Belgium Bombing Attack

Not to be left out, Belgium is now the victim of a coordinated terror attack. Bombs at major transport areas have crippled Brussels and most of Europe.

Twin blasts struck the departures area of Zaventem international airport, in the north-east of the city.
Another explosion hit the Maelbeek metro station in the city centre, close to several European Union offices.
The attacks come four days after the capture in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect in the jihadist attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015.
Reprisal? Yes sir it sure is.

 The new world norm is massive terror attacks in our political, business and cultural centers. What can we do to prevent such attacks? Very little. So if government, the police and anti terror experts can do little to protect us, what should "we" do?
You go back to the roots of personal safety.  Being suspicious of others my be the onset of paranoid behavior but it is the first step in survival. If our streets are to become a combat zone, then acting appropriate for a combat zone is called for.
It is not politically correct to profile others or accuse others without cause however what makes you feel uncomfortable counts. Believe yourself !
Do the math, a reexamination of the areas we live and work in should be done. Look at your neighborhood and asses how vulnerable it is to terror attack.  Are there any significant potential targets that might affect you directly or collaterally? Where do you work? Is it or other nearby locations near by a juicy target?
What critical infrastructure is near by? What important political targets are in your area or on route to home or work? Are there any high visibility targets near you, monuments, large malls, historic sites? Can these areas be avoided? Symbolism is not only important to terrorist planning, in order for the full effect to be realized, it is necessary. 
After doing your security assessment, what can you do to modify or insulate how a terror attack might affect you?
I have family in Belgium, my cousin works very near the attacked area.  He was not affected because he prefers to walk a few blocks instead of using the station. This could have saved his life.
Vary your routine to differ from the crowd, avoid "target" areas, plan alternatives, have options.

Have alternative shelter, travel and communication available to you. Be prepared to provide your own protection. Never discuss your plans with people other then family and friends.
Many parts of the free world are now a free fire zone, this is not an exaggeration. We can not live thinking that it can never happen to us....

RJ Mosca


 

11/13/2015 FRANCE ATTACKED !

While Islamic state supporters celibate, France morns.

With a death count of 158 at the time of this writing and guaranteed to climb, ISIS strikes the heart of the French people.  Attacks at a Stadium, Rock concert, Shopping area,  Restaurant in Paris have the French on high alert. French air space has been secured and the country is in effect locked down. Martial law is in affect.
The time has come to see this threat for what it really is.  This is a war, and with an enemy that is more then willing to die for the cause. We must be aware and conscience about who we trust, where we go, with who and how we travel.
Plan for emergencies yourself, routes out of public places, rally points, alternative transport, communication and defense. DO NOT depend on others to help or rescue you when these attacks hit home. Be prepared.
Be aware of target rich or likely places that might attract a terrorist attack. national monuments, large well televised events such as sports venues, concerts and tourist attractions. DO NOT use public transportation.

 Wherever possible keep a JIC (just in case) bag with you in your vehicle, first aide, extra clothes, flash light, pocket knife, rain jacket, sensible shoes etc. be prepared to move. You will more then likely be on foot so plan to be away from home for hours. Always have a well charged cell phone.

It is important that you stay focused and alert. Attacks may come from the most unexpected directions and in fact they probably will. The more unlikely the more dynamic you must be. Things will be chaotic and confusing. The time to think about what you might have to do is now. Consider scenarios when you make plans. What will you do if this happens, or if that happens. Think like a mad man....what would they do?

Its scary that we may have to change how we think, live and see the world but times are changing and we are compelled to change with them or risk becoming a victim too.

Urban Outskirts

Urban Outskirts :

Those areas of the world that are neither in nor out of society.  At the time of this writing, Eric Frein self-styled “survivalist” and killer of Pennsylvania State Trooper Bryon Dickson is still at large.

The man hunt goes on and has been burning through the man hours, equipment hours and tax payer dollars for the last fortnight. Things to consider when searching for or for that matter hiding from full scale search operations. Out of the way places are not that far away or hard to get to.

Being “on the lamb” requires cover and concealment to be sure but unless you have incredible resources, the need to resupply and gather intelligence is almost as important. Watch a homeless person for clues as to where to disappear and you might be surprised just how close out of the way places can be.

