SECURITY SEEKER......................................................................................SPRING 2002

Spring 2003

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Welcome to the Winter edition of The Security Seeker Newsletter. The Seeker is published exclusively for security-minded consumers and is viewable solely on the Internet. For the best in security advice, statistics and stories, seek the Security Seeker. If you find this email interesting, forward it to a friend and keep your friends secure, too!

Keeping Safe at Public Venues Such as Night Clubs or Concerts

In the same fateful week, two tragedies — a massive crowd crush at a Chicago club and a fire at a concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island brought club-safety issues to light and made the country rethink its approach to venue security. While the Chicago tragedy was definitely a worst-case scenario and the Great White fire was the biggest concert-related catastrophe to happen in U.S. history, neither is totally unprecedented.

So, how can you keep safe if a fire ignites or a crowd gets out of control at a concert or club event? Once mass hysteria erupts, there may seem to be little you can do, but crowd management consultant Paul Wertheimer and Chicago Fire Chief John Brogan have a few tips and preventative measures that you can take. These guidelines may seem simple, but they can save your life.

Be aware of your surroundings.
When you enter the venue make a mental note of where all the doors are. Many of those who survived the fire at the Great White concert credit familiarity with the venue for saving their lives. The building had multiple open exits, but most people ran for the same front door, creating a giant pileup. According to Wertheimer, this is a common and sometimes fatal reaction: "It is human nature to go out the way you came in." Walk around the building and look for exit signs. Every building is required to have a visible floor plan posted. Take a minute to look at the floor plan and make yourself familiar with the venue's layout. Know where the other exits are.

Check out those other exits.
Make sure that none of them are obstructed. If the doors are chained, blocked by boxes or tables, or are otherwise unavailable for any reason, the building is in violation of fire codes and an employee of the venue should immediately be notified. If the employee ignores your concerns, you can contact the police and/or fire department. (Writing a letter to your local paper can also be effective.) More pressing than contacting the authorities is deciding whether or not you're going to remain in a venue you've just determined has exit issues. If you choose to stay, you'd do well to keep near an exit you know is functional.

Do not let others put you where you are not safe.
If you are disabled in any way that makes mobility an issue, do not let security or venue employees put you in an area from which you will have trouble getting out. If you are on crutches or in a wheelchair, for example, the first row (desirable as it may be) might not be the best location for you if the crowd begins pushing toward the stage.

If your position in the crowd is beginning to make you feel uncomfortable, move to the outer periphery.
If you feel pressure coming from one side of the crowd and are having increasing difficulty in moving freely, do not push back. Move away from the source of pressure and take the path of least resistance. There are lulls in any crowd push. Use these lulls to move to open spaces. These spaces are usually located in a diagonal fashion. "I like to call this the accordion move," Wertheimer said. "You just zigzag your way out." If you feel that there are just too many people in the room, or not enough space between tables to get out if you needed to, consider leaving.

If you feel you can't escape, remain calm and don't panic or scream.
One of the people in the Chicago club who survived said he didn't run when the stampede started, instead choosing to huddle by the stage and remain calm. If you're caught in a crowd crush or if you're having trouble getting out of a venue, you need all the energy you have to survive. Reduce your breathing, try to relax and remain quiet. Shouting will only weaken you and make you more likely to fall.

Try to keep your balance.
If you feel yourself falling or fainting, extend your hand to someone nearby. Communication through eye contact will most likely get other people to help. "It's something I've used successfully at the Tibetan Freedom Concert," Wertheimer said. If you are in a walled venue, make your way to a wall so that you can maintain your balance. "Doing this gives you something to lean on for support while also allowing you to follow the natural line of the building to an exit," says Police Chief Brogan. "This is incredibly helpful if you can't see through the chaos."

Help others if you can without sacrificing your own safety.
If someone else is falling or has fallen, help them if you can. One fallen person can cause others to trip over them and create a pileup. Make sure you are not in danger of being trampled before aiding another.

If you can't get out of an increasing crowd crush, crowd surf.
In an emergency situation, where you are injured or can't get out of a crowd that is clamoring toward the stage, crowd surfing can be a quick way to move to a less crowded area or into the arms of security.

If you need to escape the venue, look for the quickest way out.
The direction the crowd may be going is not necessarily the fastest or most accessible exit route. It is not always smart to follow the pack. Make your way to the closest exit with the least people. Move quickly, and do not shove other people. As mentioned before, familiarity with the venue saved the lives of many people at the Great White concert. Those who made for the venue's side exits were able to escape, while many people were caught in a jam of people at the front door.

In the event of a fire, stay low to the ground and cover your mouth.
"Smoke inhalation kills fire victims more often than actual flames do," says Fire Chief Brogan. Since smoke rises, crouch your body as low to the ground as you can while making your way out.

