How to Protect Against Cell Phone Created Cancer Risk

Show Notes Available at: http://bit.ly/2T71KaL

Show Notes include links mentioned in the podcast episode.

Show Notes:

Reports of sexual assault on airplanes are growing. Fortunately, law enforcement authorities are aware of this increasing risk and want to stop it. You'll learn about this growing problem and what to do if you are faced with protecting yourself at 30,000 feet.

In this, "Unfriendly Skies" segment, you'll hear from FBI officials sharing recent statistics about the increase in reports of sexual assaults during airplane travel. Special Agent Matthew Ploskunak and your host for this podcast provide guidance on exactly how to handle a situation where you are the victim of an assault or fear you may become a victim.

You'll also learn about a growing phone scam risk where callers pretend to be law enforcement officials. This scam has victimized thousands of people and needs to be stopped. The U.S. Marshal's Service and FBI are asking your help by reporting these criminals if you are called. you'll learn how to report these cases along with what exactly these fraudsters will say to you.

Finally, you'll discover why it's vital to take action that protects your Internet router from a Russian malware attack.

Summary of Topics:

• The Unfriendly Skies - Sharp Increase in Sexual Assaults on Airplanes;
• Alert and Request by the U.S. Marshals Office and FBI to Report Phone Scams by People Claiming to be Law Enforcement Officials; and,
• Russian VPNFilter Router Malware Much Worse Than Thought - What to Do. Note: See Yahoo article on this story at https://yhoo.it/2Lz3kyc.

In the, "Unfriendly Skies" segment, you'll hear from FBI officials sharing recent statistics about the increase in reports of sexual assaults during airplane travel. Special Agent Matthew Ploskunak and your host for this podcast provide guidance on exactly how to handle a situation where you are the victim of an assault or fear you may become a victim.

Link to U.S. Marshal's press release about reporting phone scam attempts: https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2018/060118.htm

FBI, This Week: Reports of Sexual Assaults Aboard Aircraft on the Rise: https://www.fbi.gov/audio-repository/ftw-podcast-sexual-assault-aboard-aircraft-042618.mp3/view

Tech support fraud is exploding around the world. It affects thousands upon thousands of people who lose millions of dollars to criminals who push unnecessary software and services.

Even worse, if a criminal gets access to your computer, special spy software can be added that exposes your financial information, your contacts, and other sensitive information.

In this episode of the, "Safe Living Today Show", you'll hear from the show's host, the FBI, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission who talk about exactly how these frauds work and what to do if you are a target.

Resources:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx
• Federal Trade Commission's Tech Support Scam resource page: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0346-tech-support-scams

Show Notes:

In this episode you’ll learn how to stack the survival odds in your favor if you ever find yourself in the middle of a terrorist attack.

Who is this podcast for? If you’re keen to keep you and your loved ones safe in your home, online, and when out and about in your world, this podcast is for you. Other episodes and subscription links at http://www.SafeLivingToday.com.

Key Points:

• On October 31, a self-proclaimed radical Muslim drove a rented truck up a New York City bicycle path with the intent of killing as many people as possible. Specifics about the terrorist and other related info are discussed in the audio podcast episode.
• The New York City murderous attack follows the mass killing in Las Vegas by an apparently deranged 64-year old man on October 1st. The death toll in that tragedy stands at 59 people with more than 500 other people wounded.
• The 2017 terror attack victim count as of November 1, in the U.S. stands at 76 people dead and 577 people injured. This does not include so-called work-place violence killings, murders that are deemed to be non-terrorist related, and the murder of police officers for no reason other than they wore a uniform.
• World-wide, as of November 1, we’ve had 1,052 attacks so far in 2017 with 6,595 people killed.
• Terrorist attacks and other acts of deadly violence have occurred on public streets, in schools, on college campuses,, on military bases, in restaurants, shopping centers, government buildings, hotels, office buildings, in the workplace, and other locations.
• Each attack is unique as to location, actors, and circumstances. That said, based on lessons learned from these types of incidents, there are actions you can take to increase your odds of surviving a terror attack.
• Put simply, you have three options: Run, Hide, or Fight. Which of those three actions is best depends on the circumstances and where you are physically in relation to the attacker or attackers.
• To help you develop a survival mindset, we’ll use the word “ALERT” as an acronym. The letters stand for: Awareness, Lockdown, Engage, Run, and Talk.
• “A” stands for Awareness. When you’re Aware, you’re paying attention to your surroundings. You’re noticing the people around you. You’re listening to the sounds in the environment and you’re noticing exit doors or escape routes. Examples and specific guidance about how to stay attentive in audio.
• “L” stands for lockdown. Lockdown is the same as sheltering in place. This is typically the best action when you know or suspect there is an active shooter somewhere in a building, but you don’t know where. You'll hear additional specifics of what to do are in the audio podcast episode.
• “E” stands for Engage, as in Engage the assailant in a physical fight. Typically, this action is taken as a last resort when you believe death or serious injury is imminent and no other viable option exists. Specific instructions for using weapons of opportunity, when, and how to engage are discussed in the audio podcast episode.
• “R” stands for “Run”. As soon as you believe it’s safe, move as quickly as possible away from the attack scene and don’t stop until you’re several blocks away. If you’re wearing high heels, take them off before running. The more distance you put between you and the scene of the attack, the more likely you are to survive.
• “T” stands for “Talk”. The first person you want to “Talk” to throughout the attack is yourself. Keep reminding yourself to, “stay calm, stay focused”. Avoid using negatives such as, “don’t panic!”. How to use single word affirmations to stay calm, what to say to police, and what to say to other people are described in the audio podcast episode.
• Statistically, the probability of being involved in a terrorist attack is small, but growing (note: after this episode was recorded, a gunman killed at least 26-people and wounded more than 20-people on Sunday, November 5, at a Texas Church). Knowing and rehearsing the skills you learn in this podcast will increase your odds of surviving a terrorist attack.

