Password for Child Security

This meme appeared some time ago on Facebook. I believe it's worth sharing here.

When You Need to Call for Help

My daughter Merrianna posted the meme below on Facebook. I thought it worth publishing here as a personal security tip.

Extra Layer of Security (Cheap)

Thanks to my daughter Merrianna for calling my attention to use of a rubber doorstop as a security device. The idea is that, in an active shooter situation, you can keep the killer out of a classroom, office, supply closet, etc. by firmly seating the wedge into the space under the door.

I would recommend that you not think of this as your sole or main defense but rather as part of a larger plan. In addition, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. The marketplace various designs of doorstops made of a variety of materials. It stands to reason that some will work better than others with various door/floor combinations. You will want to test your wedge under various doors and on various floor surfaces (wood, carpet, vinyl). See how well it stops or slows the entrance of a determined person.
2. Bullets pass through many different kinds of doors (and walls). Therefore, in most cases, the door wedge will provide you with concealment, not cover. You should seek cover in the room, putting as much mass between you and the door as possible. Failing that, make yourself the smallest target possible in the farthest corner.
3. The wedge will only work if the door swings toward you. The wedge will do no good on doors that open outward, toward the shooter. A mistake here can leave you feeling foolish . . . and dead.
4. Have a Plan B. To my mind, the best Plan B involves returning fire. In any case, your backup plan must consist of some form of flight or fight. If the situation does not allow for flight, then you must fight. Fight with improvised weapons at hand or empty-handed. Counteraggression can carry with it an element of surprise that just might get you through the situation.

2-Way Mirror Security Tip

Here's a security tip, especially for the ladies. If you're in a restroom, how do tell if the mirror is only a mirror or if a person or camera is behind it, spying on you?

Men, you may want to send the women in your life a link to this post.

The "fingernail test has made its rounds, and although it can give you a clue, it's not absolutely conclusive. The fingernail test says that if you put a nail against a real mirror, you will see a gap between it and the reflection, but no gap if it's a 2-way mirror.



This may give a hint, but some real mirrors have the reflective surface on the front, so it's not 100% accurate.

I like the flashlight test better. If you put a flashlight right up against the surface of a mirror (your cell phone flashlight will work), it will illuminate the space behind a 2-way mirror.



You can find these and more tips about 2-way mirrors on wiki-how

Never Get Outta the Car

If you've ever seen the movie Apocalypse Now, you may remember the encounter with the tiger that has two G.I.s running for their lives back to their river boat. One of them is yelling, "Never get outta the boat. Never get outta the boat."

I once had a job in a toxic work environment, and a co-worker -- who is now my barber -- took a cue from that film. He always warned me: "Never leave the office." And when I did, sooner or later some co-worker would try to count coup on my soul.

Maybe your work environment is happy and fulfilling, and probably you'll never run into a tiger on the prowl. However, you may someday find yourself driving through an area of social unrest.

If that happens, let me give you a little advice. NEVER GET OUTTA THE CAR.

Advertising Your Vulnerabilities

Gary North once wrote, "Keep your convictions visible and your assets hidden." Wise words in a society polluted with covetousness and envy.

Your family, moreover, represents a precious asset into which you've poured your time and treasure. Putting too much information about them on display could just leave them vulnerable to the orcs out there.

Consider the following excerpt from WNCT9 of Greenville, NC:

Family stick figure decals are on the backs of thousands of car windows representing the parents, children and even the family pets. 

While they may seem harmless, police across the country send a warning message to those who have a series of stickers on their vehicles.

They say thieves and predators are now using bumper stickers and decals to track their next victims. . . .  

Police say if you have your family decal up on your window along with a school bumper sticker or team mascot magnet, you are now displaying how many children you have, where they go to school, and what sports they play.

What's that? Your PROUD of your family and want everyone to know it?

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

Security Tip: Electronic Pickpockets

In November of 2009,  we took a trip to Buffalo, New York. On the way back to South Carolina, someone somehow got hold of my credit card info and ran up a bill of many hundreds of dollars.

My credit card company detected the fraud, and we were not held liable for the purchases, but the experience made us more aware than ever of the need for credit card security. Thanks to RPC for the link to the video below.
 
I remember reading somewhere that you can use Mylar film (the tough, aluminized plastic that's used in space suits & potato chip bags) to block radio frequency waves. Perhaps I should wrap my credit cards in the stuff before I put them in my wallet.

Security Tip: Take Car Keys to Bed

This Security Tip came to WARSKYL from RPC. I invite you to pass it on. What to take to bed with you - not a joke Pretty neat idea. Never thought of it before.  Put your car keys beside your bed at night Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbours, your parents, your Dr's office, the check-out girl at the market, everyone you run across. Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a neighborhood watchcoordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the burglar/rapist won't stick around. After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.