In recent years, most media companies around the world have worried only about their IT safety measures. Since the Charlie Hebdo attacks this January, our perception of security in Europe, the knowledge that you were more likely to arrive home in one piece after a day’s work than not, that was always taken for granted, has changed. Now we nervously glance over our shoulders for suspicious characters, profiling, looking for a man in an overcoat on a hot day, just in case our media product might be understood by some idealist to be provocative. We no longer like to stay in the office by ourselves, and we certainly don’t feel welcoming towards uninvited guests in our office buildings.
Yes, times have changed. I’ve seen it. I watched a lone gunman enter a building, completely unchallenged, to shoot and kill two of friends and business associates.
The World has changed.
In many countries, Freedoms of Press and Speech that are necessary to create engaging entertainment, simply are not that “free” anymore.
Now we struggle for personal protection from an outside evil without a country, without a face, and without a conscience.
Safety comes in many forms; A policeman, young soldier, or government official. But what do we do when we are alone? What do we do on that unthinkable day when the shooter comes calling in our lobby?
How do we protect ourselves? Where can co-workers, customers, friends or families find shelter against these new threats?
Sure, we could buy a big dog to stand guard at our gates. But what do we do when the bark is silenced by a gunshot?
I am proud to be associated with MultiBrand Media International’s sister company, Valoriant Safety, LLC., as an Authorized Agent. The company has created a specialized education and training program for broadcasters, support personnel and management teams, that teaches you exactly what to do to ensure your safe return to your loved ones.
Every Valoriant Safety recommendation to a client, written plan or evaluation is approved by Thomas F. Hughes, II, a recently retired United States Secret Service Special Agent who protected from harm Presidents, Vice-Presidents, their families and some of the most interesting celebrities on the planet. Tom is also a noted counter-terrorism expert. When I am around him, I feel safe because he plans, he teaches, he educates and he trains, using techniques available only to those who protect the most coveted targets in the world. He also wears some VERY cool sunglasses.
So I asked Tom to provide me…and you…with the Top Five Ways to Protect Against the
Shooter In The Lobby.
Tom’s response: