Staying Alive: How to Act Fast and Survive Deadly Encounters

by Safe Havens International Inc, Michael Dorn, Dr. Sonayia Shepherd

The Boston Marathon; Sandy Hook Elementary School; the Aurora, Colorado movie theater; Columbine High School--sadly, most Americans are very familiar with these names and the tragic events that took place at each event or location. Mass shootings, home invasions, and other attacks on the general public are no longer the rare exception they were decades ago. No one wants to feel like a potential victim in their own neighborhood, but what can the average person do to stay safe?

The authors of Staying How to Act Fast and Survive Deadly Encounters give us the answer to that question. Inside, they take the successful strategies that have been used to avert planned school shootings, bombings, and other deadly events and demonstrate how those techniques can be utilized by the average person. The powerful and potentially life-saving information in this book

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took three and a half years to read this book, but that really has nothing to do with the book. Throw the pandemic into the mix, as well as my time as the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness for a public school district, and it was a while before I could pick something up that discussed (in large part) school system preparedness and response.

I appreciated the authors' efforts to not compile a simplified, cookie-cutter how-to list. There are several cited resources (some of which I had read) that added a collaborative spirit and credibility to the narrative. Further, I appreciated the focus on situational awareness and personal accountability. As a planner, I was pleased to see acknowledgement of how active true planning can be, with a need to customize a set of guidelines for place, context, personnel, etc. Planning is hard, and it's unfortunate that so many relegate it to an often templated, regulatory exercise.

In summary, the content won't be for everyone, but this text offers balanced, thoughtful ways to respond to crises.

[Lisa Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After multiple intruders at school, thought I might read.
Gave me a better understanding of watching my surroundings..