I have an actual question for you: How would you 'shelter in place'?
If you've never thought about this, I urge you to do so now.
The concept is not new, but it is never 'ordinary' to be under orders to 'shelter in place'.
In the world of 'emergency preparedness', we usually advise residents to 'shelter in place', should there be a small, limited 'radiological and/or biological/chemical event'. This means sealing off a room with plastic sheeting and duct tape, turning off air-conditioning/heating and sealing up 'drafts' from windows and fireplaces.
Different specifics apply, but the main idea is that one 'hunkers down' until a specific threat is mitigated or resolved completely.
Remember to bring communication devices and phones with you in order to receive the 'all clear'!
We can think of 'sheltering in place' as a 'locking or blocking out' of the outside world while containing ourselves and our loved ones in a relatively safe, limited and, more of less, 'controlled' environment.
But, today, we have people who are being advised to lock themselves away not from poisons, toxins or disease entities, but from 'evil', itself.
Astounding, isn't it? Indeed, residents in the suburbs of Boston are being advised to 'stay inside, lock their doors and to not let anyone in'.
And we all know why -- there is at least one dangerous terrorist at large.
This terrorist, possibly Chechyen, is well armed and capable of truly horrific violence, against any and all who are unfortunate enough to cross his path.
Which brings my 'question' to you: How would 'you' shelter in place against a person like this?
Do you seek an 'inner room' and stay there, as advised, until officials give the 'all clear'?
Do you, also, seek to secure a 'perimeter' and design it to impede an intruder while sounding an alarm for your benefit? Do you literally not venture out of your shelter to answer you door, even knowing that it could well be a neighbor or family member in 'distress' and needing to seek refuge?
Do you sit there 'sheltered in place' with a weapon of some sort? Do you arm yourself with a knife? A baseball bat? Pepper spray? (note: not a good idea in an enclosed space, as you will likely 'gas' yourself as well.) Do you bring an air pistol or rifle or firearm and ammo with you into your 'safe shelter'?
Do you sit there passively, utterly unarmed, depending solely upon law enforcement to come to your rescue should your safe area be breached by those intent upon harming you?
I'm not asking you these questions theoretically. Our brothers and sisters in the Boston area are living through this nightmare right now.
Like it or not, we all need to do our parts. http://stamford.patch.com/groups/editors-picks/p/the-city-of-stamford-continues-with-heightened-secu... And we all need to decide 'beforehand', just what we will do in an emergency.
May God bless and keep those under threat of terror now...and may God Bless America.
Rev. Barb
