EMERGENCY RISK REDUCTION

Human-induced, or man-made, disasters are the other major category, other than ‘natural’, in which we categorize disaster events. We looked at natural disasters last month. While focusing on human-induced tragedies, I’ve decided to concentrate on some of the violent attacks on ordinary citizens. They are not exactly disasters, but very much are events that impact lives.  Excuse the pun, but they seemed to happen in rapid fire throughout 2015. Below are some USA examples:

• Shooting at a Charleston, SC church in June, with 9 African-American fatalities.
• Shooting at an Armed Forces Recruiting Center and nearby facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. in July, with 5 Marines and Navy personnel fatalities.
• Shooting at a Colorado Springs, Colorado Planned Parenthood Clinic in November, with 3 fatalities.
• Shooting in May in Garland, Texas, where an art exhibit depicting the Prophet Mohammed was on display at the Curtis Culwell Center, with two fatalities. Noteworthy is that this is the first attack confirmed by the Muslim group ISIS on US soil.
• Shooting in August in Harris Country, Texas (Houston suburb) as a domestic disturbance, resulting in the death of 6 children and 3 adults. This was sadly similar to a July 2014 shooting in Harris County by a former spouse, resulting in the death of 4 children and 2 adults.
• Shooting by a suicide killer at a Lafayette, La. theatre, resulting in two deaths of moviegoers.
• Stabbing at UC Merced in California by an 18 year old confessed “extremist Muslim” student, in which four random persons were wounded. Noteworthy as a possible “lone wolf” attack and ISIS sympathizer.
• Shootout in May at a Waco, Texas restaurant between two biker gangs and affiliates, resulting in 9 bikers killed and 18 injured, with accusations of random shooting by responding police.

The above does not include alleged “terrorist” plots that were foiled in 2015, such as a beheading plot and two pressure cooker plot incidents in Boston and New York. All of the above are clearly human-induced, and have darkened the quality of life for many in the US. Reaction is mixed.

Here in Canada, I witness too much ‘sniping’ due to these news reports south of the border. The ease to obtain guns, number of killings, degree of violence. Considering there is 10x the population in the US vs. Canada, I don’t think there’s a statistical difference. Extreme violence is in Canada, though not quite as lethal. Stabbings are the modus operandi. Firearms are as easy to obtain here as in the US for those who will use them illegally. And for legal use, i.e. hunter or sportsperson, the firearm registration and background check should be applied in both countries but not onerously. 

One side has the sentiment that the only true protection against a shooting event is protection through ‘carrying’.  The other side is for full ‘gun control’. The first camp believes that those with criminal intent can easily get and use guns. The latter camp believes that guns kill. Get rid of them.” The former camp says, “Guns don’t kill. People kill.” Harsh penalties for those committing gun crimes, possibly including the death penalty. The latter camp says, “Prisons are full of them. It’s not a deterrent.” The former: “What about those violent videos and cop shows that can distort fantasy from reality in impressionable young minds?” The latter camp says, “Where’s the evidence?”

 The debate rages. “My position?” you may ask. Firstly, I’ll assume that you, the reader, are not of a criminal mind. Secondly, my life involves preparing for emergencies. I sadly consider that the above examples illustrate an emergency in today’s world.  Therefore we must prepare. Situational awareness is important. Use common sense. Stay from situations that might escalate violently. 

For a person of sound mind and maturity with training, familiarity, respect of, and knowledge of safeguarding for firearms, I see no downside to owning one. Without these criteria being met, forget it.  You are much more likely to be caught up in one of a myriad of other emergencies or disasters, than one involving a mass shooting.  Although it makes for sensational 6PM news, it’s far down the list of emergencies to prepare for in 2016.

Let’s get our priorities for the next year straight. I am here to assist you.

Thanks for reading.