http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/07/10/multiple-fatalities-in-houston-area-shooting/
TRUST NOBODY WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR SAFETY; That is the lesson I have been teaching my kids for some time. Now, since this tragic story came out, I have had to ammend that lesson to include: DON’T TRUST SOMEBODY JUST BECAUSE THEY HAVE A UNIFORM ON EITHER!
These lessons are self-explanatory for most CO’s, but I think the lesson here pertains to how we train our kids to be safe. In the above story, you have to hand it to the 15 year old survivor, the alarm bells went off and she tried to close the door on the guy, but the asshole kicked his way in.
Speaking from a pure security standpoint, the best overall policy is not to allow any delivery or service people INSIDE your home, unless it is absolutely necessary. When conversing with somebody outside your door, the most ideal scenario is to have an intercom system, the next is to identify with the peephole and talk through the door without opening it. In the era of home invasions, kids must be taught that the front door of the home must be considered the “Castle Gate”. The policy at my house is simple: The door is opened to NO STRANGERS, period. All the people that belong in this house should have a key. As an extra precaution, it is smart to reinforce ALL your doors and make them “kick-proof”.
Looking at this from a different angle, think about how many times a uniformed Fed-Ex or UPS delivery person comes to a place of business every day? Is this not an ideal way for a person with criminal intent to enter un-noticed? Maybe a disgruntled ex-wife or husband in the middle of a heated custody battle? or maybe just an active shooter with some perverted fantasy to play out. The “uniformed impostor” could also carry with him several “boxes” on a dolly filled with weapons/ammo and other related gear for his planned criminal activity. Just another reason to be aware of your environment and be cognizant of the people who typically come and go into your place of business. Never be ashamed to ask for credentials or ID when you are in doubt, better to piss somebody off than for another senseless tragedy to happen.
Stay Aware, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!!
Agreed on all counts. My family knows the rules. Sadly, I was the last person to open the door to a solicitor. I paid the price, since he was from VIVINT, and was subjected to the most ill-conceived sales pitch I have ever heard. Had to run him off since he wouldn’t shut up. Could have been worse, though.
On another note, the sad situation with the mass-shooting was it was not far from me and was around the corner from where my wife used to work. Imposters have it easier now, ESP with many folks buried in their smartphones. New people milling about get MUCH LESS scrutiny than when I grew up.