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As groundbreaking leaders in personal security and risk management for travelers, we stand ready to equip and serve as you are called to the ends of the Earth.
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ARE YOU PREPARED?
Faith-based guidance and practice in prevention, protection, interaction, and survival
Vertical Divider
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Collaborative workshops on assessing risks, mitigating crises, and managing contingencies
Vertical Divider
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Partner together to provide 24/7 emergency access, consultation, and threat analysis
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NEWS FOR YOU
YES! SIGN ME UP FOR THE “Too-Good-To-Be-True” TRAVEL DEAL
Many travelers are being increasingly targeted by scams offering unbelievably low prices on flights, accommodations, or vacation packages. These scams often come in the form of phishing emails or fraudulent websites that mimic trusted travel agencies. Unsuspecting travelers, enticed by the promise of a dream vacation at a fraction of the cost, may inadvertently share sensitive personal or financial information, only to later discover that the deal was fictitious and funds have been stolen. Here's one for you: Imagine receiving an email advertising a limited-time luxury resort package at an irresistible discount. The email appears professional, with a link directing you to a website that closely resembles that of a well-known travel company. Trusting the source, you enter your credit card details to secure the offer. Shortly after, you find out that the resort doesn't exist and your card has been charged without any legitimate service provided. How to Mitigate or Avoid This Scam: • Verify Website Authenticity: Always check the URL for secure indicators (https://) and compare it with the official website of the travel company. • Directly Contact Providers: If you receive a suspicious deal, call the travel agency or hotel directly using a phone number or obtained from their verified website. • Be Wary of Urgency: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly. Take your time to research and verify before making any payments. • Use Secure Payment Methods: Opt for credit cards or payment services with strong fraud protection policies, which can help you recover funds if a scam occurs. Stay vigilant. |
TIPS & ADVICE
IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR!
New Year resolutions have already been compromised, RIGHT? So now is a good time to evaluate and implement some less thought about stuff. This year’s schedule of church events – you know - cantatas, pageants, and extra services. For most churches, that means a full house with unrecognizable faces during potential inclement weather. Every time a service comes together, there are safety concerns: Health issues, mental health problems, accidents, child safety, relationship conflicts, custody issues, fire/flooding/weather issues, etc.
I ask the following questions not to depress you, but to bring the situations to mind and make you think about preparing. Here are ten to get you started:
~ Do we have an emergency response plan that addresses weather, medical, fire, and mechanical failures?
~ Do we have an emergency response plan that can help prepare us for a violent event and other victimization incidents?
~ Has our team been trained to deal with conflict without using physical force or weapons?
~ Have we conducted an assessment to identify what areas of our ministry are most vulnerable?
~ Have we formed, trained, and equipped a safety team to handle emergencies that would include: evacuations, lockdowns, lockouts, first aid, and communication?
~ Does our team maintain certification training in CPR, basic First Aid, and AED?
~ Do we regularly conduct drills and exercises to practice what we intend to do during and after a crisis?
~ Have we implemented security monitoring equipment (i.e. cameras, alarms, intercoms, etc.) to help ensure the safety and communication of our members?
~ Does our team have primary and secondary means to communicate during emergencies in order to manage crowd movement (i.e. radios, intercoms, alarms, etc.)?
~ Do we regularly communicate with our congregation about what to do in the event of an emergency?
~ Do they know when and how to evacuate and where to rally together? Have we planned for the disabled and nursery?
Check out our classes on Church Safety and Risk Management for further discussions, practices, and collaboration.
New Year resolutions have already been compromised, RIGHT? So now is a good time to evaluate and implement some less thought about stuff. This year’s schedule of church events – you know - cantatas, pageants, and extra services. For most churches, that means a full house with unrecognizable faces during potential inclement weather. Every time a service comes together, there are safety concerns: Health issues, mental health problems, accidents, child safety, relationship conflicts, custody issues, fire/flooding/weather issues, etc.
I ask the following questions not to depress you, but to bring the situations to mind and make you think about preparing. Here are ten to get you started:
~ Do we have an emergency response plan that addresses weather, medical, fire, and mechanical failures?
~ Do we have an emergency response plan that can help prepare us for a violent event and other victimization incidents?
~ Has our team been trained to deal with conflict without using physical force or weapons?
~ Have we conducted an assessment to identify what areas of our ministry are most vulnerable?
~ Have we formed, trained, and equipped a safety team to handle emergencies that would include: evacuations, lockdowns, lockouts, first aid, and communication?
~ Does our team maintain certification training in CPR, basic First Aid, and AED?
~ Do we regularly conduct drills and exercises to practice what we intend to do during and after a crisis?
~ Have we implemented security monitoring equipment (i.e. cameras, alarms, intercoms, etc.) to help ensure the safety and communication of our members?
~ Does our team have primary and secondary means to communicate during emergencies in order to manage crowd movement (i.e. radios, intercoms, alarms, etc.)?
~ Do we regularly communicate with our congregation about what to do in the event of an emergency?
~ Do they know when and how to evacuate and where to rally together? Have we planned for the disabled and nursery?
Check out our classes on Church Safety and Risk Management for further discussions, practices, and collaboration.
TRAVELING = Eyes Open For Theft
In crowded tourist areas, thieves may create a distraction to steal from you while you're focusing elsewhere. The thieves may pickpocket from you or your bag or take items you've put on a table.
Remember that there are MULTIPLE ways to distract you, which can include:
~ A crowd of beggars or street salesmen who are coming up to you
~ An offer or a request for help from someone you don't know
~ A "friendly stranger" coming to your table to chat at an outdoor cafe.
So, to help reduce your risk of theft:
~ Stay alert in areas where pickpocketing is common
~ Treat any unusual event as a potential theft attempt
~ Put any valuables in pockets that are harder to reach
~ Use a tamper-proof backpack or handbag
~ Don't put your phone or wallet on the table or hang your bag on a chair while you eat outdoors.
Some of these you may say are No-Brainers, DUH!
Unfortunately sooo many people still fall victim because of distractions or friendliness though.
Keep Your Guard Up
In crowded tourist areas, thieves may create a distraction to steal from you while you're focusing elsewhere. The thieves may pickpocket from you or your bag or take items you've put on a table.
Remember that there are MULTIPLE ways to distract you, which can include:
~ A crowd of beggars or street salesmen who are coming up to you
~ An offer or a request for help from someone you don't know
~ A "friendly stranger" coming to your table to chat at an outdoor cafe.
So, to help reduce your risk of theft:
~ Stay alert in areas where pickpocketing is common
~ Treat any unusual event as a potential theft attempt
~ Put any valuables in pockets that are harder to reach
~ Use a tamper-proof backpack or handbag
~ Don't put your phone or wallet on the table or hang your bag on a chair while you eat outdoors.
Some of these you may say are No-Brainers, DUH!
Unfortunately sooo many people still fall victim because of distractions or friendliness though.
Keep Your Guard Up