Deep forest is by far the best place to hide if you are of the right mind set and have a steely constitution, but the fact is most of us do not. The hardships of being in an escape and evasion scenario are much more stressful then people without training can cope with. Moreover today’s thermal imaging technology makes it very hard to hide in most non developed areas. Just ask Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev about how well this worked for him or Mexican drug mule trains how much they have had to dump because of helicopters so equipped.

Hiding in a crowd is great if you are unknown to others. This makes hiding in a small community impossible. The nice thing about Mayberry was they all knew each other. Trying to stay hidden here is like being the roach on the wedding cake.  Melting into the background of a busy city is very easy indeed if your image is not plastered on every newspaper, side of a bus and TV screen.

So if built up areas are out and wilderness areas are out where does a person dwell to evade detection and not be off the information / resupply grid? Ask a transient, they’ll tell you.…borders, cushions, high speed traffic areas.  These areas are good hiding places for a number of reasons. First they are not in town but are close. People do not spend time there; they pass through and usually at speed.  They are easy to keep under surveillance; a person can glean much information about search operations by observing the goings on in or on these areas and usually from a safe distance. Once searched, cleared and occupied by the search teams the “we cleared this area” mind set sinks in and the area becomes a viable hiding spot. This mind you will not last for long however.  Statistically the odds of someone cutting sign are good, but it might give the search team enough reason to believe the fox has slipped the coop, that would be the time to displace. Teams must keep assets here or patrols in these areas to ensure they are truly clear and stay clear.

Movement at night or during bad weather gives searchers one more obstacle to content with and a heightened awareness is necessary at these times. Areas around bridges, factories, warehouses have hidden places only the vagrants’ and rats know.

Farms and backyard gardens my attract midnight shoppers.  Farmers don’t watch Jimmy Fallon, they go to bed early and rise with the sun.  Dogs and pickup trucks equal guns and are not great places for criminals to venture too close to.  Restaurant and shopping mall dumpsters are a smorgasbord of supplies. Rivers and other waterways are natural hiding places / travel corridors; they provide both concealment and conveyance.  

How long a search will continue is hard to say. It is based on the severity of the circumstance. If you robbed the local Seven Eleven about two hours sounds about right, kill a member of law enforcement and rest assured the hunt never stops. Eric Frein will be found and justice served. It remains to be seen if it will be by a jury of his peers or at terminal velocity.

The COOL Factor....

The “COOL” factor can get you killed.

I have been involved in the wilderness survival / Prepper sub-culture for most of my life.  As a youth my time in the forest with my friends was an introduction to the lessons I would come to learn. Sports like hunting and fishing, trapping and snowshoeing as well as rock climbing and camping were the precursor to advanced survival skills.

I read every book available and was proud to transpose that knowledge to the real world, first to master the skill set and then to impress my friends.  Some of these friends also took to the same path but via a different trail. I am lucky to call many great woodsmen my friends. The time we spend together as a rowdy band of fools often turns into an unmatched cross training exorcise.

The norm these days is to pick up a magazine at the local mall for the latest hub bub on the art/skill/science of self-sufficiency.  The COOL factor is just so high.  The covers of some of these wonderful volumes of modern lore are such eye candy we just can’t help but pick one or two up.  Even the internet (YouTube) has become the latest venue for stand in or surrogate instruction. Now I’m not saying this is bad, indeed I myself love watching people share new ideas (or even old ones) it not only gives me pride in my fellow Brothers and Sisters but it allows me to learn  new ways to convey an idea.

But here’s the rub.  Some of these weekend warriors will have great photos or video showing gear that they HIGHLEY recommend. My issue is of course is most of this gear is new, unused; scratch free, clean and in retail packaging. What the heck?

Is this your first time using this stuff? What are you basing your opinion on?  Your lack of real testing or just legitimate use could get me killed if I rely on it.

