Category Archives: Current Events

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Still think living in a small town eliminates the threat of terrorism?  The Montevideo MN terror plot shows that no town is immune from the threat.

Credit: slowingtheracingmind

A few days ago, the FBI arrested a man who may have been planning a terrorist attack in the small town of Montevideo, Minnesota.  The suspect was a white supremacist who had pipe bombs, Molotov cocktails, and various firearms in his possession at the time of arrest.  One of the planned targets was the local police station, no other potential targets were mentioned.

I grew up in Minnesota (Twin Cities Metro area) and have traveled throughout the state for the first half of my life.  There are many small towns like Montevideo throughout the state.  The college I went to was in a farm town of about 15,000 residents and many people enjoyed its tranquil atmosphere.  However, living in a small town is no guarantee of immunity from terrorism, as Montevideo (population 5,800) demonstrates.

There are crazy, dangerous people everywhere.  This is a sad fact of life and no matter where you live, you need to be prepared in case these people act out their violent desires.  Even if you live in a small town, be ready for the unthinkable and you will be better able to handle the situation.

It’s a small world after all.

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Unlike in Old West movies, the posse may not get there in time to save the day.

Credit: Tucson Citizen

Which means, until the good guys arrive, you are your own first responder.  That’s a scary thought, but its reality and needs to be accounted for.  There won’t always be a policeman, fireman, EMT, or other first responder on-site to offer immediate assistance when things go wrong.  That means you have to be prepared to be your own first responder.

In a mass shooting or terrorist attack, police departments now recommend taking action instead of being passive.  This can take many forms but the key concept is to take action immediately.  It may take several minutes for police units to arrive, which is plenty of time for a criminal to do a lot of damage.  As Police Officer Jack Dumphy writes:

…in the event of a mass shooting, the police may not arrive until it’s over, as was the case in about half the incidents examined.  The average police response time in the 84 shootings was three minutes, which may seem fast until one considers how much carnage a committed and well-armed gunman can bring down on a school, office, or shopping mall in three minutes.

This holds true for natural disasters as well.  Just the other day in China, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck in a rural province, which caused over a hundred deaths and over ten thousand injuries.  In some parts of the affected area, it took hours for assistance to arrive.  Due to the narrow roads and landslides, some areas may not get help for days…  Until help arrives, the survivors are on their own to manage as best they can with the aftermath.

Keep in mind that as more municipalities at all levels struggle with their finances, response times will get longer and there will be fewer resources available.  Being your own first responder will become a necessity along with building networks outside of governmental agencies to handle emergencies.  In one respect, this is a return to an earlier era in America where self-reliance, neighborhoods, and communities took care of each other instead of municipalities.  Taking the initiative to prepare is a gateway towards greater independence and freedom, which will ultimately benefit the neighborhoods we live in.

HT to Kevin over at Misfires and Light Strikes.

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Let me echo what my friend Kevin has to say about Thinking Through the Unthinkable:

For starters, even if you or your loved ones haven’t been hurt in the blast, you can still become casualties if a stampede breaks out. It’s not unheard of for incidents like this to turn into a human stampede that leads to a loss of life far beyond what the first incident causes. Knowing where the exits are and having more than one escape route beforehand helps you avoid the mindless rush to get out if a panicked fear breaks out in a crowd.

Secondly, while you may not have a first-aid kit on you, you can have one nearby. An IFAK (Infantryman’s First Aid Kit) gives you the basics to save a life in a such a situation, and they’re small enough to go just about anywhere. I have one in the back of my car and I’ve got a couple more on-order to toss into range bags whenever I go shooting.

Thirdly, learn how to save lives, IFAK or not. For me, taking a good, solid emergency trauma and first aid class has just shot to the top of my training priorities list since the incident at Boston…

The objective in writing about incidents like the Boston Marathon Bombing is not to scare but to to prepare.  All of us (myself included) can learn and do more that will better equip us for when the unthinkable happens.  Start taking steps now, even if they are small ones, because nobody knows when the next disaster will strike.

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As we saw during the Boston Marathon on Monday, terrorism can happen any time, any where with devastating results.  Sadly, industrial accidents like the one outside of Waco, Texas on Wednesday can be even more devastating.

Credit: KWTX.com

The Waco chemical plant explosion killed over sixty people and injured hundreds on Wednesday evening outside of Waco, with people as far as 40 miles(!) away hearing the explosion.  Within the city of West, hundreds of people had to be evacuated outside a one-mile radius due to the risks posed by additional explosions.  All of this happened suddenly and without warning.

