travel will be (destination, duration, dates of travel, airline, time of travel and reasons for travel) I begin systematic long-distance reconnaissance of my trip in an attempt to learn everything I can about my time away from my home base.

  1. Destination:  I first identify where I am flying in to (on a map) and where I will be staying and/or working.  I ensure I have a solid understanding of the geography and routes in and out of those specific points, and mark them on a map.  I will also identify my lodgings, airports, homeland allied embassies or consulates, nearby hospitals/clinics, police stations and possible hazards (like power plants, military bases, volcanos, etc).  When I’ve oriented myself according to prominent features, I’ll have a general understanding of where important points are.
  2. Dates of Travel:  What I bring and how I will travel is dependent not only on the purpose of travel, but also the climate and weather of my home base and destination.  If it’s winter at home but warmer at my destination, may need to pack a different spread of clothes (winter and warmer) and have to wear while travelling and while away.  If both areas are similar, then a single and consistent set of clothes works.
  3. Duration:  I usually do everything I can to travel with carry-on only.  Checked luggage slows you down (having to wait for your bags to be off-loaded) as well as making it more cumbersome to move about.  Pack light, in a 2-3 tiered system while travelling, like an EDC (Every Day Carry) set-up (more on this in a bit).  If you are travelling for an extended period of time, pack accordingly, but consider ditching most toiletries and possible consumables at home and buying what you need for your stay once you arrive in-country.  That way you will be better prepared with locally acquired supplies and you won’t over pack.
  4. Packing:  Like I mentioned in the previous point, I try to travel light and buy consumables (like regular toiletries, additional supplies, maybe even tools) locally when I arrive.  I also believe in packing light and smart, the latter allowing you to maximize a few wardrobe pieces across many days and environments.  I prefer clothes I can wash by hand in a hotel sink and have it ready the following morning to go.  This includes socks and underwear.  Buying some quality pieces of versatile clothing is key in your planning cycle.  Also, packing light allows you to augment your clothing with locally procured clothes to better blend in with the local populace.  This is especially important if you are trying to keep a lower profile while in a foreign land.  As an additional to my packing, I try and pack in the following way to support a level of preparedness should some unforeseen issue arise so that I can have a better chance of dealing with it.
If you travel with someone, you can double each other’s circle of protection and have someone else to rely on. Make sure you’re on the on the same page.

This list includes a tiered approach to carriage of what I am taking with me.

(NOTE: This is a recommended list and is not definitive.  Pack according to your own requirements, but aim to pack light and with room to spare for souvenirs or other goodies you acquire on your travels.)

On my person ( and in my pockets and otherwise on me AT ALL TIMES include (but aren’t limited to):

  • Passport
  • Credit cards and CASH (cash is KING – be sure to have US dollars and try to get local currency you’ll be travelling in as soon as possible.)
  • Charged cell phone with charging cable and adapter plug.
  • Small EDC flashlight
  • Small Bic lighter
  • Small key ring with house key, Tactikey, 1-2 key tools and small lock pick keychain, encrypted USB key (with .
  • Wallet & decoy wallet (with minimal cash, used for visible purchases at shops for snacks, taxis, etc.
  • Watch
  • Hat (type dependent on weather)
  • Small, TSA-approved multi-tool (no knife).
  • Other items of use (depending on climate & other circumstances).
  • Bottle of water (empty while going through security, refilled in sterile area)
  • Photocopies of all my documents and credit cards, emergency contact info for friends and family back home and consular resources while in-country, general map of the area I’ll be staying in (detailing safe zones and escape routes) and copy of my plane tickets.
  • Sunglasses (and back-up pair of glasses or contacts if you wear them)
  • Several pens (both Bic and Zebra brands – none of that Tactical pen stuff) and a notepad
  • True North Tradecraft stickers, patches and business cards (to spread the Good Word).
  • Pack of gum
  • Button compass
  • Sweater with waterproof shell jacket (either worn by me or in my backpack (next tier).
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Pants and appropriate belt

The above items will support me if forced to deplane ANYWHERE and should be able to affect a return to safety.  Of course, everything depends on the situation, but having those as a minimum greatly increases my odds of making it to a better place.

As a second tier, that which should go in my “personal item” (i.e. my small backpack), I load the following.  (Note, this tier is what I will grab if I have the opportunity and will have to live out of it.  It has next-level important stuff.  With these items, I can travel for a long time.