Before I give any gear or technique the nod I want to use it….REALLY USE IT.  I have destroyed good gear. I’m not talking about destruction testing (although I think this type of testing is fantastic) I mean putting equipment to the test through hard labor. Knives are used, tents set up and left up, filters used in the nastiest types of water, miles of rough terrain go on my boots and packs and everything carried by them.  If an item fails after two years of hard use it has not failed…it has supplied two years of reliable service and I will report as much. Two months will give you the same report…if you are comfortable with two months of service so be it.  I do however USE the gear before I post a report.  So next time you see an article about a favorite knife, backpack or mess kit check the info closely. Look for signs of use and not just signs of cool.  The difference can save you some grief.

Stay Safe

RJ Mosca

Massive Quake Hits Napa 6.1

Well there will be more stomped grapes then ever this week in Napa California. The Earth Quake the shook 6 miles south/southwest of Napa will cost big time.

It wont take much to ROCK your world. Are you ready? Do you have an emergency kit? Relocation plan? Alternative communication / transport / access to cash?
We just had a strong rain storm in my area (N.Y. State) and the flooding and down trees caused a bit of trouble for the locals. Roads washed out, areas closed off to traffic, loss of power, families displaced.  It happens more often then you think and one day it could happen to YOU.  Have a plan, have a GO BAG, alternative (out of area) relocation / rendezvous plan.  Remember you may very likely be incommunicado so practice reacting without linking up.

Have cash on hand, have a backpack type kit "you can carry on foot", keep it in your car with a good pair of sneakers. Plan with family and friends to transport and shelter each other. Help others if you can, Be careful and stay safe.

Stay Strong California......our thoughts are with you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSdItuvBxc8

Here Comes IRENE and she's a big one

Hurricane IRENE is just two days away and the area emergency management planners are getting ready to meet her.
Although it has been a very long time since a hurricane has dramatically affected the Tri-state area NY/NJ/PA, it is still sound thinking to prepare for that "what if" factor.
NOW is the time to put your plans in place.
Gather those items you my need should the power fail. Get your shopping done NOW before the crowd and panic buying sets in.
Batteries, food, bottled water, gas for vehicles should be in good supply. Check for items around the home that may become missiles in high wind. Do Not park vehicles under tree limbs or power lines.
If you have elderly family or friends, neighbors, perhaps you might see to it that they are ready for the storm. Maybe invite them to spend the weekend at your house.
Be prepared for communications disruptions both land lines and cell phone and computer.
Get your laundry done and check on pet supplies.

If you require regular medications, Oxygen check your supply and visit your pharmacists NOW if low. Check your first aid supplies while at the pharmacy and restock as needed.

Gather Flashlights, lanterns and Lamps. Check their condition and remember to use them safely. Keep fire extinguishers close at hand.
Put together a selection of books, games, toys for the kids in the event of power failure.
Maintain the charge in Cell phones, Laptops and Favorite Toys NOW....and keep em charged.

Riding out an unexpected storm can be a real hardship, with enough heads up notice the storm may be nothing more then a nascence. I look forward to saying Goodnight Irene some time early next week.

Lets hope that is all it is.
Stay safe

Good Luck
RJ

East Coast 5.8 Earthquake

13:51 8-23-2011, An Earthquake begins doing it's shaky thing in Virginia and those shakes are felt as far North as the Canadian border.

I had not slept well the night before and was very tired, as the room began to sway I believed I was just a bit dizzy from lack of sleep. Not so. It was not long before others in the area were in the street seeking protection from what they thought would surly be falling debris and shattering glass. That didn't happen here in Orange County New York at least in the business district I was in at the time of the quake but the world DID shake.

I hit the closest TV and flipped on the news for the update, yup it was a quake alright. I went into alert and started assessing the situation. It was clear to me and others that we were safe for the time being but I could not help but notice that EVERYONE had their cell phones out doing double duty. Some were complaining about connectivity issues while others had text options but no voice capabilities. I checked my cell and found I was still connected and had full service so I guess my phone lucked into a clear trunk but it was obvious that luck was on my side, most were forced to wait and hit redial.

On the TV news, I saw some political conference "Live" from near the epicenter. The room full of press and suits swayed and vibrated as the group stood facing the cameras with a "what the f*&@" look on their face. One woman grabbed her female compatriot and dragged her off the stage and out via the nearest door.......BRAVO! a survivor! Clearly she had lived through something like this before, at least she reacted as if she had.
So what is today's lesson? Well obviously it is to be aware of your surroundings, expect the unexpected no matter how "unlikely" it may be and be prepared to act!

