Can you believe it, 2017 is almost done? This has been a wild year hasn’t it? From the New England Patriots epic Super Bowl comeback to the horrific shooting in Las Vegas, 2017 has been quite a year. As we look forward to next year, let’s make some secure resolutions for 2018.
Prepare for Active Shooter Events
I’m afraid that the defining moment of 2017 is going to be the appalling shooting in Las Vegas. I pray there won’t be anything like that in 2018. I hope that this was a once in a lifetime event. While statistically rare, it is important to be mentally ready for an active shooter event.
To be honest, all these months later, I’m not sure I fully comprehend everything that happened that night in Las Vegas. I do know that we don’t talk about it or Sutherland Springs anymore. That stems from America’s nonchalant attitude with violence. If we as parents want to prevent mass shootings in the future, we need to change our perspective today.
Watch What You Post Online
If 2017 has taught us anything it is that social media is brutal at times. From fake news to ripping your friends apart for their political views, social media is now anything but social. As we start this new year, be mindful of how your vacation social media posts can set your family up for crime.
Don’t post pictures of you relaxing at the beach if you live in Kansas. People will figure out real quick that your house is empty. While you may trust your friends with this information you never know who your friends are letting use their phones. You can’t be 100% certain that bad guys won’t see your posts.
Read A Book
Reading a book is always a good idea. There are several books about safety and situational awareness. These will give you the information you need to better understand the people, events and reactions around you. In 2018 I plan to release my own book on family protection.
Today, I recommend Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps’ Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life. This is THE book on how to see trouble before it strikes.
Understand Situational Awareness
I’ve written about situational awareness many times in 2017. I feel it’s vital to your family to be able to see and respond to trouble before it starts. In January of this year I wrote a 5 part series on Situational Awareness for Families. This guide walks you through what situational awareness is and how it can keep your family safe.
Get Training
In 2017 I wrote about my experience in self defense training. It was a reality check for me. I found out exactly how much I didn’t know about keeping myself safe. But I learned what to do and how act when things went sideways. Today I'm better prepared to protect myself and my family.
In 2018 I challenge you to get real, hands on emergency training. It can be hand to hand self defense, firearm training or first aid - whatever you feel comfortable with. Resolve yourself to be more prepared in the coming year.
Thank you for your support in 2017; it has been a fantastic year for The Secure Dad. Your support means the world to me. There are more great things to come in 2018 like a Secure Dad book! Stay up to date will everything with The Secure Dad Newsletter.
