7 Ways to Protect Your Family on the 4th: FBI Alert Plan
Get your plan together before going to celebrations today
In the spirit of independence, Americans across the nation will gather to celebrate our freedoms on July 4th. While this day represents the birth of our great nation and calls for celebration, it also demands vigilance.
Large gatherings can present security challenges in today's uncertain world. Especially in light of on-going warnings from the DHS and FBI that terrorist attacks on the homeland are imminent. You can thank the illegitimate Biden Admin flooding our country with unvetted illegals, many of whom are known terrorists.
We are Americans and we are not going to cower in fear. However, as responsible citizens who value both liberty and safety, we must take practical steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Here are seven tactical approaches to ensure your Independence Day remains joyful and secure.
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1. Develop a Comprehensive Situational Awareness Strategy
The foundation of personal security begins with situational awareness - the practice of being conscious of your surroundings and potential threats. This isn't about paranoia; it's about preparation.
When arriving at any celebration venue, take a moment to observe the environment. Note the crowd density, behavior patterns, and any unusual activities. Position yourself where you can maintain visual control of your surroundings, preferably with your back to a wall and a clear view of main entrance points.
Teach your family members, especially children, to be observant without being fearful. Create a simple code word that signals them to immediately return to you if spoken. Establish regular check-ins if family members separate during the event.
Avoid becoming absorbed in your phone. The digital distraction dramatically reduces your awareness of subtle environmental changes that might signal danger. Consider designating one family member as the "security scanner" who remains particularly vigilant while others enjoy the festivities, rotating this responsibility throughout the day.
Remember Cooper's Color Code system: Condition Yellow represents relaxed alertness - the ideal state for public gatherings. You're enjoying yourself while maintaining peripheral awareness of your surroundings.
2. Map Multiple Exit Routes Immediately Upon Arrival
Within the first five minutes of arriving at any venue, identify at least three potential exit routes. Don't rely solely on the main entrance, as this becomes a dangerous bottleneck during emergencies. Look for side doors, service exits, and less obvious pathways that lead to safety.
Mentally rehearse using these exits. Consider potential obstacles that might arise and how you would overcome them. Would you need to navigate stairs? Cross a crowd? Move through narrow spaces?
If indoors, locate emergency exit signs. If outdoors, identify clear paths away from the main event area that don't funnel into tight spaces or dead ends. Share this information with every member of your group, ensuring everyone knows multiple ways to leave quickly if necessary.
3. Establish Primary and Secondary Meeting Points
Before the celebration begins, designate two specific meeting locations for your group. The primary location should be easily accessible and identifiable within the venue - "the large oak tree near the west entrance" or "the information booth by the food vendors."
The secondary location should be farther away, perhaps several blocks from the event, in case the primary location becomes inaccessible or compromised. This might be "the gas station at Main and Oak" or "the library parking lot."
Ensure every family member, including children, can identify these locations and understand when to move from the primary to the secondary meeting point. For younger children, consider writing your phone number and the meeting locations on a card tucked into their pocket or using a temporary safety tattoo with this information.
4. Implement a Communication Redundancy Plan
Cell networks often become overwhelmed during large events, making communication difficult precisely when it's most needed. Establish a communication strategy that doesn't rely solely on cellular service.
Consider investing in simple two-way radios for your group. These provide reliable short-range communication even when cell networks fail. Establish clear communication protocols - when to check in, what information to share, and how to confirm everyone's safety.
Pre-write text messages that can be sent quickly in an emergency. Simple messages like "Meet at Point A" require less bandwidth than phone calls and may go through when calls won't connect. Agree on specific times to check locations if communications fail entirely.
5. Dress and Pack Strategically
Your clothing and accessories should balance celebration with practicality. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for extended standing and quick movement if necessary. Avoid flip-flops or restrictive footwear that would impede rapid exit.
Consider wearing distinctive clothing that makes family members easily identifiable in crowds - matching hats or similar colored shirts can help maintain visual contact.
Carry a compact "go-bag" containing essentials: water bottles, energy bars, basic first aid supplies, a small flashlight, battery bank for phones, and any necessary medications. A lightweight rain poncho serves double duty - protection from weather and potential visual screening if needed.
6. Exercise Your Second Amendment Rights Responsibly
For those legally permitted to carry concealed firearms through proper Concealed Weapons Permits, Independence Day events present situations where this constitutional right might prove vital for family protection. However, this tremendous responsibility demands proper preparation.
Ensure your firearm is carried in an appropriate holster that provides both security and accessibility. Dress appropriately to conceal your weapon without printing. Remember that some public venues may prohibit firearms regardless of your permit status - know and respect these legal boundaries.
If carrying, maintain heightened awareness of your surroundings and potential threats. Your goal is deterrence and protection, not engagement. The best defensive scenario is one where your weapon remains holstered and unknown to others.
For those who choose not to carry firearms, consider legal alternative defensive tools appropriate to your training level and local regulations, such as tactical flashlights or defensive sprays where permitted.
7. Develop and Practice a Family Action Plan
Create a simple, clear action plan for various emergency scenarios. This doesn't require elaborate preparations - just straightforward instructions for what each family member should do in specific situations.
For example, if separated during a sudden emergency:
Children stay where they are if safe to do so; parents will find them
If movement is necessary, proceed to primary meeting point
If primary meeting point is inaccessible, move to secondary location
If communications are down, check meeting points at predetermined times
Practice these procedures before the event. Even a brief "tabletop" discussion helps cement these protocols in everyone's mind. Consider creating wallet-sized cards with essential instructions for younger family members.
Conclusion
American independence was secured through vigilance and preparation. We honor that legacy by approaching our celebrations with the same mindful readiness. These security measures need not diminish your enjoyment of Independence Day - in fact, they provide the peace of mind that allows for true celebration.
The greatest gift of freedom is the ability to protect what matters most - our families and communities. By implementing these seven tactical approaches, you ensure that your Fourth of July remains focused on celebration rather than concern, all while honoring the vigilant spirit that made America great.
May your Independence Day be blessed with both joy and security as we celebrate the precious liberty that defines our nation.
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Chris Heaven, CEO
Survival Dispatch
Great summary Chris! Thank you for all you do!