We seem to have been "programed" to believe that anything that makes a loud noise, produces smoke or makes the ground shake is a terrorist attack. That's a shame because the way we react to an "event" might make the difference between being injured or reaching safety.
In short as always, keep a small emergency kit on your person, in your car/office/home just in case. Recommendations for the assembly of such kits are on this Blog, read up and be ready.

Live in the ORANGE mode and with your emergency plans thought out well in advance.

RJ

EDGED DEFENSE

Colonel Colt may have made all men equal but carrying a firearm is not always possible, easy or legal. At these times the edged weapon can be a life saving equalizer.
Rule number One: Never bring a knife to a gun fight, at all other times, never be without one.

Without exception, each and every Police Officer, Security Guard, Military Operator and Emergency Responder I know carries an edged "Tool" of some kind. Either as a back up weapon to their primary arm or as a response tool for EDC work or to affect self rescue.

In some areas large fixed blades may not only be acceptable, it may be the norm. However, for off duty or even civilian carry, the "small" fixed blade or folder is king. Consult local laws for carry in your region.

Pocket or belt clipped tactical knives such as these provide their owner a edge (no pun) in a self defense situation when out numbered, out gunned or bushwhacked.

I have no loyalty to any particular brand, If I have faith in a particular knife, I'll use it. The CRKT M16-10kz is my EDC and one hell of a handy knife. Fast, Lite, Strong and well thought out. It's a fist full of security when you need it most.

The CRKT Hissatsu folder is one serious knife.

Fast thanks to the "OutBurst" feature. An assisted opening devise that springs the blade into action.

The Hissatsu is by design, a penetrating weapon with great slashing characteristics. Strong and over built. Made for the Professional.

I doubt you'll need to stab a tree, Plywood or an automobile hood, but you never know. Thick clothing doesn't stand a chance.

Both of these folders incorporate a secondary lock system that virtually ensure they will never close during use no matter what. A great safety feature.

The Ka-Bar TDI (Tactical defense Institute)knife is purpose built as a weak hand last ditch defense blade. Fast on the draw and with a unique Kukri type leverage advantage, the TDI is a great self defense option. I wore the TDI in uniform for years and never knew it was there, it travels so comfortably in almost any direction or location on (or under) your duty belt. It carries just as well on jeans under a loose shirt.

Another great option is the Cold Steel "Spike" series. These thin easy to carry fixed blades can be worn as a belt, neck or boot knife. Sharp and needle pointed, they can be a surprise to an attacker and a down right nightmare to any mugger.

The self defense knife is a personal choice, only you know what you will be comfortable with. Training and practise will result in competence and confidence. Seek out a professional or train with a partner to better learn the skills necessary to make those few fast moves that can save your life.

Keep in mind, should you be forced to use a weapon in your own defense, you will be responsible for your actions. There is no free pass just because you were picked on. You better be sure this was a life or death situation that you could not avoid or escape without taking action. I would NEVER use or even display a weapon without needing to save my own life, you shouldn't either!

RJ

watch your six

BLACKOUT.........NOW WHAT?

It's mid summer, the drain on the power grid is at dangerous levels. Every A/C and fan on the block is cranking, the refrigerator is opening and closing all day, lights are on in many rooms because it's to hot to be outside.
What else is new? It's summer and it's hot, what do you expect?

Well what you should expect is interruption of power. A hot summer Tuesday night might not give you a second thought unless the lights go out. Then, it will be the only thing on your mind.

All of a sudden the little things you take for granted become paramount. First thing we notice is of course the lights. We don't do dark as well as our ancestors did. If you are at work when the power goes out the chances are you will have some sort of generated back up power and or emergency lighting. This will not last long. Unless you are in a health care or corrections environment, you are not on the must resupply list.

Plan for a long trip home. Traffic lights will be out, the sub way will not be running. It may be dark. It's really going to be a challenge.
Always carry a personal flashlight, even a small LED is better then nothing. This will help you reach your car, the bus stop or even a stair well.

