Be Alert, Be Aware, Have a Plan: The Complete Guide to Personal Security

by Neal Rawls, Sue Kovach

Rawls is a former police officer and currently security chief of an international corporation; Kovach is a freelance journalist and photographer. Their book covers personal security in a wide range of situations, with an emphasis on prevention and preparation. The text provides concise, sensible, real-world advice to enable readers to protect themselves and their families with minimal changes to their everyday lives at home, at work, and when traveling. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Genres: Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Zade · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, most of the information Mr. Rawls provides in this book is simply common sense, but the fact is, few of us really think about how to handle even a few of the numerous situations covered here. A former police officer, Rawls knows first-hand how quickly dangerous situations can develop and how easy it can be to miss even quite obvious warning signs. Unlike so many authors today, Rawls does not play on the fears and vulnerabilities of his readers. His point is not that it's a scary world, but rather that a basic level of situational awareness and preparedness, combined with a conscious effort to imagine solutions to sticky situations before they happen, make the world a much safer place for each of us. His advice ranges from what to do if you think you are being followed in your car to how to make an emergency contact plan for your family in case of a natural disaster.

Because he covers so much ground, each topic receives only brief treatment. This does not mean, however, that the material is sketchy or shallow. Mr. Rawls writes concisely and gives plenty of information for readers to take the first steps towards increasing their own security. He also has confidence that his readers are smart enough to find more in-depth information if they need it. The point of this book is not to give readers an solution to every possible scenario, but rather to help them develop a mindset that will allow them to avoid problems most of the time and react effectively when they cannot. This approach provides far more adaptability than a more specific examination of fewer topics.

I have limited space on my shelves, so most books don't get to stay in my house for long. This one, I'm keeping, both for my own reference and as a guide for teaching my family.

[FSU Alumni]

Neal Rawls (B.S.W. '73)