Don't Get Dead: Recent Episodes
G. David Craig
Practical security tips for a more trouble-free life experience. You can always listen here for free. Paid subscribers to Don't Get Dead at Substack also receive a transcript of the podcasts and a newsletter with extra info. Plus they obtain access to an on-demand personal or business security consultant. Get timely answers to your pressing security and safety questions and concerns. It's the most cost-effective way to gain access to professional security information and advice.
A bug-out bag, also known as a BOB, is a survival kit that you can take with you in case of an emergency. It should contain everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours, including food, water, shelter, first aid supplies, and other essential items.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Planning is the key to a safe and successful vacation.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Community policing is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of building relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. It is based on the idea that when police officers are seen as part of the community, they are more likely to be trusted and cooperated with by community members.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Youth crime is a serious problem that affects communities all over the world. It can have a devastating impact on victims, families, and communities. There are many factors that contribute to youth crime, including poverty, lack of education, mental illness, and exposure to violence.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
As technology continues to play a bigger role in our lives, it’s important to take steps to protect our personal data and information from cyber threats. Here are some tips on how to keep your data safe at home.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Self-defense is an important skill to have in order to protect yourself from physical harm. There are various options available to individuals who want to learn self-defense, including martial arts training, pepper spray, and weapons. So let’s consider some of the most common self-defense options available.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Creating an emergency preparedness kit is an important step in ensuring that you and your loved ones are prepared for unexpected emergencies or disasters. A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifeline during a crisis, providing essential supplies to help you survive and stay safe until help arrives.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
House of worship security is an important aspect of any religious organization's operations. With the rise of incidents of violence in such locations, it has become crucial for religious institutions to ensure the safety and security of their congregations, staff, and visitors. This can be achieved through a combination of threat assessment, physical design, and security measures.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
In times of crisis or emergency situations, contacting the police for assistance is often necessary. However, making an effective call to the police can be challenging, especially when emotions are running high. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to make an effective call to the police for service. Below are some essential tips to consider when contacting the police:
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Workplace violence is a term used to describe any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other forms of aggressive behavior that occur in or around the workplace. It can be committed by employees, customers, clients, or anyone else. Workplace violence can cause harm not only to the victims but also to other employees, the organization, and its reputation.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
With the increasing prevalence of online shopping, it is important to know how to shop safely both online and in real life. Shopping is a fun activity, but it can also pose safety risks if proper precautions are not taken. In this article, we will provide tips on how to shop more safely both online and in real life.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
An active shooter situation is a terrifying and life-threatening event that can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you are at work, school, shopping, or on the street, it is important to be prepared and know how to respond to an active shooter.
COPE / COVER – OBSERVE – PLAN - EXECUTE
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Vehicle, driver, and passenger security are important aspects of car ownership. Whether driving on the road or parked in a lot, it is essential to take steps to keep yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle safe. There are various measures you can take to ensure that your car is secure and protected from theft or other potential dangers.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Home security is a crucial aspect of modern living and technology has provided a range of options to ensure the safety of our homes. There are various types of home alarm and camera systems available for residential surveillance and protection, each with its own set of features and benefits.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
CPTED, or Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through the design and use of physical space. Our recent episode on CPTED was an overview of the topic. The cornerstone of CPTED is natural surveillance, which refers to the ability to see and be seen by others in a given area. It’s deserving of a deeper dive so here’s what you need to know about this topic that is essential for your security and safety.
Natural surveillance involves the use of natural and artificial lighting, landscaping, and building design to increase visibility and create a sense of observation within an area. When applied properly, natural surveillance can act as a deterrent to criminal activity, as individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior if they know that they are being watched.
Utilizing natural surveillance at your home can be a simple and effective way to improve security and reduce the risk of criminal activity. Here are some tips for utilizing natural surveillance at your home:
- Increase visibility: Ensure that your home and surrounding property are well-lit, both inside and outside. Install motion-sensor lights and strategically placed windows to increase visibility and help deter criminal activity. Never block windows with curtains or blinds. Your front door should be clearly visible from the street. Most people passing by your home will be law abiding and of goodwill. The ability for them to see that things are safe greatly enhances your security.
- Landscaping: Use landscaping to enhance visibility and create a clear line of sight around your home. Avoid planting tall shrubs or trees that could block windows or provide cover for intruders.
- Building design: Consider the design of your home and how it relates to natural surveillance. For example, windows that face the street or a common area can help increase visibility and act as a deterrent to criminal activity.
- Neighborhood watch: Get involved in your local neighborhood watch program and encourage your neighbors to do the same. Working together, you can create a strong sense of community and increase natural surveillance of your neighborhood.
- Technology: Utilize technology, such as security cameras or smart home systems, to enhance natural surveillance at your home. These systems can provide an extra layer of security and help you monitor your home even when you are away.