The good news is that events like this are rare because both companies, workers, first responders, and government agencies at all levels work together to prevent events like this from happening.  Even with all the precautions and safeguards in place though, accidents do happen.  The question is, what can you do to be prepared for a disaster like this?

The short answer is to prepare a “Go Bag” with items you need in case you need to evacuate quickly.  When sheltering in place is not an option, you will need to leave the area with what you can carry.  Having a Go Bag with the proper items in it can make a big difference in an emergency.  I’ll cover this subject in more depth in upcoming posts but for now, click on the links I included to get started.

Bad things happen and when they do you will need to be ready.

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When bad things happen, first responders can become overwhelmed during the initial phase of a mass casualty.  As we saw yesterday in Boston, a horrific terrorist attack injured over 170 people in an instant and left several dead.  There will be times when police, fire, and rescue personnel will be delayed in coming to your aid if you and others are injured, meaning you are your own first responder.

Image courtesy of The Telegraph

This means taking steps to prepare for unlikely yet traumatic events like a terrorist attack.  I wrote yesterday that disaster can strike Any Time, Any Where so you need to plan accordingly.  What steps can you take?  Well, consider the following and see what you can apply today.

Your Person – Items you carry with you or on you:

Your Office – Some things to have at work:

  • Food
  • Water
  • First aid kit
  • Cell phone charger
  • Change of clothes
  • Athletic shoes and socks
  • Reflective tape
  • Extra cash and coin ($20 should be enough)
  • Water bottle
  • Paper towels or napkins

Your Home – Products you should have where you live:

Your Car – Keep these items in your car:

  • Food (MREs, Datrex rations, granola bars)
  • Water
  • First aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Tow rope
  • Spare tire (inflated and in good working order)
  • Chemlights
  • Electrical and/or duct tape
  • Lighter
  • Signaling mirror
  • Blanket
  • Flashlight
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Space pen
  • Pad of paper
  • Batteries (fully charged)
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Rags
  • Knife or multi-tool
  • Extra wiper blades
  • Tools (screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, pliers, etc.)
  • Quart of oil (get the correct viscosity for your engine)

Other useful items to have handy include:

  • Applicator-less tampons (read this for reasons why)
  • Maxi-pads (see above)
  • Tape (athletic for non-waterproof, duct or electrical tape for waterproof)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Hard hat
  • Leather gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Lifehammer
  • Respirator

In time, I’ll go into greater depth on how to prepare various kits and what each one should contain.  Consider this post a quick and dirty starting point, the key is to begin today because you may need these items tomorrow.  I encourage every reader to do what I do, search for information from a wide variety of sources and make adjustments over time.  This is an ongoing process and will never be “done” since new information will emerge over time.

The good news is that most of us will never experience a terrorist attack, massive earthquake, tsunami, tornado, hurricane, or other catastrophic event.  However, bad things can happen unexpectedly so its wise to prepare to mitigate the damage they can cause.  Take steps now to increase your preparedness and remember that the journey you embark upon will reward you even if you never have to employ what you have learned.

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As today’s tragic events in Boston demonstrate, disaster can strike any time, any where, and without any warning.  In time we will know who planned this terrorist attack, what his motives were, what his plan was, and other details.  All of that will be revealed in due course, that doesn’t answer a fundamental question though.

Image courtesy of The Daily Bail

What happens when you find yourself in the midst of an attack?

A terrorist attack is a sudden and violent event that is intended to cause maximum chaos, carnage, and confusion.  It will be a “come as you are” event, meaning what you have on-hand will be all you have to handle the situation.  This can be a challenge, but there are both products and principles anybody can use to prepare for the worst.  Give both areas a look and consider which ones you can start using today in order to better prepare yourself.

Products

  • RoadID – Get one of these listing your name, blood type, any known allergies, contact information, and other pertinent medical information.  It could save your life if you are incapacitated and unable to speak to first responders.
  • First Aid Kit – Several years ago I purchased a Day Pack First Aid Kit from REI that I keep in my Camelback when I go hiking, biking, or camping.  Its small, light, and portable…all for less than $20.
  • Belt – A belt can help stop bleeding if a major artery is severed or a victim experienced the traumatic amputation of a limb.
  • Handkerchief, scarf, or bandana – These can act as temporary bandages or tourniquet in an emergency, can also serve as a signaling device by waving it.  Useful as mask in dusty or smoky environments.
  • Flashlight – If lighting goes out, even a small flashlight will provide a needed source of illumination.
  • Smart Phone – Can be used to call for help, a light source, or source of information (see Applications).
  • Applications – Certain applications can provide critical information, even if cell phone service is temporarily disabled.  Consider adding First Aid (Health Team), iTriage, or other similar apps to your phone.

