This Month's Headlines

Remembering 9-11 [more...]

Will the U.S. Move Against Saddam? [more...]

Top Cops Misplace Guns [more...]

Security Trends [more...]

West Nile Virus Alert [more...]

You Say al Qaeda, I Say… [more...]

Celebrate Fire Safety Every Year [more...]

A Woman's Best Friend! [more...]

Customized Electronic Newsletters [more...]

Twelve months ago the attacks on America shook the World. Not a single American will forget the day four commercial airliners were hijacked and three of them were hurled against innocent and unsuspecting targets killing thousands. Two of the aircraft struck the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center. Another struck the Pentagon and the forth cashed in a desolate farm field in Pennsylvania. The immensity of the tragedy is still unfathomable. The lives, hopes and dreams of the survivors were indelibly touched forever. But June marked the completion of the clean-up at the World Trade Center. A full six months ahead of schedule. The heroic feat epitomized our Nation's determination, strength and courage. Here's the latest from Ground Zero:

• 2929 confirmed dead
• 1,102 victims have been positively identified.
• 1,642,698 tons of debris was removed (over 200,000 tons of it, steel).
• The debris was removed in 108,444 individual truckloads and filled several land fills.
• More than 3.1 million hours of labor expended.
• More than 55,000 workers from 26 different countries and 450 businesses were displaced.

On September 11 let us remember the victims. The day will fill us with sorrow and regret. But also let us remember our strength. America is like no other nation in the history of mankind. It is the pillar of freedom and democracy and no terrorist shall ever destroy it.

Washington insiders say yes. President Bush is convinced that the world can't risk letting Saddam keep building his arsenal and achieve nuclear capability. But, this fall is too soon. Several more months are needed for planning and the positioning of materiel and armed forces. Time is also needed to line up reluctant allies and help the Iraqi opposition prepare to take over once Saddam is gone. The conflict will be swift and decisive. Defense experts expect minimal U.S. casualties and massive Iraqi defections. The war however, will hurt the U.S. economy, shaving 1.5 points off the GDP as oil prices skyrocket and consumers impulsively spend less. The cost to fight Saddam will be upward of $50 billion and require some 200,000 troops. Long term benefits: greater political stability in the Persian Gulf, a more reliable oil supply, and one less dangerous fanatic to worry about.

The Office of Inspector General at the Justice Department recently disclosed five agencies under its jurisdiction have reported 775 missing or stolen weapons and 400 missing notebook computers. The bulk of the missing weapons belonged to the FBI and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The inspector general says that before last year, the FBI had not taken a complete inventory of its weapons and computers in almost a decade. Agency policy requires an inventory every two years. Sources close to the matter say its possible some of the missing guns have fallen into the wrong hands. Some of the computers contain sensitive information regarding active investigations and confidential intelligence reports.

The latest franchising trend is shaping up to be, you guessed it: security. Riding the wave of demand and national attention spurred by terrorist fears, selling security maybe going the way of fast food. Example: Case in Point of New Hampshire has just offered what maybe the first investigative franchise opportunity. According to Joseph Spaulding, Case in Point's franchise sales manager, the idea has traction. Recently exhibiting in New Orleans at a trade show for private investigators, Spaulding and his team introduced their idea. Spaulding said, "Although we have yet to sign our first franchisee, the concept is sound and interest is high." Indeed, Case in Point knows the industry and has put together a nice package. For more information visit Case in Point. Another outfit in Texas is franchising its know-how, offering detection canines. According to sources close to it, its business is strong. Hank Nolin, CPP, a longtime dog trainer and handler says the demand for quality drug and bomb dogs has never been greater. He recently sold his guard company in order to give his dog business his full attention.

Need more information about safeguarding buildings and employees? For tips on indoor environmental protection go to Berkley Lab.

As the West Nile Virus sweeps westward and northward across the U.S., epidemiologists are watching closely. Although the federal Centers for Disease Control outside Atlanta, Georgia says don't panic yet, parents, schools and local governments are taking no chances. Here's the best information we've found:

Prevention

• Get rid of mosquito-breeding standing water around the house and year; wear long sleeves.
• Use insect repellents that are 30-35% DEET at most; 10% is the recommended limit for children; infants and expectant mothers should not use it at all.

Signs of Infection

• The virus leaves most victims symptom and illness free.
• Mild cases produce low fevers, body aches, and sometimes a skin rash about the torso.
• Serious cases produce high fevers, tremors, neck stiffness and aches, and possible paralysis. Death is rare.

Treatment

• Upon first symptoms, see a doctor promptly.
• Severely ill may need hospitalization; IV fluids, breathing assistance and preventative treatment against other infections.

Good News: Fatality rate is very low. Lack of treatment and misdiagnosis are the leading causes of serious complications.

Another reason tracking down al Queda ringleaders and their operatives to so difficult: U.S. intelligence agencies can't seem to agree on the proper names of key targets. In some cases, even the CIA and FBI use different names for the same suspect. The lack of reliable descriptions and photographs of the terrorists only complicates matters further.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing smoke detectors every 10 years. NFPA studies reveal the reliability of smoke alarms diminishes by 30% after 10 years. After 15 years, 50% fail. Replace batteries annually and clean units regularly. Dust and cobwebs significantly reduce their ability to work properly when needed. Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on each level of the home, including basements and crawlspaces. The NFPA recommends wall mounted alarms be placed four to 12 inches from the ceiling. Visit NFPA or call 617.770.3000. Tip: For convenience and maximum protection replace smoke alarm batteries, clock batteries and household air and water filters the same day every year. Easiest day to remember-New Years Day.

No, it is not her diamonds - it is her cell phone! Research suggests that women are three times more likely than men to fall victim to attacks while driving. Access to a cell phone dramatically diminishes the risk says Dr. William Butler, an expert in safety and executive protection. Butler suggests that in addition to a cell phone pre-programmed with emergency numbers women drivers should also carry OC (red pepper) spray. Dr. Butler's personal tip: before using spray as a defense mechanism, train and become familiar with its effective range, dispersal patterns and effectiveness. The use of a cell phone and pepper spray, combined with a general knowledge of personal protection techniques, can decrease the chances of an attack and increase the chances of survival in the event of an attack, according to Butler.

Here are some additional suggestions while driving alone:

• Best strategy: be extra observant, while displaying boldness and confidence.
• Do not automatically give credence to what other drivers may be signaling.
• Avoid unnecessary conversations with strangers.
• Keep car doors locked and windows up.
• Verify a friend or relative knows the planned route and estimated time of arrival.
• Avoid desolate roads.
• Plan ahead: make sure there is adequate fuel.
• Do not keep purse, laptop, or other valuables exposed on the front seat.
• Avoid wearing high heels - they decrease running ability.
• When possible, take a dog along.
• Gain a basic knowledge of car maintenance.
• Join some type of vehicle assistance organization (such as AAA).

If pulling over, park vehicle in a well-lit area. Close all windows, lock all doors, and switch on hazard lights. If possible, move to the front passenger seat. This will create the impression of not being alone. If exiting the vehicle, closely inspect the surrounding area. When returning to the car, observe the passenger seat and the backseat before entering.

If approached by an unknown party, roll down windows just enough to be able to converse with the individual while asking for identification. When professional help arrives, insist upon seeing identification and a badge before cooperating. Best overall advice: rely on personal instincts! Hyper-vigilance, confidence, proper planning, and internal instincts may diminish the chances of becoming victim to these unprovoked, and often premeditated, attacks.

(Contributed by Kim Beckman, MA. 2002)

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