Anti-kidnap
My daughter just got home from an LDS mission in Houston, Texas. It was so good to see her again and to have her around. She and I are a lot alike. I worried about her in Houston and had to trust in the mission and Heavenly Father that she would be protected. Houston is known for kidnapping similar to Phoenix, Arizona. I have taught all my kids safety, situational awareness, always having access to some sort of weapon, and just keeping their head. All my kids have learned to shoot. I’ve taught them the proper way to use a tactical pen, pepper spray, basics of knife fighting, and some hand-to-hand moves. I’ve always thought my kids were well prepared.
The FBI estimates that well over 100,000 children and young women are trafficked in America today. They range in age from 9 to 19, with the average age being 11. Human Trafficking is now recognized as the second largest criminal industry in the world. Often females are targeted but really males are becoming just as frequent.
As an adult or teenager here are some tips to stay safe.
Going to and from your car can be a vulnerable time. Have your keys out, your head up, and get to your vehicle quickly. Scan the inside before you get in and then lock the doors when in.
Avoid leaving your home at a specific time or during certain hours every day. Change your schedule a bit. Regular car routes to the office or to school should also be changed once in a while. If possible, change the vehicles that you use.
Be careful not to reveal too much about yourself or your family members via social media. Never reveal addresses and be sure to turn off the GPS function on your smartphones. Don’t post on social media the places you frequent. Some people are unaware that Facebook and other sites reveal the specific residential area from where you are posting on social media. The internet is not secure.
Obviously be vigilant at night but in the day too. Situational awareness is always important. Don’t be distracted by cell phones, what you just bought, or even conversation. Being with someone helps. But stay aware. If you’re alone and feel weird about a situation go back into the store, mall, or restaurant and ask an employee to walk you to your vehicle. Park as close as possible to buildings but park under lights.
If approached by someone don’t be distracted by what they are doing or saying to let down your situational awareness. Usually they lie in wait so approach in a way where you can see around other vehicles, poles, bushes, or other obstructions.
Don’t get caught up in looks. A criminal can look like anyone. Usually there are two or more involved. Watch your 6. Usually their vehicle is near. They may be in it just waiting. They will try to flank you or approach from the rear while a distraction is in front of you.
Be vocal. Yell or scream. Use a whistle or even a horn. You want to draw attention to what is going on and to them. I knew a girl who was approached by two guys and she went into a defensive stance and yelled “Come and get some of this!” They took off.
Women don’t dress skimpy. I know you think it’s sexy but it really isn’t. You don’t really want the kind of guy who is attracted to that. It may help to dress modestly. Also, consider what footwear you wear. If you spend the summer in flip flops you may want to rethink that. Sandals and flip flops are hard to run in. So are tight pants/skirts. This is not just for the women, guys can get caught in the wrong clothes too.
Be aware of your surroundings. Try to stay in heavily populated places.
Know how to defend yourself. Whether it is weapons or fighting, get trained and practice.
Tips for parents:
Know your child's whereabouts at all times.
At a very early age, teach your child their name, address and telephone number and your first and last name.
Teach them how to call 9-1-1 for help. When using the telephone for these lessons, make sure the call to 9-1-1 doesn't actually connect. When our kids were small we used an unplugged hardline phone.
Make sure children know how to make local and long distance telephone calls.
Never leave children alone in a car, not even for a few seconds.
Establish strict procedures for picking up children at school, after movies, at friends' homes, etc.
Establish a family code word that only you, your child and a trusted relative or friend knows. Teach your child to ask for the code word when approached by someone offering them a ride.
Remind your children to never accept a ride from someone you don't know, even if the child knows them.
Talk to your children about child abduction in a simple, non-threatening way. Don’t scare them.
Listen to your child when he or she discusses anyone they have met or spoken with when you weren't around.
Have photographs taken of your children at least four times a year (especially for preschoolers). Make note of birthmarks or other distinguishing features.
Have your child fingerprinted and store the prints in a safe, easily accessible place in your home.
Teach your children to:
Never leave home without your permission. Very small children should play only in areas away from the street, such as a backyard, or in a play area supervised by a responsible adult.
Never wander off, to avoid isolated places, and to avoid shortcuts through alleys or deserted areas. They are safer walking or playing with friends.
Come straight home from school unless you have made other arrangements.
Never enter anyone's home without your approval.
Scream, run away and tell you or a trusted adult if anyone attempts to touch or grab them, of if a stranger offers them a ride.
Never give any information over the telephone including their name and address, or indicate they are alone.
Keep doors locked and admit only authorized people into the house.
Rules for baby-sitters:
Leave a number where you, a neighbor or relative can be reached in the event of an emergency. In addition, if you have a cell phone, give the sitter that number and carry your phone with you while you're out. Make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave.
Never allow the sitter to admit strangers into your home. The best rule: no company allowed.
Instruct the sitter that phone use is for emergencies only, not for chatting with friends.
Leave the number for your local law enforcement agency and tell the sitter to call immediately if there are any signs of suspicious activity or unusual noises.
Being safe is not difficult but you must be vigilant and not let your guard down. Do this and you and your family can be happy, safe, and secure.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn
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