If you catch fire, stop, drop and roll. Fire needs oxygen to feed it. By dropping to the ground and rolling, you cut off that supply and smother the fire.

Lastly, wear recognizable clothing and agree on a plan with your friends ahead of time if you need to evacuate.
Before you go into the venue, designate a place outside where you will meet if you do lose track of one another inside. Dress in a way that your friends might recognize you if you are separated. This doesn't mean you need to put on a fluorescent jacket. It just means you should ask the question: "Will my friends be able to pick me out of the crowd?" If you are wearing a standard black T-shirt in a throng of other black T-shirts, chances are your friends won't be able to spot you. Make yourself recognizable. Sometimes, that may just mean wearing a patterned or red shirt. Be aware of what your friends are wearing as well.

You don't need pyrotechnics for the club you're in to catch fire. Grease can spill and catch fire in a bar kitchen. A lit cigarette can start something burning. Ninety-seven healthy, intelligent young people died in Rhode Island because they couldn't get out of a room in a fast and orderly manner. In Chicago, panic and confusion over exits appear to have been key in the death of 21 people. The experts agree: Have a good time when you go out, but pay attention to the space you're in. And no matter what you see or what you're told, if you don't feel safe, the advice is to trust your instincts and leave.

Safety Reminders For Family Webpages

Making a family Website is a lot of fun, but unfortunately a predator could locate you or your children if you give out too much information. Remember these points as you create a home on the Web.

Do not give out your last name.

Do not give out your location or telephone number.

If you include links to other pages (such as your church or school), they most likely will contain information about your town.

Do not use your email address on your page, especially if it contains your last name or it is from a small, local ISP (Internet Service Provider). (JSMITH@hometown.com) If you really want the ability for someone to contact you, consider a getting a generic email address. You can easily obtain one from Hotmail or use the one that is provided with your Web space. It would be best if an adult checks this email address for messages.

If you have a small, local ISP (Internet Service Provider) and use their Webspace, a predator would be able to figure out your location easily, by looking up where the ISP is located. Consider using free Web space from About.com instead.

Be careful of what pictures are posted. Study the backgrounds of the pictures, is there something on them that would give away your location? (Baseball team jerseys, Signs, etc).

10-Point Safety Checklist for Families

The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) is the oldest and largest national nonprofit organization developing and promoting policies and programs to protect America’s children and strengthen America’s families. The CWLA created this list of safety issues to think about, along with some family safety tips.

1. Car Seat Safety
You may think that since you have a child car seat, you’ve done all you can do to ensure your child’s safety while on the road. But proper installation of a car seat is not always as simple as it seems. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instruction manual for proper use and installation guidelines. If you have any questions, call the manufacturer or visit their Web site. Also, many local police stations, fire stations and hospitals will check your car seat for proper installation.

2. Make Sure Smoke Alarms Work
Having smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in your home is one of the easiest things you can do to protect your family. But they are worthless if the batteries have gone dead. Fire departments recommend changing your batteries once a year. Pick a date you’ll remember -- your birthday, New Year’s day, when you switch to daylight savings time, etc. Also, remember to test your alarms monthly to make sure they’re working and keep them free from dust.

3. Have an Escape Plan
What would your family do if there was a fire in your home? Make sure you have an escape plan and practice it with your family. The best escape plans have two ways to get out of each room. When escaping, stay low to the floor. Smoke rises during a fire and the safest air is down low. Pick a safe and easy-to-remember place for your family to meet up after you get out of the house.

4. Childproof Your Home
The extent to which you need to childproof your house changes with the age of your children. Curious toddlers require the most vigilance, including locks on cabinet doors, safety plugs in electrical outlets and child gates blocking steps. For children of all ages, be sure to keep cleaning supplies and other possible poisons out of reach. Have the number for your local poison control center handy. No matter what the age of your kids, always have a well-stocked first aid kit in your medicine chest. Teach kids how and when to call 911.

5. Car Emergencies
Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car. Depending on what part of the country you live in, the kit may include: road flares, a flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, a basic first-aid kit, a blanket, candy bars or other non-perishable food, and bottled water.

6. After School Arrangements
In single-parent households or in homes where both parents work, it is important to find after school care for your child. Many schools offer after-hours programs, or check with your local recreation department regarding after school options. Other possibilities include the YMCA or YWCA and boys and girls clubs. If none exist in your community, work with other parents to help start programs or encourage community leaders to address this need. If your child must be home alone after school, make sure she follows certain rules, such as never entering the house if it has been broken in to; never telling anyone, even a friend, that you’re home alone; never opening the door to strangers; never operating the stove or oven. Set up a time to check in with your child.

