Security is everyone's responsibility

Security is Everyone’s Responsibility

Meredith Burke | Director of Community Security

How often have you made an observation and thought, “Somebody ought to do something about that!”? Maybe this occurs daily. Now, how often have you thought, “I can do something about that!”? Taking steps to help ensure a safe environment for ourselves and others is everyone’s responsibility. We are stronger when we work together and with everyone’s wellbeing in mind.

If you have attended BeAware training, perhaps you have already made it a habit to look for the nearest and a backup exit in every room you find yourself. If you have attended Countering Active Threat training, perhaps your habit also now includes looking for the best place to hide and items you could use to fight. (If these are not your habits, attend an upcoming training! Visit jewishlongbeach.org/ security to learn more.) These are two good examples of taking control of your own personal security. Now, what can you do to help others?

Take notice of your surroundings on a regular and ongoing basis. Analyze whether what you are observing is normal for the situation, keeping in mind any potential cognitive biases you may have (and we all have them). If something is not normal, decide what you will do about it. (Yes, YOU!) Then, commit to taking some type of action.

Don’t shy away from helping others and keeping the environment safe. Even small, simple acts can have an important impact. If a door is propped open when it shouldn’t be, your simple deed of reporting it could be a life-saving action. Did you see someone fall? It will only take a minute to call for help if it is needed. Does something smell strange? Tell someone who might know whether it is concerning. These are easy, minimal steps. If you are comfortable, you could go further and do something to address the situation. Is there a tripping hazard? Take a moment to remove it. Do you see a still-lit cigarette on the ground? Smother it.

What if you just aren’t sure whether something is a risk? Take detailed notes of your observations and report them anyway. You generally are not going to cause harm by sharing your information. However, assuming someone else will handle it or waiting for a situation to become worse could be detrimental. Be the person who makes a difference!

How safe is your home? You probably have the makings of a first-aid kit there. Does everyone know where it is? Do they know how to stop a bleeding injury? What about bleeding from a gunshot or stabbing wound? (Stop The Bleed training is coming soon!) Do your children know how and when to dial 9-1-1? (If they have a digital device, they are likely capable.) Do your parents know how to identify a cyber fraud scheme? Do you have an emergency plan for your family in a natural disaster? If communication systems are down, where will you meet? Have you talked about this? If you haven’t, start today!

Are you taking a trip this summer? How can you protect yourself and your travel companions? Whether domestic or international, there are plenty of easy steps you can take to help prevent harm. Look for travel safety training (provided virtually) on the Jewish Long Beach calendar.

Taking steps to help make our world safer is an easy way to contribute to our community. Thank you for your help!

Learn more about financially supporting Jewish Long Beach’s Community Security Initiatives by contacting Kevin Giser, Chief Operating & Development Officer, at kgiser@jewishlongbeach.org or by calling 562.426.7601 extension 1011.