  • Laptop (plus charger, cables, adapter, USB drives, etc)
  • Change of socks, underwear and extra t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (or both, if needed).
  • Copies of all documents and information (just like the set I have on me.
  • Back-up tools including everything I already have on my person.
  • Some snacks for the trip
  • Pens, notebook (double-up as on my person)
  • Local map, guidebook/phrasebook (if needed).
  • Books to read (1-2)
  • First-aid kit (including medications and tourniquet if possible)
  • Minimalist toiletries (toothbrush, mini toothpaste, mini deodorant, mini hand sanitizer, package of wet wipes, etc.)
  • A couple of carabiners (climbing quality), a length of paracord, a padlock

With the backpack, and what I have on me, I have moved myself into the zone of “minimalist backpacker” and should be able, with augmented goods procured locally, to sustain myself until I either depart or until I can get help.

Lastly, my carry-on luggage.  Stored in the over-head bin, this should round out whatever I need for a comfortable vacation or trip just about anywhere.  As it stands now, the list below is what I will likely pack for my next trip.

  • A rubber door wedge (for securing a hotel room)
  • Glow sticks
  • Mouse trap (seek out Ed Calderon for more info on this)
  • Shorts
  • Sandals (Teva-type)
  • 2 x underwear
  • 1x socks
  • long-sleeved travel shirt & t-shirt
  • swim trunks
  • Toiletry kit (expanding on what I have in backpack – Polysporin, sun block, aloe gel, pain meds, Immodium, Gravol, wet wipes, etc)
  • Extra First Aid Kit supplies
  • Hank of paracord
  • 2 more carabiners (climbing quality)
  • Mask, snorkel, fins
  • GoPro camera and accessories (cables, charger, SD cards, wall adapter, small power bar).
  • Additional book to read
  • Tradecraft tools  (dependent on circumstances)
  • Folding & reusable shopping bag (fits in pocket when out walking).
  • Another copy of documents and emergency contact info, plane tickets, maps and local information
  • Additional cash, hidden away somewhere.
  • Air travel-friendly multi-tool
  • Any other item I think is specifically needed for the trip (clothing, supply, tool, etc).

With the above list of items, and pre-planning taken care of, I feel pretty secure with myself.  Adding to this all, maintaining vigilance and situational awareness wherever you go if of paramount importance.

Maintaining Situational Awareness is vital when travelling. This guy is just asking to get pushed on the tracks. Put your phone down and pay attention.

It’s important to ensure that you maintain situational awareness at all times.  To read a bit more about this check out the Primer blog post here.

Pre-Trip Recon:

Maps contain a wealth of information if you take the time to absorb them.

Before I travel, I try to learn all that I can about the area where I will be.  I study things like currency, demographics, history, local customs, geography, political and social issues to be aware of, crime and attitudes towards tourists & foreigners.  I also try to read up on things like transportation (what’s legit versus scam), local news stories and how to identify legitimate authorities.  If I am able, I Google Maps/Earth my accommodations and nearby areas so I can landmark in my mind what it looks like where I should be.

Some resources that may be useful are:

  • Google Earth / Maps / Street View
  • Customs & Immigration agency website for Canada ( CBSA – Canada Border Services Agency  ) and for the country (or countries) you’ll be visiting.  This will inform you on border-related laws, requirements, processes and exemptions.
  • Foreign Affairs Canada ( A lot of useful resources for Canadians travelling abroad)
  • US Department of State – Travel Resources & Advisories
  • CIA World Fact Book
  • Trip Advisor (Access reviews, tips and local information for destinations around the world.)
  • If flying, be sure to have access to both the website of your airline and the airport you are travelling to & from to ensure accurate scheduling information.
  • Wikipedia – If you want to know something about your destination, read about it here.
  • Google is your friend.  Use it to learn as much as you can.

Before you go, ensure you leave copies of all your important documents, passports, travel itineraries, destination addresses and contact info with someone you trust and whom can support you in a return home should something happen.

Coming up next:  On The Move…

 

Till then, stay safe and stay crafty.

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Tactikey Review

Low-pro force multiplier.

I recently discovered a new self-defence product – Tactikey.

Tactikey is an upgrade on an old-school, low-tech means of self-defence.  The old “punch them with your keys” technique, except with some modern upgrades.