7. Keep Track of Teens
The teen years can be tough for kids and parents alike. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and active. Be sure you know where your teen is and who he’s with. Make it a point to get to know his friends. You may want to consider giving your teen a cell phone so he can check in periodically. Depending on your child, you may have to regulate the amount of time he spends online and make sure you know what types of sites he’s visiting. Above all, spend time with your teenager doing something he likes to do. It’s the best way to get him to open up and let you know what’s going on.

8. Firearm Savvy
One national study shows that more than 53 percent of all households in the United States possess some type of firearm. This means that even though you may not own a gun, chances are your child will come into contact with them at a friend’s or neighbor’s house. If you have guns in your home, make sure they are locked up. Children should never handle firearms unless in the presence of a responsible adult.

9. Safety Away from Home
When you’re out running errands with children in tow, it is easy to get distracted and stressed. But it is important to keep track of your kids at all time. Never leave a child unattended in a stroller or shopping cart, and make sure that older children are in your sight at all times. And no matter how quick your errand, never leave a child in the car unattended. For those times when your child is out of your supervision, at school or a friend’s house, be sure he understands how to stay safe. Most schools teach about “stranger danger,” but make sure your child knows what to do if approached by someone they don’t know.

10. Sports Safety
According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, sports activities are the second most frequent cause of injury for adolescents. It is estimated that each year more than 5 million children seek treatment in hospital emergency rooms due to sports injuries. Whether your child participates in organized sports activities or simply plays tag football with friends, they should always play it safe by wearing protective gear, using equipment properly, warming up muscles before playing and following the rules of the game.

For more information, contact CWLA at 202-638-2952 or visit the organization’s Web site, http://www.cwla.org/

Courtesy of ARA Content

15 Tips to Protect Small Businesses

Anyone who owns a small business is busy. There's never enough time to get around to the "To Do Today" list, let alone think about possible problems. But while you're working hard to make your business grow and prosper, it's just possible that your assets are under attack. Here are 15 practical tips for protecting your business

1. Realize that you have what someone wants. Your store or office isn't a home where everyone is an invited guest. If you have businesses products, inventory, equipment or money, you have what someone wants. This is where protecting assets begins.

2. Prepare a check-list of closing and lock-up procedures for employees. Make sure appropriate employees understand what is expected.

3. Business owners can be too trusting. If you are the one who hires employees, you will trust them. As a result, you will have a hard time accepting the fact that an employee is stealing money, time, products or equipment. People who steal know how you feel. It is estimated that one-third of all employees are stealing from their employers at a rate of $5 to $10 billion a year.

4. Having eyes and ears when you're not there. Depending on your business, something as simple as a closed-circuit television system may serve both as a deterrent and as a way of recording information.

5. All doors should be hung with hinges on the inside. This will prevent burglars from knocking out pins and removing doors.

6. Available cash is asking for trouble. We all want to believe that our employees can be trusted and most are trustworthy. But the availability of cash creates tremendous temptation unless there are strict controls. In a retail store, point-of-purchase cash register systems can monitor overrings, voids or double voids, delayed voids and other exceptions that may indicate employee-created cash shortages.

7. Make sure all equipment is marked. Take time to mark company equipment with an electric pencil. Computers and computer-related equipment is vulnerable, particularly laptop computers. Use equipment serial numbers or a similar system to track equipment.

8. Look for ways to watch the store. If you can't see the whole store from a central location, you will have a shoplifting problem sooner or later. Lowering display shelves or raising the check out locations will improve visibility, as will strategically placed wide-area detection mirrors, closed circuit television cameras and two-way mirrors.

9. Confronting a weapon. If you are open late or early, are easily accessible to a main road or public transportation and have cash, a hold up is a possibility. Anyone with a gun is nervous, so no one should try to be a hero. If the robber wants money, give it to him. At the same time, a hidden button connected to a silent alarm system can bring help fast and make employees more comfortable. Buttons can be placed on desks, under counters and on the floor for more discreet use. And a closed circuit television system can act as a deterrent and provide evidence.

10. Going to the bank. Getting at your money when you are outside your business may be very attractive to a robber because you are more vulnerable. If you have cash, do not follow the same pattern each day and vary your route. If you have considerable cash, take two cars. Don't let a would-be robber get the upper hand.

11. Locks only slow down a thief. Locks don't keep thieves out; they just slow them down. Quality locks with substantial dead bolts are a step in the right direction. If you use padlocks, make sure they are of sufficient gauge steel with multiple tumblers and custom keyed for you. At the same time, adequate lighting, closed circuit television and a properly monitored security system may be the best deterrents. Remember, burglars don't like light, noise or anything else that draws attention to the scene.