I recommend the Stream Light Stylus Pro. Handy size and very good output, the price is right to boot.

If you are lucky enough to be home, life need not be terrible, just inconvenient.

During hot summer months always keep freezers full of ice and iced drinks. Keep some foods that are edible once thawed out, such as veggies and fruit. meats may be usable if used right away. Keep a grill or at least a small Hibachi and charcoal for cooking. You may have gas to cook on but have a back up plan. Don't forget a "percolator" style coffee pot and a hand powered can opener.

Coolers should be available to store food and supplies, Your refrigerator is big and once power is out it is not efficient at keeping contents cool, coolers are actually better, you can fill them with ice or Frozen items from you freezer and it will keep cool for a long time.

Chemical ice packs or "Gel" packs work well but I think frozen water is much more useful, you can't drink Gel!
Store water now! Should things get worse for any reason, water may be disrupted. Any "Mart" store will sell five gallon water jugs. They are worth keeping, I suggest at least two for one person for two days.

Candles, Lanterns and Flashlights with Fuel, Batteries and Safety Matches should always be on hand. These items will not stay on the store shelves very long IF the stores are even open.

Candles in glass are always safer then exposed flame.


Electric lanterns are safe, keep batteries fresh.

High Quality White Gas Lamps such as this are worth the money, They put out a lot of light and I think they are stylish.

Flash lights (LED) are cheap and small. Buy many for the home, car, office, garage, basement, bedroom. Keep a few all around the house. I never move them unless I'm using them. In this way, I don't need to hunt for them, they will always be where I need them in the dark.

Oil bottles are safe and spill proof. They store well and are inexpensive.





How long will this last?

Only the crews working on the problem know for sure. So listen in on the game. Portable Radio Frequencies Scanners with Police/Fire/Ambulance frequencies are great but having your local Utilities provider and municipal workers radio frequencies will keep you in the know. These frequencies can be found on the Internet.

Keeping Cool, Hydrated, Reasonably Well Fed and Securely Informed. That's all you need for the moment. Grouping with friends or family helps time pass in the company of those you trust and can be comfortable in the dark with.

Very last but not at all least, keep some form of self defense close at had. Darkness brings out the dirt bags and should one of these wolves come a knockin, the sheep need to bite as well.

RJ

JAPAN! Triple Threat, Earth Quake, Tsunami, Radiation

What do you say when a disaster and catastrophe of this magnitude occurs?Our hearts and prayers go out to our Brothers and Sisters in Japan. The projected losses due to this Earth quake and subsequent Tsunami are expected to be above 10.000. A conservative number to be sure, I believe it to be well above that number .

The Japanese know where they live and what the ground below them has proven capable of. The building of earthquake resistant structures has been the norm for decades. I like to think the losses would have been worse had they not turned on the survivor mind set when they did. The planning and prevention must have made some difference. Of course no one could have predicted such and triple threat, the Earthquake / Tsunami and the nuclear reactors safety features failing in such a way. Only time will tell what this represents to the Japanese people. The Japanese have proven to be a strong and capable people, surviving both war and natural disaster for centuries. Let us hope they will pull though this with strength and courage.

Now as always the race seems to be for food, water and shelter. The "recovery" teams search more for the dead then for survivors and clear the area for safe travel of support and relief services.

The water itself burns as debris raked in by the tide from hell carries fire wherever it goes.

With the fire and debris come the bodies, thousands of bodies are beached by the tide.

The crematoriums cannot keep up with the disposal of the dead. At just eighteen persons per day per crematory, it will be some time before all the deceased are tended to.

Like some kind of horror movie, the carnage is medieval and macabre. I only hope they can some day forget the sights they are witnessing today.

As always the children suffer most. At this point, all a survivor can do is think hour by hour and maybe day to day. Hoping for a word from family and loved ones. Chains of contact are important for both emotional relief and logistical support.

The threat of radiation exposure is constant now. Our own military may have been exposed accidentally while responding to requests for assistance. The Navy had a ship inadvertently pass through a possible contaminated zone. Although the exposure time was brief, one never knows what long term affects may come of this.