Principles

  • Be Prepared – Have the knowledge and tools you need on-hand so you will be prepared.  This will result in increased confidence and the ability to overcome traumatic situations.
  • Breathe – Your brain needs Oxygen to function and make decisions so remember to take deep breaths and…
  • Stay Calm – Keep your wits about you and deliberately get out of harm’s way if you can.  Panic and confusion will only make the situation worse, potentially leading to more trauma.  You are likely to be scared out of your mind, but if you remain calm your chances of survival increase significantly.
  • Know First Aid – Take a First Aid course so you will know what to do if needed.  Knowing what to do during an emergency could save a life.
  • Protect Yourself – Don’t risk your safety or life for others, if you are outside the scene of an emergency STAY OUT!  Let trained emergency personnel handle matters, your priority is to protect yourself from harm.

As we have seen today, terror and violence can happen in the most unexpected times and locations.  What makes these mass casualties shocking is that we live in a comparatively safe society where attacks like this are rare.  Still, it is wise to prepare for the worst to the degree that you are able to.  Every little bit helps and can lessen the damage and confusion caused by terrorist attacks.  Good luck in your preparations, please get started now.

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The situation in Korea is still occupying headlines and causing concern, which is to be expected when you have a combination of dangerous ingredients.  Take a starving, isolated, militarist, and maniacal state like North Korea; have it share a peninsula with a prosperous and (mostly) free South Korea; locate said peninsula close to a traditional rival (Japan); add nuclear weapons by aforementioned maniacal state; mix with a dynastic dictator and you have a recipe for disaster.

Image courtesy of ABC News

That’s not counting an incompetent Secretary of Defense, a traitorous Secretary of State, and corrupt dilettante as President on the American side…but I digress.

I posted earlier this month that I don’t think anything will come of the whole Korean Crisis because its a replay of past incidents.  However, that does not mean that reasonable people should ignore the threat of conflict that could affect their lives.  Its wise to take precautions just in case everybody loses their minds and things get ugly.

Think about the current situation the same way you would an oncoming storm.  You know the storm is coming and could be dangerous but it may not affect you.  The smart course of action is to take action assuming that the storm will hit, that way you are prepared just in case.  If you are ready for the storm, you can remain calm and be able to function in the aftermath, no matter what happens.

So what can you do now?  Here are some question to ask yourself that will help you in any situation:

  • Do you have some extra cash on hand in case banking networks are unavailable?
  • Does your household have extra food and water on-hand in case there is a run on stores?
  • Do your flashlights and radios have fresh batteries in them?
  • Got a portable generator?  Does it have enough fuel and does it start?
  • Are the weapons you have (firearms, knives, bats, sprays, bows, etc.) working properly?
  • Do you have enough medication to last for a few weeks?
  • What barter items do you have that you could trade if needed?
  • Got a RoadID or some other information bracelet?

Those are just some thoughts to get you started.  The goal is to get ready BEFORE the storm hits, this will allow you to have your wits about you when others begin to panic.  Preparation breeds confidence and confidence produces calm, so take some steps now to be ready for storm.

Like all storms, it will eventually pass…

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In Oakland, CA, private security firms are taking over neighborhood patrols as city services are reduced and crime increases.  Tax revenues can’t keep up with ballooning pension, wage, and healthcare costs so government services get reduced.  This is especially acute in high-tax states like California, but municipalities across the US are feeling the combined affects of lavish benefits coupled with falling revenues.  According to the executive director of the National Association of Security Contractors:

Municipal governments and cities are really getting strapped in terms of their resources, and when a police department cuts 100 officers obviously they are going to respond to less crimes.

The bad news is in many cash-strapped cities, there will be fewer law enforcement resources which could result in increased crime rates.  There will be fewer patrols to deter crime, fewer officers to respond to crime (thereby increasing response times), and fewer staff to investigate crimes.  District Attorneys, Prosecutors, and other Judicial staff are also going to look for ways to reduce their caseload by having fewer trials.  Prisons won’t have room to house more inmates too.  All this paints a bleak picture for the immediate future.

The good news is that some communities are stepping up to fill in the gaps through private policing and other services when governments reduces their commitments.  This is likely to continue but not be widespread, after all hiring private security contractors costs money that not all communities have right now.  It also shows that where there is a market, somebody will step up to serve it.  In other words, there is opportunity even in difficult times.

