By Cranford Blackmon I have learned so much since starting LaBCaF! Not only have I realized how much I love teaching and empowering program, I’ve learned that people are starving for ways to feel safer and more confident in their day to day lives. I have also learned that, even though my programs are fun, educational, and extremely effective (thanks to all my students who tell me such things!), I can make them better! So you may have noticed a…
Surviving an Active Shooter or Terrorist By Cranford Blackmon On Sunday night, October 1st 2017 at the Route 91 Harvest Festival near the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada, thousands of people were having a wonderful time. And then the unthinkable happened. 64-year-old Stephen Paddock began shooting into the crowd of attendees with an automatic rifle. But Paddock wasn’t part of the crowd. He wasn’t even near the crowd. Instead, he was shooting into the crowd from…
If you have read our article Baselines in the Game of Safety, you learned that finding what is “normal” is a big part of knowing if you are currently in danger. When you know what is “normal” for a situation, you will be able to respond faster and more effectively when something abnormal does show up. In most circumstances people generally display behaviors of “getting along” with others. Some examples: If you are at the grocery store you might find…
The kids are back to school now. It is an exciting time as they start another school year. Even though we love that they are out in the world learning awesome things, we can’t help but be a little nervous about our little ones as they spend time out of our sight, and in the big world! To help you ease a few fears, you will want to prepare your kids to know what to do if they are approached…
Where can you hide if you are at the park? Know what to do if an active shooter shows up! (Update: Some of our programs have changed. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date.) A big fear we hear from mothers is “what can I do to keep my kids safe if an active shooter is around?” In our Introduction to Situational Awareness Class (Shecret Agent 101), we teach you to find your CoCo. What does a…
(Update: Some of our programs have changed. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date.) In May of 2017, a woman in Oklahoma successfully fought of two men attempting to abduct her. She was walking down a familiar road when two men approached her in a truck. After declining their repeated offers to “give her a ride.” The men then decided they were going to attempt to abduct her. This brave young woman, Brittany, decided that she would…
Did you know that every year the injuries sustained by domestic violence exceed automobile accidents, muggings, and cancer deaths combined! It is astounding the impact that this has! Cranford found this infographic that gave some staggering stats on domestic violence. After reading the statistics, take a look at the signs that domestic violence may be occurring in the lives of those close to you. If you are seeking shelter or resources for yourself, or a loved one, click this link…
(Why you MUST be ready to take care of yourself) By Cranford Blackmon Before we get started, let me say 2 things: 1) I used to be a police officer (so this is all true) 2) This article doesn’t put down police officers (get lost police haters!) Still interested? Then read on. We like to think that the police (or any law enforcement officers) are there to take care of us. I mean we’ve all heard of the police motto…
How to use your legs and brains, claws and fangs: By Cranford Blackmon (Update: Some of our programs have changed. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date.) We can learn a lot from nature. Animals can teach us so much about community, having fun, and staying safe. We just need to pay attention. Staying safe like the animals do is something that is already within us. But, now that we’re “civilized,” we forget HOW to do that…
6 Female Views on Women’s Safety Programs “Why would I take a women’s self-defense course?” The RIGHT to be safe Here at LaBCaF we believe EVERY woman has the right to be safe. We also believe that the VAST majority of women in the world don’t know how to be safe. What might be worse is the number of women who actually believe “safety” isn’t an issue for them. Yes, there are really women out there like that. How do…
Afraid in a Parking Lot (Update: Some of our programs have changed. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date.) One of the most common fears that I hear women talk about is their fear of being attacked in a parking lot. I remember having uncertainty when going in and out of places, especially if it was dark outside. After learning how to be situationally aware in our Situational Awareness 101 (Shecret Agent 101) class, I started using…
By Cranford Blackmon I’m so excited that what we are doing to keep women safe is reaching out beyond our local area. Although we’re not teaching outside of Alabama yet (as of this post’s date anyway), our articles are being seen and read by people around the country. Nicole from ABC Locksmith down in Clearwater, FL found our article “Plants as Part of your Home Security Plan.” As a locksmith company, ABC also tries to educate their customers and readers…