More information and citations for stats are available at our website, http://www.SafeLivingToday.com. Contact us at SafeLivingToday@gmail.com.

Citations for stats mentioned in podcast:

• World-wide Terrorist Incidents: http://storymaps.esri.com/stories/terrorist-attacks/?year=2017
• List of terror incidents: http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/terrorism/wrjp255a.html

Don’t Be a Craigslist Crime Victim! - How to Buy and Sell Safely: Episode 13 - Show Notes:

Who Is the Safe Living Today Podcast For?

If you are keen to stay safe in your home, online, and when you’re out and about in your world, this is your show. Host Stephen Carter has more than 40-years experience in law enforcement, as a senior Corporate Security Executive, and a Safety Expert.

This, “Don’t Be a Craigslist Crime Victim!" Episode:

Have you ever used Craigslist to buy or sell an item? Millions of postings and transactions have occurred on Craigslist. The good news is the vast majority of transactions occur honestly and safely. Sadly, not all transactions are safe and legitimate.

Headlines:

• “Anne Arundel County Man Charged With Murder in Craigslist Robbery”;
• “Glenn Burnie Maryland: A Millersville Man is Arrested in Connection to a Craigslist Robbery and Murder”;
• “Baltimore Police Arrest Suspect in Connection With a Sykesville Man Who Came to Baltimore to Sell a Dirt Bike Posted on Craigslist”;
• CNN Story: “A South Georgia Man Was Charged With Murder in the Death of a Couple Who Went Missing Last Week After Contacting a Car Seller on Craigslist”;
• "Man Charged in Craigslist in West Hartford Sex Assault Makes Multiple Confessions”.

In the last case, the suspect claimed, “I just came to get a bike and animalistic instincts kicked in”.

Stacking Odds in Your Favor:

How can you stack the odds toward safety in your favor when buying or selling on Craigslist?

The number one way to ensure your safety in my view is to meet in a public place to transact a sale. The best place is to meet in the lobby of a police station. Howard County Maryland Police Department has a formal program that allows buyers and sellers to meet in the station lobbies. Many other police agencies have similar programs.

Actions to help ensure your safety include:

1. Meet in a public place such as a police station, the lobby of a bank, the food court area of a busy shopping center, a busy coffee shop, or a large store such as a Walmart. People pay little attention to what happens on parking lots, but do pay attention to what happens inside a store.
2. Avoid meeting on parking lots, in secluded locations, or in private homes unless absolutely necessary to inspect or sell a large item (see additional precautions below).
3. Use extreme caution when buying or selling items of high value. Ensure you know exactly what you’re buying or selling. Ensure the item is in working order.
4. Let friends and family know where you’re going and with whom you’re meeting. If possible, take at least one friend or family member with you to witness the transaction.
5. Both you and anyone who accompanies you should have a cell phone readily available.
6. Trust your instincts. If there is a tiny voice in the back of your head suggesting something’ is wrong, stop the transaction and take action to assure your safety.
7. If you’re looking at a large item such as a sofa or washer that requires you to go to the seller’s home, take at least one person with you and preferably two people. One person should accompany you into the residence while the second person waits outside. Everyone should have cell phones at the ready. If you’re selling a large item, have at least one adult with you when a potential buyer is in your residence.
8. If someone is coming into your home, to the extent possible ensure you have the full name, address, and phone number of the person coming to your home.
9. If you’re selling an item, take only cash; no checks.
10. If you’re responding to an ad for a home or apartment rental, be extremely cautious. Scammers will post ads to attract renters to residences they do not own. Listen at time stamp 7 minutes 11 seconds for details about these frauds and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Never Miss an Episode:

To ensure you never miss an episode of the, “Safe Living Today” show, go to http://SafeLivingToday.com, scroll down to the links to subscribe on iTunes (now Apple Podcasts), subscribe on stitcher.com, or to subscribe on Android. You can also listen to this and prior episodes on YouTube on the http://SafeLivingToday.com website.

