Terry Vaughan's Blog

ATLANTA KICKS OFF THE NATIONAL “LIVING IN THE YELLOW” TOUR FOR WOMEN’S SITUATIONAL AWARENESS RALLIES
September 11, 2010: 
Terry Vaughan, a former British Commando turned women’s edutainment speaker, in partnership with Dang Chicks, an Atlanta-based women’s apparel company, will be hosting two Situational Awareness Rallies for over 1,500 Women on Saturday, September 11th.
The rallies will be held at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel. The first rally will be from 10am-12pm, and the second rally is scheduled from 2pm-4pm.
Vaughan says, “Your safety isn’t funny, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, learning how to live a more empowered life. Capitalizing on my extensive background of  humorous and embarrassing stories both in and out of the military, I make sure every woman who attends our rallies realizes that all aspects of life can be fun if they utilize the right attitude! Situational Awareness is no exception. These rallies are about minimizing fear and maximizing individual effectiveness when it comes to tuning into your surroundings.”

As a former British Royal Marine Commando and BBC television presenter, Vaughan now employs his elite military experience with an energetic presentation style, creating an unforgettable and empowering event for women of all ages.
Vaughan says, “Women who develop strong situational awareness skills not only keep themselves safe, but also by extension, keep their friends and family safe.  For example, mothers will naturally pass on the concept of “Living in the Yellow” to their children.”
After learning of Terry’s message, Dang Chicks C.E.O. Stephanie O’Connor, realized the message of “Living in the Yellow” closely matched her apparel company’s mission. O’Connor was inspired to design a new shirt for attendees called Strong”Dang Strong”. O’Connor says, “We wanted to create something that reminded women that they have a choice to be empowered rather than being a prisoner to their surroundings. We hope this shirt, in some small way, helps more women hear and believe this important message.” 
Terry Vaughn is available immediately for print and radio interviews. He will be available in Atlanta, GA through September 11, 2011 for live, television interviews. Contact AM Connect at aisham1@msn.com 773-457-1591 for all media bookings.
For more information and to purchase your ticket log on to www.tvempowers.com 

Situational Awareness Rally for Women is an Entertaining Event

1       50% of attacks are within one mile of the victims’ home – if not actually in it!

2       Most encounters will occur in low light conditions or complete dark.

3       A – Most burglars are opportunists. This is in complete contrast to the glamorous movie style brainiac that is normally presented on film. The thief who can circumvent security systems, cameras, watch dogs, trembler alarms, motions sensors, and observant home owners is mostly a myth. Most just happen to wander past your home and see the garage door open and figure, “I’ll give it a shot.” Or brazenly walk up to the front door, or back door, and try it…voila.

B – He is also more likely to be a repeat offender; if not for breaking and entering, then for a full spectrum of other crimes all the way up to rape and murder.

4       Home invasions are on the rise. Worse yet, some are being perpetrated by well organized gangs, yes, gangs, and by the time you have reacted to the door being kicked in, half a dozen strange men are in your house and have control of your family.

I know some of you are thinking that only happens in rough areas – right? Well, consider this for a moment:

If you, as a gang member, were going to risk being shot and killed by an armed and angry home owner, wouldn’t you consider the, “risk versus reward” philosophy? Jail time for a cheap “low” reward house will be the same as an expensive, “high” reward establishment.

It might be a bit scary to think about, but ignorance in this case is NOT bliss! You aren’t safer just because you choose not to think about it – you just make your reaction to an event such as this a whole lot slower, should it happen.

I just want you to consider the possibility and plan accordingly. Do not freak out. Living in fear doesn’t help – in fact it hinders.

Instead, aim to live in a moderate full-time state of awareness, or “in the yellow” as a close friend of mine, Monica, likes to say (this is based off Jeff Coopers color code system discussed in an earlier Blog and taught at my seminars).

Consider the possibility it could happen, although the chances are it won’t, and then if it does, you have a plan for staying in one piece. You may only need to implement your plan once in your lifetime – but if you do…boy will you be glad you had one to implement!

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/7262824/ – check out this story as an eye opener….

The list of ways criminals would make you a victim is endless, or could be, and a little research on your part can pay dividends in shortening the list.

Talk to your local Police Departments – whether officially or off the record. Ask the guys working the front lines, too. Not some PR “person” being paid to keep the panic to a minimum in the community by withholding pertinent information.

FYI – most authorities run on the premise that too much information shared with the general public will cause panic. So they tend to err on the side of too little information. They think we’ll all start running around like headless chickens the second something goes awry. OF course, I don’t expect you to curl into the fetal position the second an alarm bell sounds. But I would like you to know what the alarm bell is ringing for, (research your area) and apply the appropriate pre-determined response.

Not panicking is still a long way from reacting the right way! 

A great thing to do (and I’ve done this myself) is a ride along with a cop from your town. Do yourself one favor, listen more than you talk – you’ll learn more.

We have some of the best trained and best equipped first responders in the world – the world!

But first responders are never there first. It isn’t their fault; they just can’t be everywhere at once. Take 9/11 for example – it was ordinary citizens in nearly every case that had to face the threat first, and alone. First responders will get there as fast as they can, believe me. But in the time it takes them to get on scene, you could be in a world of trouble…

This is especially true if you haven’t prepared mentally for the fact that it might be YOU that has to respond first, whether it is in your own defense, or with first aid to save your own life or the life of a family member.   

None of this information is to try and scare you, although unfortunately, sometimes it takes a good dose of fear to get people to become pro-active in their own security and well being. I’m trying to make a realist out of you: Someone that has considered some of the most likely possibilities, made some loose plans, informed their loved ones of their roles and now has a plan ready to be put into effect.

Or better yet, a few plans! LOL.

To borrow from Gavin De Becker (and all of his books should be required reading in my opinion) –

“Every woman is a target. Not every woman needs to be a victim!”

Cheers, Terry