We must all become hypervigilant …

Twitter feed Sunday, February 22, 2015

Years ago, a car could back fire and I would hit the ground and take anyone down with me that might be nearby. Today, I am much less anxious and responsive; however, I remain as hypervigilant as ever.

Hypervigilant is an enhanced state of sensory sensitivity accompanied by an exaggerated intensity of behaviors whose purpose is to detect threats and then deal with them appropriately.

I still sit where I can always see the entrance and exit doors in any building especially restaurants and always with my back to the wall. If I am sitting outside at a restaurant , I prefer to sit as far from the street as I can with as much of a panoramic view as I can get. If I am attending a play, theater or concert I ensure that anyone attending with me understands where the exits are and sit near them.

If you possess  a Carry Conceal Weapons (CCW) permit carry wherever you can legally. Because I cross-draw, which allows me quick access to a weapon in the event of a carjacking, I always sit where weapon access is best for me.

I also carry a quick release knife and an extremely powerful LED flashlight. The knife can be used to cut seat belts in an accident and the flashlight can be used to temporarily blind a person especially in a dark environment. All my carry weapons have lasers.

My message to you today is simple – now is the time is now for you to become used to knowing where you are, who is around you and paying attention to the intuition “the hair on the back of the neck feelings” we all get yet too often don’t pay attention to; stop texting and talking on the telephone in public; walk with purpose and observe your surroundings where ever you are.

Equally of importance is the need to understand that if something happens get yourself away from the area as quickly as possible. “He that fights and runs away, May turn and fight another day; But he that is in battle slain, Will never rise to fight again.” Tacitus

We have been fortunate in the United States in that we have not seen an invasion of suicide and car bombers or the indiscriminate placement of IEDs; however, I believe that day is coming and threats such as the recent one by al-Shabab must be taken seriously.

Al-Shabab threatens Mall of America

Al-Shabab means “The Youth” or “The Youngsters.” It is a jihadist terrorist group based in Somalia. In 2012, it pledged allegiance to the militant Islamist organization Al-Qaeda.

On 21 September 2013, unidentified gunmen attacked the upmarket Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya. The attack, which lasted until 24 September, resulted in at least 67 deaths, including four attackers. Over 175 people were reportedly wounded in the mass shooting, with all of the gunmen reported killed. (Wikipedia)

These horrific acts are common overseas and the threats now being made are directed at citizens of the United States.

So, let’s be alert and stay safe out there.

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/threat-attack-draws-shrugs-north-american-malls-211454580.html