The product itself is a small (1 x 1.75 x 0.5 in), lightweight (6.5 g) and strong (TPE 110 Composite material) designed to ergonomically accept a standard Kwikset house key and give it a platform to use as an impact weapon.  This design is helpful in reducing injury to the defender’s hand while allowing the transference of force through the key point to the assailant’s soft tissues.

Tactikey in it’s packaging (front).
Tactikey packaging (back).

The combination of supporting grip and solid metal point is surprisingly effective and protects the user from injury well, unlike an un-shrouded key being used for the same thing.

Low-pro force multiplier.

When I received my package of a few Tactikeys and was caught by several positive things:

  • VERY light
  • VERY small
  • VERY easy to add to your key ring
  • Usable in non-permissive environments and will likely not raise any red flags if inspected by authorities
  • Allow the key to be used for it’s intended function AND as a self-defence implement and;
  • Comes in your choice of Blaze Orange, Hot Pink or Carbon Black.
  • Inexpensive (as of this writing – going for $9.99 ea with free US Shipping)
  • Full details from website available here.

Along with the personalized note from them, I immediately equipped my Tactikey and went to work playing around with it.

I found that holding it was comfortable.  The finish on the grip was soft and smooth but didn’t slip.

Ergonomic and secure grip.
Fits well into the hand.

It intuitively holds well between the fingers and stays solid when striking.

Pointy, ouchy and very solidly held.

I had access to a building site where walls were being replaced and took a few jabs at drywall and lathe & plaster.  The results were good (see below).

Drywall – before.

I was able to make holes in both mediums without pain or injury to my hand.  The regular (un-sharpened key) penetrated both types of walls with relative ease making me feel confident that it could cause trauma to soft tissue on a hostile human target.

Through drywall with first strike.
Repeated strikes had no issue with penetration.

As it is a simple piece of plastic, Tactikey can go anywhere a set of keys can go and will always be ready as an added force multiplier if you should need it.  I have added this to my Every Day Carry (EDC) as it is useful, lightweight, practical and effective.  Along with the other items I carry, I feel it is a wise investment and doesn’t add bulk of weight to your setup.

Although I haven’t had the opportunity to hit a person with it at this point, I’ll be sure to update this post with those results, should they occur.  That said, punching holes in drywall happened very easily and I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of a hit with one of these.

Tactikey also has a fantastic return policy on it’s product (from their website):

“30 Day 110% Return Policy – Purchase with Confidence.
We at Tactikey work tirelessly to develop the world’s most unique and efficient EDC products that will help you achieve well-being and safety. We believe in our products so much that we stand behind them with a no hassle, no questions asked, satisfaction guarantee 110% return policy. If you purchase any Tactikey product on our website Tactikey.com and you are not satisfied, return it within 30 days for a 110% refund. The guarantee is applicable to all purchases made from Tacktikey.com only and does not cover Tacktikey retailers. Retail purchases will be handled by the particular retail store’s return policy. That is our commitment at Tactikey to you our customers.”

Instructions on the use of Tactikey can also be found on their website here.

The one and only downside with Tactikey is that it is only compatible with Kwikset key blanks at the moment.  If your house key or other keys on your ring are not of this kind, they may not fit properly.  That said, Tactikey is working on different formats for several other major key manufacturers (like Schlage and Yale) and customers will be able to choose which works for them.  In the grand scheme, this isn’t a big deal.  They will come out with others soon and, really, I’d sooner have a dedicated defensive key (a blank, sharpened) than my primary house key.  If you do hit something or someone and bend it, you may have issues using your key after.  Not to mention if you lose it in a fight, buddy will have your house key.  I’d sooner have a non-key.  I used an old, out of commission Kwikset key I had laying around for my test & carry key to ensure that doesn’t happen.  I will pick up a Kwikset blank and sharpen it with a file for primary EDC use in the coming days to ensure I have it the way I want it.  You can pick up a Kwikset blank from anywhere that cuts keys (Home Depot, local hardware stores, shoe repair places, etc) and just ask them for one.  Again, not a big deal right now as you’re best off to go with a dedicated key or key blank for this particular use.

Have a look at their website, check them out on social media and feel free to pick one up for yourself and maybe some family members.  For the money, I thinks it’s a great deal and you get something solid and useful.  I really like it and I bet you will too.

Till next time, stay safe and stay crafty.

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Training Review: Behavioural Profiling and Situational Awareness from Emergence LLC

Emergence LLC – http://www.emergencedisrupt.com

Recently I completed the Behavioural Profiling and Situational Awareness online course produced by Emergence LLC and presented by Yousef Badou.

Mr. Badou is a US Marine veteran (with 3 tours in Iraq) who contributed to the development of the behavioural profiling programme used by the USMC.

As an introduction, I thought it was a concise overview of the principles of behavioural profiling and situational awareness.

Developing awareness of the Baseline.

A lot is covered in the ~1 hour online course (especially for the cost, at $9 USD).  For someone new to it, it really opens up a window into the world that your senses disregard if you’re not in tune to your environment.  For the practitioner, it is a good review from the ground up of basics, reframed from another perspective.  He states that if he can, through imparting his knowledge, give you even an extra second (or more) of advantage to act, he will have given you an edge in surviving an event.  This is all predicated upon becoming in-tune with the environment around you and feeling the baseline.

Seeing what stands out even when it’s not obvious can give you that extra second to act and increase your chances of survival.

Mr. Badou’s examples and delivery are engaging and spot-on.  Such as the  recognition of “pre-incident indicators” are all learnable and actionable.  Though a large portion of the material he covered was a review to me, I did like the way he explained some things I hadn’t heard before – the concept of “File Folders”, for instance and how they affect one’s decision making processes.

Seeing the threat early is like seeing in the future.

The entire overview hit the salient points while providing easily understandable context for each.  Broad topics covered are:

  • Introduction to Behavioural Profiling (with physiology and psychology backgrounders)
  • File Folders and Denial (as well as anomalies and perception)
  • Fear and Brain Errors (including the Limbic system), and;
  • Final Thoughts

Mr. Badou references a few different additional sources for further reading in the form of Patrick Van Horne’s Left of Bang, Gavin De Becker’s The Gift of Fear and Dave Grossman’s On Combat – all excellent primary sources for this type of material.

I recommend giving Emergence LLC a look and trying out their introductory offering.  I am also looking forward to further modules they will be putting out – such as Observable Behaviours and Behavioural Indicators.

Till next time, stay warm, stay safe and stay crafty.

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Delta 2 Alpha – The Accent Series

The Accent Series.

By Delta 2 Alpha Design

The Accent Series. Delta 2 Alpha Design.

A little while ago I received a mail call containing a sample of the Accent Series from Delta2Alpha Design.  To read my review of the previous generation of tools, go here.

Happiness in a parcel!

The Accent Series is their newest offering of upgraded versions of The MARK, The LOLLY and The MiK.

The MARK, in colours…

The new tools are delivered in three colours (crimson, blaze orange or day-glow green), clad in a robust carbon fibre skin.

Durable polymer clad in carbon fibre.

They are all incredibly versatile and even more durable than their previous versions.  I found the carbon fibre skin to be more resistant to scratches and abrasions than the earlier version of polymer tools.

The Lolly – polymer last-ditch tool. Earlier version.
Accent version of the Lolly.
I have used the Lolly for opening paint cans when I find myself without a screwdriver. It’s handy to carry in my 5th jeans pocket.

On a recent visit to Ottawa, I found myself in a Tim Hortons for a morning coffee.  The floor was covered in melt and slushy runoff from the recent snow.  Thankfully, I had my Accent Series MARK in my bag (perfect for non-permissive environments like government buildings) and ensured my bag and its contents were well out of he muck.

No dirty, wet Tim Hortons floor for me and my stuff!

The MiK can be used as the MARK can, but with smaller applications.  I do like how it can hold up your phone, hang your bag (or purse) or coat – perfect for bathrooms.  It can also easily fit into the fifth pocket of your jeans for concealment and easy access.

The MiK. Small but sturdy.

 

From the Delta 2 Alpha website:

TheMARK: Offers a convenient way to keep your jacket or bag off of the floor bathrooms when traveling (or everyday life) when there isn’t a hook. It can also be used as a tablet stand.

TheMiK:  Fits conveniently on your keys, and is used a hands free way to prop up your phone. This comes in handy whether you are trying to do a video chat, or just kill sometime watching cat videos (No Judgement).

