Shooter in the lobby

A Secure Workplace: A Right, Not a Privilege

Shooter in the lobbyFebruary 25, 2015

Personal Protection / Safety & Security / tips - By: Multibrand Media

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:

Finding yourself in the middle of an active shooter situation is as dangerous as it is terrifying. If you keep your head up, stay calm and use your brain, common sense can keep you alive.

Tips by Tom F. Hughes

      • Always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for imminent danger. Know the people with whom you work, and do your best to identify strangers or those who don’t belong. If a situation makes your hair stand on end, listen to your instincts. Get away from the area as quickly and quietly as possible.
      • Locate the two nearest exits to any location you visit. This tactic is good in any emergency situation.
      • In the workplace or any office building, go to a room, turn off the lights, and lock the door. If you are on a bottom floor and the room contains an outside window, use whatever you have on hand to break the window and exit the building. But remember, noise will attract the interest of bad guys, so make sure that you can make a clean get away. Otherwise, hide in the dark room. If you can, use a cell phone to call 911 to notify first responders.
      • If you are in a hallway or lobby and hear shots, immediately take cover in a room, as in Step #3. If you believe that the hallway or lobby is close to a safe escape route, use it. But remember, being caught in a hall or lobby makes you an easy target.
      • As a last resort, and ONLY as a last resort, try to disable the shooter. If a shooter is nearby and there is no chance to flee, your chances of survival improve if you engage the shooter by any means available. Golf clubs, baseball bats, chairs, table legs or any heavy object that you can swing or use to strike the shooter in the head, kneecaps or genitals, can be utilized as a weapon. Remember, this is a last resort, when no other options are available to you.

Staying safe in an active shooter situation is often a matter of luck, but planning and awareness can make the difference between a good and very bad day.

Safety training and education

Contact solutions@multibrandmedia.com or call +1 469.362.1423.

Robert Brndusic-Dedus is an Authorized Agent in Europe and Asia for all products offered by The MBMI Companies and its subsidiaries.  Robert lives and works in Central Europe. Tom Hughes is the Senior Consultant to Valoriant Safety, LLC under an exclusive contract agreement that provides his knowledge and skills to Valoriant Safety clients. Tom is available for training and speaking engagements.

Contact MBMI

Post by

Robert Brndušič-Deduš
Senior Advisor and Authorized Agent

Deduš is a new style communicator who founded Slovenia's Medija Servis, a European media consulting and research provider, operated and marketed by MultiBrand Media International since 2012. Robert's unique approaches to product research, positioning and marketing, talent development, and overall brand management, have been recognized by many of Europe's most influential media corporations.

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