Rather than relying upon (morally and fiscally) bankrupt governments or moving to exclusive, wealthy neighborhoods, you can take steps now to protect yourself.  As I wrote in a recent post, there are some steps you can take today that will both deter crime and lessen your dependence on local law enforcement.  Consider the following:

  • Get firearms, ammunition, and training
  • Reinforce your external doors with multiple high-quality locks and jamb reinforcement
  • Get an alarm system installed and post signs/stickers indicating that you have done so
  • Install both internal and external lights
  • Secure your windows with locks
  • Install heavy drapes and keep them closed when you aren’t home
  • Get to know your neighbors!

Relying upon over-worked and under-funded law enforcement to protect your and your home is foolish.  The only person you can rely upon to secure your property is…you.  That’s good news because there is a lot you can do that will enhance the safety of your home and deter crime.  Get started now because every step you take is an additional layer of protection that keeps the bad guys away.

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What happens when a municipality can’t pay its bills?

Just like in regular Bankruptcy Court, lawyers on both sides will go before a judge and argue their case.  Without a settlement, a judge will render a decision that both plaintiff and defendant will have to comply with.  The difference with a municipal bankruptcy ruling is taxes and city services will be impacted by decision.  Today’s decision that allows Stockton, CA to enter bankruptcy protection is a part of a growing trend of municipal default both in the US and overseas.  This trend will continue and accelerate as more cities, counties, and states confront their finances.  The economic reality of low revenues and high expenditures (ex. pensions, health care costs, wages) will force governments at all levels to adjust their commitments.

So what does this mean regarding preparation?

The result will be less government services.  There will be fewer garbage trucks to pick up the trash, fewer maintenance crews to repair the roads, fewer fire fighters to respond to emergencies, and fewer police units to respond to crimes.  The remaining government employees will have higher workloads and be under more stress too as they are forced to do more work with fewer resources.

In an emergency situation, it will mean longer response times when you call 9-1-1.  Individuals will need to be more self-reliant when it comes to both protecting themselves and taking care of their needs when things go wrong.  This means taking steps like:

  • Owning firearms and learning how to use them
  • Learning First Aid and having supplies on-hand
  • Having tools ready to make emergency repairs
  • Storing additional food and water for emergency use
  • Working with your friends and neighbors to help them get prepared

The key concept is increasing self-reliance as a bulwark against the unexpected.  Bad things are going to happen regardless of your city’s financial situation, its wise to not rely upon municipalities that are in default for salvation during an emergency.  Think about what you can do TODAY that will make you more resilient in the face of adversity tomorrow.

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Even though today is April 1st, heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula are no joke.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or “North Korea”) is making noises again, which is causing concern not only in South Korea but Japan as well.  An isolated, communist country armed with nuclear weapons and millions of starving citizens is inherently dangerous.  The DPRK’s latest sabre-rattling has caused the US to increase its military presence in both South Korea and Japan as a show of force.  If history is any guide, not much will happen but the world will be on edge for a while.

Now what does this have to do with preparation?

Let’s face it, wars happen and they are brutal events for all involved.  Military forces are trained and equipped to handle protracted periods of conflict in a wide range of conditions.  However, civilians usually lack the resources that armed forces have.  As we have seen in Syria, this means widespread suffering on a wide scale.  In the event of armed conflict (civil war, insurgency, revolution, warfare between nation-states, etc.) its in your interest to prepare in order to survive.

In the grand scheme of things, the threat of war is less probable than severe weather, power outages, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or other calamities.  If the DPRK ever used nuclear weapons, their country would suffer ruin as the US and its allies would rain destruction (in the form of nuclear weapons) upon their nation.  China would also cut off the oil supply to North Korea meaning millions would die of radiation poisoning, in the cold, in darkness, whilst starving.  This would represent the end of Kim Jong-Un and the military that keeps him in power, which is why I don’t think the NORKs would risk everything in a futile attempt at militarily defeating South Korea.

While I don’t believe much will come of the latest events in Korea, I am preparing for the worst.  We will hear of wars and rumors of war until the end of time, its a part of the human condition.  Take some time today though to make sure you have food, water, light, shelter, and medicine to get through an unexpected event.  Anything steps you take now will make a bad situation less traumatic and enable you to recover faster from it.  The bad news is that there will always be aggressive nation-states like the North Korea around, the good news is you can mitigate the threat they pose by being ready.  Preparation fosters confidence and confidence produces calm, so get ready and know that you are taking active measure to ensure your future.