Surround yourself with the the things you may need in case of emergency. When considering the items that you need to build your own Personal Security Zone, think first about what zones you want to create first. Start with your most far out perimiter zone, because you always want to see what's coming before it reaches you. Take bad weather for an example. If there's a tornado on its way, you will be able to take action before its arrives, as long as you have a weather radio that allows you to see much farther than your own eyeballs and intuition. So there's your first line of defense, your first layer of security for your most far out personal security zone.

Also consider your own personal exposure, which depends on your personal lifestyle, circumstance and social surroundings. You may be more likely to be exposed to certain risks depending on factors in your life, such as what side of town you live on, your occupation, frequency of travel and your personal and social habits. Do you like to socialize at a bar that has had armed intruders and holdups? Then you know your risk is greater than it might be if you frequented the local library instead (maybe). Therefore, when deciding what items you need in order to increase your personal security, you will want to consider what types of emergency situations you are more likely to be exposed to.

Simply, you want to create Your Own Zone in order to surround yourself with the the things you may need in case of emergency. You will want to create several Zones of Your Own in fact.

It's also helpful to think of your Personal Security Zone as a layered concept, with you and your family and property centered in several concentric circles or ZoneS that provide warning, defense and security. The idea is to establish a far-out perimiter zone that warns you when danger is out there. That's what alarm systems, binoculars, scopes and cameras are for. And then, as danger might come nearer, your closer zones should ward it off and protect you, like fences and locks that provide barriers, and weapons that can provide defense. As danger might come nearer, you have your last ditches - tactical equipment and firearms for just in case heaven forbid scenarios.

The zones you create will depend on your lifestyle and circumstance. If you live in a rural setting and commute to the for business, you may want to build a Personal Security Zone for each setting that you may find yourself in. This way, you will be prepared for situationally specific emergency conditions that you may be exposed to. We all have different risks when on the job, traveling or staying at home.

Consider your own exposure to particular types of risks or possible disasters that may occur wherever you are throughout your daily routine. This helps you to think productively about your own security needs and risk management.

Thinking in terms of Personal Security Zone(s) gives you a good approach to preparedness, because it allows you to reduce the uncomfortable and not-as-rational effects of emotional reactions, such as the paralysis that can come from fear -or- procrastination that can result from uncertainty.

For example, if you live in a densely populated urban area such as New York City you will more likely to want to amass items that will be useful for protecting yourself and your family in the event of another terrorist attack, especially after having experienced one on September 11, 2001. On the other hand, if you live in a more remote rural area, but your neighborhood has a high incidence of burglaries, then you may want to purchase more home security devices and personal protection tools for your home security kit.

Another example: If you have to walk through dark streets or a parking garage to get to your car after work, then you may need personal protection, such as mace, pepper spray, stun guns or even concealed carry.

Another more amusing example: You don't need to worry about a snowstorm if you live in Florida! However, residents of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California can be snowed in for a day or two during heavy snowfalls, especially if snowplows break down. Therefore, those folks should keep suppies of food, water, heat and protection devices on hand, just in case.

Also, consider your own level of experience with emergencies. Do you have any specialized training in emergency situations? We suggest you get some as soon as your time permits. However, the point is that the items you need in your kit whould be tailored to your level of experience. Most of us have minimal experience with emergency situations. Therefore, we may need additional items and supplies that a more rugged individual could possibly do without. Or, we may feel uncomfortable carrying lethal protection devices, and might do better with non-lethal devices.

Make a List

Take a moment to mentally list the types of emergency situations that are more likely to occur in the lives of your family members. Be honest with yourself. If you need ideas, you might try calling your local police department. Ask one of the police officers what types if crimes or other problems have occurred in your neighborhood recently.

Write down your list and discuss it with other family members. Now, you have a well thought out list of possible emergency situations, which can be your guide when it comes time to decide what security equipment you may need.

What kinds of things will you need, beyond the basic First Aid Kit that you probably already have in the bathroom closet? Generally, security equipment is classified into two groups:

• Survival (medical supplies, food and water, shelter)
• Protection (communication devices, utility devices and defensive devices)

If you are building your Personal Security Zone at home, then you don't need to worry much about portability, and you can have as many items as you budget allows (or as many items as you can fit into your house). On the other hand, if you want to improve your Personal Security Zone for your car or at work, then weight and bulkiness are considerations.

Also important is your knowledge of how to use the security equipment that you collect. Make sure that you and everyone in your family knows how to use each item, and that all equipment is working properly before you pack it away. Also, remember that some equipment may require frequent maintenance practice in order to be safe and effective when needed, such as battery powered communications devices or firearms. Other equipment will need to be kept out of the hands of children.

When you build your Personal Security Zone and develop your skills for using your security equipment, you do two important things. You become more capable of dealing with possible emergency situations. You also sleep better as a result!

Although you may still have the same exposure to certain risks, you increase your capability of success when dealing with risks that may occur. This is because your collection of security equipment and skills has developed and extended your Personal Security Zone wherever you go.

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