By implementing these tips, you can create a secure and well-surveilled environment at your home that can help deter criminal activity and increase your sense of safety and security. However, it's important to remember that natural surveillance is just one component of a comprehensive security plan and should be combined with other measures, such as locks, alarm systems, and common sense practices, to provide maximum protection.
In conclusion, natural surveillance is a key concept within CPTED that can be utilized at your home to improve security and deter criminal activity. By increasing visibility, using landscaping, building design, and technology, you can create a secure and well-surveilled environment that promotes safety and security.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Scams are becoming increasingly prevalent in our modern world, with sophisticated scammers using a variety of methods to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting individuals. Recognizing and avoiding scams is crucial in protecting yourself and your assets.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a concept that focuses on using physical design and the arrangement of buildings, spaces, and landscapes to reduce crime and improve safety. It has been widely used in urban planning and architecture, but it can also be applied to individual homes. By incorporating CPTED principles into the design of your residential home, you can create a safer and more secure living environment for yourself and your family.
Here are some ways to implement CPTED in your residential home:
- Control access to your home: By controlling access to your home, you can limit the number of people who have access to your property. You can do this by installing a sturdy fence or gate around your property, and making sure that it is locked when not in use. Privacy fencing should be avoided. A fence you can see through enhances natural surveillance and deters criminals. Locking windows and doors is also important, as it makes it more difficult for intruders to gain access to your home. Utilize deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. This includes the door to an attached garage.
- Increase visibility: Visibility is an important factor in deterring crime. By increasing the visibility of your home and surrounding areas, you can make it more difficult for criminals to operate unnoticed. You can achieve this by trimming trees and bushes that obstruct views, installing lighting around your property, and keeping windows and doors free from obstructions such as curtains and blinds. Observe the 2’ 6’ rule. No bush should grow higher than 2 feet and no tree canopy should descend lower than 6 feet.
- Create a sense of territoriality: Creating a sense of territoriality, or a feeling of ownership and control over your property, can help to deter criminals. This can be achieved by planting flowers and other plants, putting up signs that identify your property, and installing decorative elements such as sculptures or murals. Guide visitors along approved routes with pathways to entrances.
- Promote natural surveillance: Natural surveillance refers to the ability of people to observe what is happening in their environment. You can promote natural surveillance by placing windows and doors in areas that are visible from the street or other common areas, and by encouraging neighbors to keep an eye on each other's properties.
- Make the environment attractive: A well-designed and attractive environment can help to reduce crime and increase safety. By adding elements such as flowers, trees, and other plants, you can make your home and property more visually appealing and create a sense of community.
- Use technology: Technology can be an effective tool for enhancing security and reducing crime. You can install security cameras, alarms, and smart home systems to monitor your property and alert you if something is amiss. Video doorbells are a great enhancement to home safety.
- Get to know your neighbors: Getting to know your neighbors can be an effective way to reduce crime in your community. By working together and sharing information, you can help to create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
In conclusion, CPTED is a powerful tool that can be used to create a safer and more secure residential home. By incorporating its principles into the design of your property, you can reduce the risk of crime and increase your sense of security. By working together with your neighbors and taking an active role in promoting safety in your community, you can help to create a safer and more livable environment for everyone.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Mind stating the state of your mind? Do what? No really, what is your state of mental awareness, preparedness, and rest for that matter? That brain of yours is constantly receiving input through your senses along with thoughts generated within your neural network. Seemingly random images, recollections, projections, and predictions. A myriad of emotions affecting our mental processes. Then there are dreams which have been purported to be a mechanism for making sense of your lived experience. A lot going on at any given moment. The decisions you make may result in a vast improvement in your happiness, contentment safety, security, health, and wealth. Or the untimely end of your life.
The human mind is an incredibly powerful tool that can be used for self-defense in a variety of ways. By being aware of your surroundings and paying attention to potential dangers, you can take steps to avoid or mitigate them. Additionally, by developing good perception and observation skills, you can pick up on subtle cues and signals that may indicate danger or a potential threat.
By visualizing yourself in potentially dangerous situations and practicing different responses, you can increase your confidence and ability to react quickly and effectively in real-life situations. In an emergency seconds count. Having a game plan in place for a variety of potential emergencies will greatly improve the speed at which you process and react to the ongoing event and very importantly the quality of your response.
To keep your mind in top form, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and meditation can help to improve focus and concentration, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Taking steps to improve your sleep quality, such as creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can also help to improve overall cognitive function. Additionally, reading, learning a new skill, and engaging in other mentally stimulating activities can help to keep your mind sharp and alert.
Finally, it is important to remember that the mind and body are connected, and what you do to take care of your physical health will also have a positive impact on your mental health. So taking care of your physical health is also key to good brain function.
