How to prevent attacks with better security - Part 1

In this article, I will try and give you a better idea on how to protect what is most probably your most valuable asset, your home and your family. The ideas and hints given will assist you in approaching the security issues around your premises in a practical manner that will help you to become more security conscious if you are not already that way inclined.

Step 1

DEVELOP A SECURITY MINDSET

Your mindset will ultimately become your most important defence mechanism against an attack on your property. You and your entire household need to become critically security conscious if you are to stand even the remotest chance against an attack. This is not something that happens overnight. It either takes a concerted effort over a period, or a breach/tragedy for your mindset to change. 

Psychological professionals have determined that it takes the average person 21 days to form a habit. With that being said and done, through regular discussion, a new habit will be formulated, and everyone will become more security conscious over as relatively short period of time.

WHAT TOPICS SHOULD YOU FOCUS ON

As with most things in life, it is not the “rocket science” stuff, but every day seemingly non-essential talk or going back to basics if you wish to sum it up as such. Here are a couple of good examples:

• Are the security doors closed and locked?

• Do you keep your cell phone on your person?

• Are you aware as to where the dogs are?

• Have you noticed any strangers in the immediate area?

• Are ALL firearms securely locked away?

• Is cash kept at home, kept to a minimum?

• Are you wearing expensive jewellery that may attract attention?

By practicing these seemingly small ideas on a regular basis, you will eventually fall into the habit of “ticking all the boxes” and in so doing you will inadvertently be minimising your risk/loss.

WORK HARD ON DEVELOPING THAT SECURITY MINDSET. IT COULD BE YOUR SAVING GRACE.

In determining your risk profile, you need to look at what it is that you want to secure. Secondly, attach a level importance to each item on your list. This assists you in knowing your vulnerabilities and allows you to address these in order of importance and in a systematic manner.

There is no perfect way of dealing with this, and the methodology will differ from person to person and family to family. One will need to take various factors into account, budget, time, feelings of others all need to be considered.

The plan of action should also be a flexible document and should be able to change quickly, as and when circumstances require.

THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT THOUGH IS 

(A) TO HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE AND 

(B) TO MAKE A START.