A Safe State of Mind
In years past, you knew where your friends were by the pile of bikes outside of someones house. You came home when the street lights came on. Social media was two cans attached by a piece of string, or hand written notes. If you talked on the phone, you had the cord stretched as far as possible as you chatted to your friends until all hours. Or until someone stuck their finger on the hang up button. You had an allowance and probably went to the corner store by yourself at a young age to pick out your five cent treats. If you went out to eat, it may not have been as often, but you definitely didn’t have a care in the world as your family sat around the restaurant table.
Sure – this sounds like ages ago, but I’m not that old and those things rang true of my childhood.
Things are changing. The times are changing. Society is changing.
Safety is becoming a hot topic. Almost a luxury that you can’t afford to live without. While years ago most people wouldn’t dream of having security at events, restaurants, lounges, weddings… things have changed and security is everywhere. Its becoming more common to have someone watch over your shoulder for you. While for a while, it was almost an annoyance to have protection and security, now its becoming an expectation.
In cities that never sleep, and even dozy little quiet corners of small suburban life – priorities are shifting. The news is fast to report every event, every tragic loss of life. And when this happens, there is a reaction. Reactions call for control, for more protection, for more security. People don’t just want these things, they expect them. Even in situations where precautions were already taken, people are very quick to judge. Were they enough? What could have been done better? What could have been done differently?
While security or whatever measures were in place, will always have a debriefing of sorts, society will hold their own debrief. A hugely critical and judgemental conversation that will be quick to point fingers, lay blame, and criticize. There will still be those that point out the good (always look for the ones to point out the good – the heroes – the helpers), majority of society probably finds it easier to take a negative spin.
In order to prevent as much of the finger pointing – at least in your direction – being preemptive is something that most places can’t afford not to do. Instead of reacting after the fact, take time to do your research, think of the possible situations yourself or your business could be placed in. Make a list of these possible things -and then decide how probable they are. Possible and Probable are two entirely different things. Is it possible for snow in July? Yes. Is it probable? No.
Planning ahead, making sure you have measures in place for possible events. These are the new priorities. Having a plan, and a back up plan. Having security on site to react immediately if necessary – not having to wait for someone to arrive. Not having to explain why measures weren’t in place previously.
While having on site security may not be on everyones ‘must have list’, nor might it be a part of everyones budget. There are some places where its becoming a priority. After news breaks, the need for security and preemptive measures increases. People don’t want bad publicity. They don’t want to be part of the next front page news article (unless its good). So after something happens, Security companies phones start ringing more then ever.
Don’t be a part of the aftermath. Don’t settle on whoever happened to pick up the phone in your frenzy for looking for help. Take your time – do your research – read the reviews. These steps will speak volumes for your business and the relationship you have with your staff, your clients or guests, and the security team you pick. There is a good fit when it comes to security and you, and there is a better fit. When you afford yourself to take the time to do your research, instead of rushing in and reacting, you’re doing yourself and others a favour.
Safety and security is a new state of mind, and being proactive instead of reactive will always be your best bet.
Guest Blogger Rayna Davies
Rayna Davies is a graduate and practitioner of Business Management. She has developed an expertise in blogging, covering subjects like travel, world events and security. Having grown up with a father who has developed an expertise in Physical Security and Executive Protection in the RCMP and two major corporations, she has personally observed and 
experienced many security details. These experiences have included personally meeting HM Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Jean Chretien and many celebrities. She presently assists Sentinel Security in Executive Protection workshops and guest blogging and also assists Gloprosec Preventative Services in Intelligence gathering and Business Administration. Her passions include World travel, having visited every continent. She currently is on maternity leave and providing daily close protection for a baby and a toddler and spending time with her husband who is a Police Officer.