TheLolly: Can go right next to TheMiK on your keychain. TheLolly is a light duty pocket scraper, and prybar. It has be referred to as a “Fingernail Saver”. It also offers a ¼” bit driver and the key ring slot can be used to drive the Leatherman multi-tool brand bits.

*Each package includes one (1) of TheMARK, TheMiK, and TheLolly; They are sold as matched sets*

All things considered, I feel that Delta 2 Alpha scored a big win with improving an already-sturdy and reliable design with their Accent Series of polymer tools.  I’m very happy with them and equip myself with at least one on a daily basis as they are lightweight, practical and come in handy in a variety of ways.

You can order yours here on their website.

Till next time, stay crafty.

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Staying Safe in Crowds

The crowds are coming.

As the holiday season approaches, we will invariably be heading out more often to places rife with people.  Be it for shopping, get-togethers, enjoying a crisp winter walk or seeing a festive event, the holiday season brings more and more people out for all these reasons and more.

Large groups of people gathered together tend to cause problems relating to safety and security.  They increase the risk of conflict between people in those large groups, they make inviting targets for those who would wish to cause harm (i.e. bad guys) and the larger the group of people in a building, the more difficult and time-consuming it is to get those people out safely, especially under panic.

Violent crowds. Dangerous times.

Examples of these would be as follows:  anytime there is one last toy of a particular kind and a fight breaks out; fights over parking spots at malls, etc.  These types of events may or may not be directly involving you, but have the potential to rope you in if you’re not paying attention.  Another is an active shooter (such as the Jane Creba shooting in Toronto) where something like gang violence occurs and innocent bystanders are caught in the middle.  And then there are times when a machete-wielding lunatic attacks random shoppers, or some fanatic decides to plough down people walking down the street with a truck.  And then there’s fire.  Nothing nefarious, but deadly nonetheless.  They happen.  Use all your senses to stay aware.  None of these are predictable in a useful sense for someone heading out for a day of shopping at the mall.  They just happen.

For the interactions that escalate, I would recommend to let it go.  Is some hot-head nut case really worth that parking spot?  Likely not.  However, this doesn’t mean I advocate not protecting yourself if someone attacks you.

George knows. It’s not worth it.

For the rest, they are “black swan events” which you have to deal with as they unfold.

Here are my thoughts on how to increase your chances of survival in crowded locations in times of danger.

  • Keep an eye open for viable exits:  as you enter malls, concert halls or crowded public spaces, keep an eye on ways out.  Be it a fire or an attack, having a pre-planned escape route can save valuable seconds getting out and saving yourself and likely others.  Better yet, if you’re there a while, hang out near the exits.  You’ll be better positioned to get out should something happen.  Also, if in a mall, take the stairs instead of the escalators.  If you have to move in a hurry you have a better position to move from as those on the escalator are trapped in the chute.

    Exits, exits everywhere! Keep an eye open.
  • Keep moving:  Staying still doesn’t help you much in a time of crisis.  If you’re still, you’re an easy target, you’re not moving away from danger and you’re not able to affect change to your circumstance, thus handing all the control to others (i.e. bad guys).  Move towards an exit, move to cover, move  to a fire extinguisher…just MOVE!  Be a difficult target.  Movement is Life.  In large crowds, most people will attempt to exit the way they came in.  This can cause a stampede-like effect where people get trampled and crushed.  A wave of humanity which is large and panicked cannot be forced.  Instead, take the better approach and aim for one of your pre-scouted exits instead.
  • In the case of an active shooter – TAKE COVER:  That’s right.  as you move, move from one place of cover to another until you exit and create time and distance between you and the threat.  Cover is something that offers ballistic protection (i.e. protection from bullets).  This is cement and concrete.  Furniture, vehicles and the like don’t provide adequate protection from bullets.  Stone, rock, thick steel and cement do.  Look for pillars, walls and the like to save you.

    Hide behind concrete.
  • Be aware of your surroundings:   Use all of your senses.  If a fire breaks out, you’ll likely have an indication before you see it because of smell.  Move to an exit.  When in a crowd, get a sense of the general “feel” of the environment.  Stay at the edges of crowds.  Look for people who don’t look or “feel” like they belong in the same group.  Situational Awareness is your early warning system for something bad happening.  It’s not meant to cultivate paranoia, it’s meant to cultivate awareness for whats going on around you so you have a chance to ACT before being acted upon.

    Keep your head on a swivel.
  • Keep Essentials on you:  Your personal Every-Day-Carry should be on you at all times.  A small knife, multi-tool, lock picks, lighter, cash, cell phone (charged), mini flashlight, some cordage, etc. can help you get out of a tough situation should you need it.

To sum up remember these key points:

  1. Be Aware (of your environment)
  2. Be prepared (with a viable EDC setup)
  3. Identify Exits (note escape routes)
  4. Keep Moving (movement is life)
  5. Take Cover (behind concrete or stone)
  6. Better yet, order online and stay home.

In closing, before you head out, switch on.  Enjoy yourself and have fun, but always remember that by being aware you are fore-warned and fore-armed.  Always have an escape plan.

Be safe.  Stay crafty.

 

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Safety in Crowds and During Events

Happy 150th B-day Canada!

 

Happy 150th Canada!

Today we will look at how to be a bit safer when attending large events and being in crowds.  As we all head out for the festivities this weekend, we will find ourselves in large crowds.  Most people don’t think about what can go wrong in such an environment and are focused on the strong Canadian beer and flood of Canadian Pride.  But if something does turn the tide of the crowd, it can easily go from a fun time to a deadly mob.  A fire, a terrorist attack, active shooter…all can turn the tide quickly.  A stampede of people trying to get out of a night club, or a park that is fenced-in can result in injuries and death as the mob moves.  The panic that a real or perceived event causes is enough for people to take leave of their faculties and just charge.

So, how do you give yourself the edge in situations like this?

Large crowds can be problematic.
  1. Maintain Situational Awareness: Keep your wits about you and observe your surroundings.  Identify the baseline of the crowd.  How does it move? What is the average behaviour?  Is there anyone moving against the grain, or seems out of place?  Is there someone that doesn’t seem to fit?  Try to identify these things by putting your phone away and actively scanning your surroundings.  That doesn’t mean you should be afraid, just aware and in-tune.
  2. Take Note of Changes:  Look for and identify specific examples of “off” behaviour outside of the norm or baseline.  Like the one person wearing wearing a Hawaiian shirt at a funeral.  Also, try and get a “feel” for the mood of the crowd and react to its changes.  If things suddenly go from fun and festive to uneasy and twitchy, get moving towards an pre-determined exit.
  3. Pre-Identify Exits and Escape Routes:  As you arrive to a crowded area or event, take mental note of your evacuation options.  If everyone is coming in through a particular gate or door, look for other options.  Are there emergency and fire doors off to the side?  Are there windows?  Stairwells? Employee doors with “Authorized Personnel Only” signs?  Maybe walk by some of those doors to ensure they aren’t chained or bolted and that they are viable options.  Check for a window you might be able to break to get out.  Most of the crowd will head back the way it came if it decides to stampede.  Alternate exit options will give you a better chance of getting out faster and intact.
  4. Cover & Concealment:  Look for spots that provide cover (ballistic protection from projectiles and shrapnel) and concealment (obscuring you from view).  If something goes down (like an active assailant begins shooting or stabbing people) and the exit isn’t an option, your next best thing is taking cover to protect yourself.
  5. Get Moving!:  If something begins or you feel it might, get moving.  Get to the edges of the crowd or to a wall and make your way to one of the pre-scouted exits you had selected.  Use the crowd momentum and relative direction to funnel you towards your target, moving forcefully in a diagonal path.  You can’t fight the crowd, but you can use it to your advantage.
  6. Carry the Right Gear:  Make sure you tailor your on-person equipment to be viable for the environment.  A small knife and/or multi-tool, bandana, water bottle, lighter, metal-bodied pen and possibly lock picks.  Dress appropriately and ensure you have the necessary tools to support your escape plan.
  7. MOVE!  If it’s go-time, move.  Don’t hesitate, just get moving.  Act in a decisive manner and get to your objective.

Additional point to keep in mind:

  • Stay to the edges of the room or crowd;
  • Keep panic in check, and;
  • If you want to ensure you minimize the risk, DON’T BE THERE!  Watch the event on TV.  You can’t be harmed if you’re not there.

Don’t forget..if you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!  Let a police officer or security know if you see something wrong.  They’re likely better equipped to deal with it than you are.

Till next time, have fun, stay vigilant and of course, stay crafty.

Happy Canada 150!