In summary, your mind is your best self-defense tool as it allows you to be aware, perceive and visualize potential dangers, and take action to protect yourself. Keeping your mind in top form requires maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities. Think about it.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and comprehend information about the environment and oneself in order to anticipate and respond effectively to potential threats or hazards.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Staying calm during an emergency can help a person to think more clearly and make better decisions in a high-stress, rapidly-changing environment. When a person is calm, they are better able to process information, assess the situation, and make accurate and appropriate decisions. Additionally, staying calm can help a person to maintain control over their emotions, which can help them to avoid impulsive or panicked reactions. This is particularly important in combat situations, where a hasty decision or action can result in injury or death.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
An ambush is a surprise attack by people laying in wait in a concealed position.
There are several steps a person can take to avoid an ambush attack:
Building upon highlights of three recent episodes, Situational Awareness, Defensible spaces, and Presence play a big role in successful ambush avoidance.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Presence is the way one conducts or carries oneself including postures and gestures. Essentially, how you appear to others. It’s very powerful when projected properly and is hands down your best survival tool. Presence enables you to avert attacks by showing the image of a wolf or wolfdog rather than that of a sheep. Thugs are predators and rarely attack anyone with a confident or fearless bearing. They look for timidity and fear. That’s how they spot and select their victims. Never show fear in public as that is a green light for physical assaults and dog bites. Dogs bite fear. They can smell it. On a subliminal level so do people. Fear is often followed by an attack.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Are you being followed? What you can do about it in this episode of Don't Get Dead.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
In the Star Wars franchise, the "force" is an energy field that is wielded by certain characters who can harness its power. One of the abilities of those who are strong in the force is using the power of telekinesis, which allows them to move objects or people with their minds. This ability could potentially be used to repel threats by pushing them away or throwing them off balance.
Though physically moving people with your mind may be a bit of a stretch it’s certainly possible to influence others, and thereby their thoughts, movements, and actions, through the use of body language, presence, and nonverbal cues. These types of cues can be very powerful, as they can convey confidence, aggression, submission, or other emotions and intentions. In many cases, people are not even aware of the influence that these cues are having on themselves or others, as they are processed subconsciously.
There are specific ways that you can use body language and presence to enhance your safety. For example, maintaining eye contact and a relaxed posture can convey confidence and make you appear more attentive or fearless. On the other hand, avoiding eye contact and crossing your arms can make you appear untrustworthy, inattentive, or an easy target for an ambush.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
Are you considering gun ownership for personal protection? This interview with Jimmy Bell of Texas Ordnance Depot covers a lot of related concepts and issues.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
What you need to know to possibly recognize an impending terrorist attack.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
What's the plan? Find out here on this informative News Flash!
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
This episode focuses on the safety triangle. It’s a concept that I created after crunching the data from years of crime prevention training. We live in a very dynamic, interactive, 3-dimensional environment, subject to the vagaries of weather, our physical health, vehicle crashes, and attempted scams. Throw in downed power lines, snake bites, and the actions of violent criminals who seem to pop up more frequently than in recent memory and it’s easy to see that a lot can go wrong at any given time. But many of us are lulled into a state of disregard for danger because these troubles don’t materialize all that often. Most of the time things are just fine. Until they are not.
Overall, the Safety Triangle emphasizes the importance of being aware of your surroundings, having defenses in place to protect yourself, and being prepared to take appropriate actions in response to potential threats. By focusing on all three components of the Safety Triangle, individuals can increase their safety and feel more prepared to respond to potential hazards.
You can apply the safety triangle to any security-related concern. Awareness, Defenses, Responses. A formula for more peace of mind.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.
There is a dizzying display of violent crime all across America. During my endeavors as a reality TV crime reporter, police officer, and security consultant, I’ve noted that victims share an almost universal trait. They know nearly nothing about crime prevention. No surprise really, as that huge body of knowledge is only shared with a small group of highly trained specialists. Why is that? Beats me. Seems like avoiding violent crimes, property crimes, and scams are things that everyone would benefit from learning. Yet it’s an unknown unknown. And what you don’t know can kill you.
DON’T GET DEAD will take you on a journey to a more secure way of living. Bite-sized posts will build your knowledge base and introduce you to new concepts that will help keep you out of harm’s way. Crimes are rarely random. Usually, there are vulnerabilities encouraging the perpetrators to select specific targets. The appropriate mindset and lifestyle lessen criminal opportunities and can keep you much safer.
NOW is always the best time to learn how to not become a victim of crime. If you’ve been one you’ll be glad to know that this knowledge will make you feel much safer. If you are one of the few who haven’t yet suffered from a criminal event then we can help to extend your lucky streak with proven techniques.
Words to live by. Don't Get Dead.