Protecting your family and yourself is a daily importance. During times of crisis that need just got ramped up. Natural disasters, recessions, emergencies, etc. Layered security is exactly what it sounds like, it is what helps keep dangers furthest away from your family as possible. Think of it like an onion. Your family is the center, perimeter is the outer skin, and every layer in between is more distance and deterrence to keep you safe.
While most people think of security only at home, it must be thought of at all times. At home, at work, at school, shopping, vacation, etc. While all these scenarios look different, the one common denominator is Layer 1. The individuals in your family. No matter where you or your family are you need to create layers. I will cover these layers in future articles.
There are lots of opinions on the layers. Let's start off with the basic 3 D's: Deter, Delay, Defend. Like I mentioned above I will break these down in future articles, but these 3 basics hold true for all scenarios.
Deter- How do you deter? Deter starts off with what the military calls intel. intel is using intelligence of your surroundings of where you are currently or where you plan to be. If you are at home what is current situation in your neighborhood, has there been break-ins recently, are there tornado warnings, etc. If you are going shopping are you going to the grocery store, are you going to the mall, or downtown. Where I am originally from malls have a lot of gang activity, if I had to go there I would be on high alert and try to go when they first open. If you're going on vacation I would try to avoid current problem areas such as cities with civil unrest, rioting, etc or countries that are having issues. So assess what is going on where you are or where you're going. Determine should you not go there and if you have to go what considerations do you need to take.
Next is avoid. Keep your house doors locked even when you're home, keep outside lights on at night, create a perimeter around your property like a fence or hedges. If you are out don't walk down the dark alley, If there are a gang a people you don't have a good feeling avoid them. Don't go out alone day or night, man or woman if you can.
Don't appear to be the prey. Walk boldly and purposely. Dress appropriately. Don't leave you new TVs empty box out at the road. Don't announce on social media you're going on vacation.
Delay- Delay the threat as much as possible to give you time to react. Gates, fence, security system in your house, good locks, cameras, etc. When you're out and about always look for ways to keep something between you and them if needed like shopping cart, a car, tables, etc.
Defend- As a last resort you should be prepared to physically defend yourself and your family. In my opinion carrying a handgun is the best option (if trained properly). If you don't feel comfortable with a handgun, get trained with other weapons, knives, your keys, mace, etc. I also believe you should have basic and ongoing training in some type of self defense. I think Krav Maga is one of the best options for this.
Don't forget about the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-18.
Watch for future blogs to break these layers down even more for your home and yourself.