12. Exercise key control. It doesn't take long for keys to disappear and to be given to many employees. Keep a record of who has keys and the dates they were given out and returned.

13. Bad checks and counterfeit bills. New business owners are more trusting because they want to attract customers. Don't think this escapes forgers and counterfeiters. They thrive in these situations. Establish firm procedures and stick with them. The exception may cost you dearly.

14. Use an employee identification system, if practical. If you have many full- and part-time employees or you are having key management problems, an access system that requires the employee to insert an electronically coded card upon entering the business (or specific areas) will give additional control.

15. Train your employees. Anyone dealing with customers must be properly trained in order to perform as you want him to. This includes teaching employees how to watch the store or business, how to spot counterfeit bills and how to accept a check.

Following these 15 suggestions will help you minimize loss, make you feel more in control and assist in protecting the assets of your business.

ADT Security Systems, Northern Division

Personal Protection: Outside Safety Tactics

Outside safety tactics refer to times when you are out in an uncontrolled environment such as when commuting to and from home, work, stores, etc. It is preferable to avoid "risky" areas. At times however, this is not always possible. Here are some tactics to keep in mind while you're outdoors this spring.

The time of the day is an important factor. Late night hours have lower witness traffic and an assailant is more capable of assaulting you without being seen or caught. A location that can be safe during daylight hours can become the opposite at night.

When you are outside, make sure to exercise your awareness skills. Be conscious of your surroundings. Check over your shoulder every once in a while and avoid isolated location and potential hiding spots.

When walking, stick to well lit routes with high witness traffic. If there are no sidewalks, consider walking on the left side of the roadway facing traffic. This makes it difficult for a car to follow you undetected.

In the city, where you must walk on the sidewalk, walk near the curb. This makes it more difficult for an assailant hiding around a corner or in a doorway to grab you before you can react.

If you are taking the bus, sit near the driver. Report unwanted advances to the driver immediately. Try to sit in an aisle seat or beside a female passenger.

If you feel that you are being followed and crossing the street confirms your suspicions, begin screaming and run to a public location. You can also consider placing an obstacle between you and your pursuer and continue to scream for help.

If you are alone, avoid waiting inside a bus shelter where you could be trapped.

When out for a walk, jog or while commuting, try to go with a friend. If you go out to exercise alone don't wear headphones. This reduces your ability to detect an attacker approaching from behind.

Avoid walking alone at night when you are upset or have been drinking. Your awareness level is likely to be low.

Know the area and your escape routes. Become familiar with stores, service stations and other places that will be open at the time you are traveling. If you are unfamiliar with an area, avoid trying to find shortcuts. You may end up boxed in or isolated.

Know your bus schedule so that you do not have to wait any longer than necessary.

If you know that you are being followed turn around and look at your pursuer. Project an assertive attitude and take note of the person's physical description. If you can help it, don't go directly home. This shows the pursuer where you live and he may choose to try again another time.

Have your keys ready while approaching your house or vehicle or even while taking a stroll. If you spot a potential assailant, you can hurry into your car or house. Keys can also be an effective personal safety weapon. A personal defense weapon is useless if it is at the bottom of a purse or pocket.

If you spot a suspicious person or group of people, go around them as opposed to walking through them. Consider crossing the street.

If someone asks for the time or directions or tries to initiate a conversation, remember that you do not have to answer. If you do, keep it brief and move on.

Consider your clothing and footwear for defense and escape capabilities.

Avoid public displays of money at automatic teller machines, stores, banks, getting on the bus, etc.

If you carry a handbag tuck it under your arm. It is best to keep money in your pockets. If someone does grab your purse let it go. Property is not worth getting hurt over.

Article by KidPower TeenPower FullPower Int. http://www.kidpower.org 831-426-4407 (USA). Reprint permission granted with this acknowledgement included.

Security Success Stories

Our Operators Provide Excellent Customer Service!

An EMERgency 24 Operator recently dispatched the police to a New York Fish and Game club. Upon arrival, police were able to apprehend an intruder on the premise.

We received a fire alarm at a San Jose High School at approximately 9:30 p.m.
An EM24 operator dispatched the fire department and the dealer called to
say thank you for saving the school!

And that's two more success stories from your central station.

Do you have a success story you would like to share with your central station and other security minded people! Send us an email and let us know!

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Security Seeker is a customer service publication designed for security-minded consumers. If you have any questions or suggestions of how we might better service your security needs or have a success story you would like to submit for consideration, please contact Editor Tia Harrison at (773) 725-0222 or (800) 827-3624, ext. 6033. Visit our web site: http://www.ursecure.com/.