Some self defense tips

The HR at our firm organised a session on self defense tactics the other day. Here are some highlights from the session:

1. If you are ever caught in a terror attack in the open (like it happened in delhi), try and get down into a gutter (though you may smell horrible after that, atleast you will be alive!)

2. If you are caught in the midst of gunfire, get down on all fours; then try and find a pillar behind which you could hide.

3. In a hostage situation, never ever engage in conversation with the hostage takers.

4. In a situation like the one at Taj, try and get as close to windows leading out of the building as possible; it becomes easier for search and rescue teams. To be on the safer side, crouch below the windows.

5. As soon as you perceive a threat in the form of a terror attack, put your cellphone in vibration mode; message someone you know of your location.

And the biggest thing in all such situations -- DO NOT PANIC!!!

The e-mail campaign.

I've sent e-mails to the Ministry for Information and Broadcasting, DoorDarshan, and to someone at the ETV network; in all cases, I've requested them to broadcast short messages on how to protect oneself and one's community from terror attacks and on general safety and preventive measures.

I haven't heard back from any of the parties...let's see what happens. Shall keep everyone posted on that front.

Very useful links, have a dekko!

Atlast i've found what I was looking for; some comprehensive information about how to protect one's community, and it comes direct from the horse's mouth so to say. Check out these links, they should be useful for all Bangaloreans:
http://www.bcp.gov.in/english/crimeprevention/community.html
http://www.bcp.gov.in/english/index.htm

And this one, courtesy AP police, has links to websites of police departments across the country:
http://www.apstatepolice.org/OurCounterparts/OurCounterparts.htm

Do take time to go through the relevant links and please spread the message. Remember, it is the (computer) literate like us that can spread awareness among the ones that cannot browse these websites.

Knee jerk reactions galore...

My cousin pointed out something very weird about the security scene in Bangalore these days. She told me that post 26/11, security has been tightened at the major hotels in Bangalore; alas, that is not the case at other places (certainly not at Manyata tech park). On the first morning after the attack, they increased security checks rampantly (only at the building lobbies--read my first post for the gory details); however, since last monday history has chosen to repeat itself.

These are typical knee jerk reactions to keep the general public at bay! (much like giving a crying child a candy to keep him quiet). What can we do to show our "leaders" and the concerned authorities that we are aware of the sham?

Ideas anyone?

Important info

In case you come across any suspicious activity, any suspicious movement or have any information to tell to the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), please take a note of the new ALL INDIA TOLL-FREE Terror Help-line "1090". Your city's Police or Anti-Terror squad will take action as quickly as possible. Remember that this single number 1090 is valid all over India This is a toll free number and can be dialed from mobile phones also. Moreover, the identity of the caller will be kept a secret. Let us make each and every citizen of India aware about this facility. Please forward this information to as many people as possible, and tell everyone.