Life Rage

“The Ft. Hood shootings could have been prevented. There were many warning signs”, states high-risk security consulting expert and Life Rage author, Timothy Dimoff. “People always come out after the shootings telling of incidents or aberrant behavior, but if they came out and reported it when they first notice it, many of these horrific shootings like Ft. Hood could have been prevented”.

Dimoff states, “In some cases the ongoing daily pressures that people are experiencing in their daily lives are exacerbating their fears beyond human capacity and more people are experiencing breakdowns. We are ‘glorifying’ these incidents in the media to the point where ‘copycats’ are actually being encouraged in a subtle, but powerful way”.

Dimoff further states that “Everyone needs to be alert to the behavior of others. Many of these horrific incidents may have been preventable. It is obvious in workplace shootings and school shootings, and now the Ft. Hood shooting that there were warning signs. We are always discovering that the shooters talked about their opinions and their frustrations to others. Maybe they sold or gave away property. Maybe they actually made threats, but no one took them seriously. Threats can be made on social network sites, in person, on the phone, or in writing letters or in journals. These may all be signs of mental and/or emotional breakdowns”.

“We need to encourage and educate people working and interacting with these perpetrators to report any deviant or unusual behavior, or threats or information from these troubled individuals. This proactive approach has proven successful in schools when students come forward with valuable and critical information”.

“We also need to educate people that it is OK and necessary to report strange behavior, strange conversations, unusual actions etc. whether at work, in schools, or just in our everyday life. If more people had been aware and reported what they saw and experienced maybe the Ft. Hood shootings and other such copycat crimes could have been prevented”, stated Dimoff.

Timothy A. Dimoff is President of SACS Consulting, Inc., a high-risk security consulting firm headquartered in Akron, Ohio. He is a nationally renowned speaker, author, consultant and trainer. His latest book is Life Rage is an incisive and illuminating examination of the “rages” prevalent in American society today. Additional information on Timothy Dimoff is available at www.timothydimoff.com.

Many incidents happening around the globe are giving serious cause for concern.  As an expert in high-risk security issues, including 18 years of consulting on these issues with some of the best companies in the world, I have seen a lot.

If you are like me, the daily news reveals the unexpected and more often than not, the horrific nature of what seems to be our society’s unending momentum towards a state of utter chaos.  Most people are not comfortable with chaos but, unfortunately many crime and rage perpetrators thrive on it. I call this Life Rage, the state-of-mind where someone loses control due to everyday stress, work problems, personal problems, school issues, etc.

I’d like to provide you with three things to think about when you’re watching the news, chatting with co-workers or trying to explain to your children Life Rage, the terrible things that some people are capable of doing.

1. Know what “normal” is and don’t be afraid to question it.
Most people understand accepted behavior and many find it difficult to “think like someone else”.  In any given situation you must think of the old “bell curve”, which in this case simply states that some people will act differently in any given situation. Know the signs of extreme wrongful behavior and don’t be afraid to question it.

2.  Move into a 360 degree world.
Our normal field of vision is approximately 80 degrees, meaning that we pay the most attention to what is right in front of us.  It’s time we all moved into a world where we are cognizant of what is all around us…360 degrees! The Fort Hood massacre is a perfect example of how close disaster can be.  Places we consider “safe” are open zones for potential danger.  Look around you and your family and make sure your 360 is always clear.

3.  Plan for the problem.
As much as I want to believe that people are capable of being on their best behavior, we all know that’s not possible.  Things happen everywhere. The horrific crime scene of mass graves recently found in an Eastside Cleveland home is a perfect example.  They can be close, massive and can rip the fabric of our personal sense of security apart.  Try to have a plan in place in case something does happen.  With a plan, your reaction to a potential disaster will be more efficient and less costly.

The signs of Life Rage that we are seeing in our daily routines illustrate the need to be prepared and to be able to think on our feet.  We are living in a dynamic new world where security clashes with culture and religion clashes with governments. It is a wired world, on constant standby ready for the next big problem.

I believe it’s important for everyone to understand the role they play, and to realize that the consequences of their actions provide the engine that either keeps the chaos moving forwards, or backwards with the potential for a Life Rage moment at every turn.

Please be more aware of dangerous situations and try to avoid them.  Please try to see more of your surroundings and what possible dangers may be lurking close to you.  Please try to plan for problems before they happen.

Finally, everyone needs to remember that no one is going to save the world by themselves.  We are all in this together, so find trusted friends.  Find competent resources that can help you.  Find reputable vendors for your company and most of all find great support that is close to your family.

Find a support system that will help keep all of what you care about safe and secure.