Potassium iodine is being distributed to flood the Thyroid glads of survivors and emergency teams. This provides some protection from radiation exposure. With the thyroid saturated in such a way, radio active contamination can not occupy this area of the thyroid. This level of protection is slight and only protects the thyroid itself but is critical due to the thyroids ease of contamination and what that represents to the body.

Finding suitable shelter and supplies is what is most important now. Japan is not a large land mass and no area of the island was left totally untouched.

Where does one go when there is no place to go? Who do you turn to when you need everything and have no resources?

As always we as Americans do what we do best, we help. Once again we have sent emergency services teams and support to do what must be done. But it is an unimaginable task and no contribution no matter what size will be ill spent.

Open your hearts, There but for the great grace of God we tread.

www.worldvision.org/HelpJapan

MIKE JONES Chief of Security

CHIEF MIKE JONES..............
One of my new heroes.
Well done Brother, Thanks for walking the walk.
A happy and safe holiday to you and yours, many others will have one thanks to your actions.
GINGER LITTLETON.....Super lady! Another hero, more guts then Wonder Woman. I'm sure your family is proud of you. It's clear you don't take any crap do you?
Quote of the day: You wake up one morning and you make a difference. and things will never be the same.
(RJ Mosca)
Update from live School Board news conference...
Mike Jones' two shots that hit gunman Clay Duke saved the lives of Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt and other board members, Husfelt said moments ago at a live press conference.
"If you'll watch the video, when Mike Jones (the district's chief of safety, security and police) comes in (Duke's) still shooting and getting ready to reach over and start shooting again," Husfelt said. "Mike shoots him twice before he finally turns around and Mike, I'm telling, Mike saved our lives.
"It doesn't get any more real than that."
Husfelt said bullet holes marked both the area behind school board members and the door and hallway where Jones entered the room. He has no doubt that Duke intended to kill.
Asked about security procedures for future board meetings, Husfelt said he did not want to overreact.
"If you could've seen that gentleman's eyes, this was gonna happen," Husfelt said. "We could've had this place like Fort Knox and he would've shot us when we came out of the building.
"There was nothign we could've done to stop him. It was a tragedy and we're very thankful and blessed to be alive."
Board Member Ginger Littleton told the media she just reacted when she swung her purse at the gunman after he had ordered her out of the room.
"I don't think anything was going through my mind but these were sitting ducks, pigeons on a wire," Littleton said. "I couldn't leave them without trying to divert (Duke) ... or trying to buy some time until someone, or Mike Jones, bless his heart, could get there to help us."
"Put yourself in her shoes," Husfelt siad. "What would you do?"
Board member Ryan Neves, the second person Duke shot at, said he didn't sleep Tuesday night.
"I think all of us are probably dealing with the situation in a different way," he said. "It's surreal. Everything is stillmoving in slow motion in my head.
"When you're put in that situation where your putwith a gun direclty at you, if you haven't been in that sitaution you'd never understand."
Neves, along with everyone else at the meeting, remains almost stunned that no one was injured other than the gunman.
"I've seen the room and it is nothing short of a miracle that our superintendent is alive and well and with us today," Neves said. "It's nothing short of a miracle that God protected him and stood in front of him and took that bullet for him.
"If you don't believe in miracles, watch that tape again," he continued. "Everybody that ... was in that room, this is something that changes your life. It's going to be something you carry with you."
Husfelt said while security procedures will be reviewed, and perhaps enhanced, he believes the board will approach it reasonably.
"We don't want to overreact," he said. "We don't want to have TSA checking people when they go in. That's not what this country is about."
There were 14 bullets let loose during a wild exchange of gunfire but only three found their mark, police said this morning: two fired by Mike Jones into gunman Clay Duke and the 14th shot, fired by the Duke into his own head, ending his life.
Panama City Deputy Police Chief Robert Colbert this morning said Duke had 12 rounds in his 9 mm pistol, and most of them had been fired. It was unclear how many shots Jones, the district's chief of safety, security and police, fired after Duke started shooting. But two rounds from his 40-caliber pistol hit Duke moments after he fired point-blank at Bay District Schools Superintendent Bill Husfelt and other board members.

news source: NEWSHEROLD.COM (Panama City)

Watch your six