MID-MICHIGAN (WNEM) – A mid-Michigan security expert gave some insight on how people can prepare themselves for the unfathomable after a deadly attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day.
Tom Mynsberge, president and founder of Critical Incident Management, said it’s all about preparing before a situation occurs.
“Keep your head on a swivel. Know what’s around you. Know what your options are if things happen,” he said.
He spoke about what you can do to try and protect yourself in a situation like the one that occurred in New Orleans early Wednesday morning, Jan. 1, when a vehicle plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 and injuring dozens.
“In a situation like this, you would hear the engine roaring of the vehicle, which is highly unusual for the circumstances you’re in. That should be your first alert. And while you’re walking and you’re in your area, even viewing it, look for insets in buildings which offer you protection. You know, maybe try to put yourself near a lamp post which puts something between you and a speeding vehicle, or any type of barrier that could be there,” Mynsberge said.
TV5 has learned that Bourbon Street has had barriers to prevent vehicle attacks since 2017, but Wednesday’s rampage happened amid a major project to remove and replace the devices, which left the area vulnerable.
Mynsberege said that serves as another reminder that your safety starts with you.
“It’s all situation awareness. You can make yourself a victim by not being aware of your surroundings, what might be coming up behind you, and not being able to hear it because you had your noise-cancelling earphones in, that’s what they’re for. Not really a good idea anymore in public areas when you’re out there and exposed. Give yourself a defensive posture, or at least a chance when something like this happens,” he said.
Mynsberge said you should always be asking yourself, “What are my options? What am I going to do if something happens?”
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