To email the host, create an email addressed to, SafeLivingToday@gmail.com.

Show Notes for: "Halloween Costumes Hiding Head Lice! How to Protect Your Child" - Episode 12

This special alert episode highlights the rise in the incidence of head lice in children during late October and early November.

One major contributor relates to Halloween costumes. When a child with head lice tries on a costume, a number of head lice insects can remain in the costume fabric and mask. If that costume is placed back on the shelf and a second child later puts that costume on, the second child can be infected with head lice.

Head lice are wingless insects who live on the scalp and feed off of the blood of it's victims. It's a serious health hazard and disproportionately affects children.

In this espisode, you'll learn how to protect your child or grandchild from the hazard of head lice transfer through Halloween costumes.

Show Notes for: Honoring Victims and Heroes in Las Vegas

This episode honors the mass murder victims of the Las Vegas shooting, praises the men and women of law enforcement, the amulance / fire service, the hotel security staff, and the brave audience members who risked their lives to help save victims who were wounded in this horrific act.

Key Messages:

• We honor the victims of this horrific crime.
• We praise the courageous men and women first responders and hotel security staff who responded quickly and effectively to neutralize the killer. As a result of their rapid response, hundreds of lives were saved.
• We honor the bravery of every day people in the audience who risked their lives to help save the lives of other people who were wounded by the gunman.
• Commissioner Stephen F. Sisolak of the Clark County goverment offers praise for first responders and others. He shares information about the Go Fund Me page that they established to help victims of this tragic event.
• If you suspect someone may be at risk as a "copy cat" killer, please say and do whatever is necessary to get that person help before it's too late.
• The link to the GoFundMe page is https://www.gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-fund.

Show Notes for, "How to Choose and Use the Best Non-Lethal Personal Protection Weapon" - Episode 10.

Key Messages:

• When it comes to non-lethal personal protection weapons, there are two realistic options.
• The first option is the use of one of two taser devices. The first taser device is the one carried by police that fires two projectiles with the hope both will embed themselves in such as way that an attacker can be stopped with a taser charge. Problems: units are bulky and expensive. Heavy clothing such as a leather jacket may make this type of taser ineffective.
• The second taser device, sometimes called a "stun gun", requires direct contact with an assailant. If the taser isn't applied properly, the assailant may take the device and use it on the victim or simply continue with the attack.
• The second option is to use a chemical spray, specifically pepper spray.
• Choose a pepper spray product from a reputable company such as SABRE or Mace and purchase two canisters (one to practice with) from major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and other trusted retailers.
• Pepper spray can't be left in a car safely. In summer, the inside temperature of a closed car can reach 120 degrees and higher. Pepper spray will likely not function if the product is exposed to high temperatures or temperatures near zero degrees Fahrenheit.
• Most pepper spray streams will extend about 10 feet from the canister. Hold the canister with fingers wrapped around the canister, aimed outward, with your thumb on the activator. Release safety if you plan to spray an attacker.
• Remember the mantra, "When in fear, spray ear to ear"! You want to aim the spray at an attackers face, particularly his or her eyes. Spray back and forth between the ears to saturate the face.
• When the attacker stops, take the opportunity to step back and leave the area quickly. Call police ASAP to report the attack.
• Practice using the device. Rehearse removing it smoothly from it's holster or carrying case, taking the safety off, and aiming the spray at face level. Practice frequently until it becomes automatic.
• There are legal considerations. Don't try to carry pepper spray onto a plane. Know your State and local laws as they relate to the use and carrying of pepper spray.
• Resources:
  • Pepper Spray Laws (note: for informational purposes only. I do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. You are fully responsible for adhering to all applicable laws related to pepper spray and its use):
    • https://www.sabrered.com/blog/pepper-spray-laws
    • https://www.pepper-spray-store.com/pages/all-pepper-spray-state-laws
  • "How Pepper Spray Affects the Body": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLVTB7-yPqM
  • "Pepper Spray: How to Use the Right Way": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhOwRfIMW_Q
  • "How to Correctly Use Pepper Spray": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QII9hV86wGw
  • "Pepper Spray (Using it; Defending Against it; And Its Antidote)": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOoJXKtSMc4