SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S SEPTEMBER 2025 SAFETY & SECURITY TIP: PREPARING FOR THE UNPLANNED

Planning for the unplanned – Are you prepared?

Do you have a plan if the unthinkable happens?

We call it the unthinkable, but these days we know anything can happen…anywhere, anytime.

In crime prevention and safety, we often discuss “crisis rehearsal;” a fancy way of saying “if this, then that” or “when/then.”  It means taking a moment, wherever you are, to look around and get an idea of what you would do if you needed to escape or take shelter.

Crisis rehearsal is defined as “the practice of repeatedly, and in great detail, mentally rehearsing a high-stress situation prior to it occurring, to include specific details and responses – all with positive end results.”

This starts in your home and extends to your workplace and really anywhere you are. Are you familiar with the exits? You should be.

Now think about your house of worship, gym, doctor’s office and favorite restaurant. Sure, we don’t want to think about, “What if,” however, the more thought we’ve given it, the better the outcome. Remember, your safety is number one.

Start with your children, no matter their age. When they are small, talk about what to do if they are lost in a store. As they grow up, a question may be, “What do you do, if someone approaches you and asks for money.” What about our young drivers? Walk through as many scenarios as possible. These are extremely important conversations to have with our children and family members. Creating a strong mindset, with solutions built in, will create a more confident human being.

We must also have these conversations with ourselves. We are not superheroes. We must advocate for ourselves and be ready for any unplanned events that come our way – the flat tire, the odd-acting rideshare driver, the uneasiness we feel on the roads or maybe while we are shopping.

Your best course of action is action. Have a plan to get to someplace safe. If you’re in your vehicle, lay on your horn, call for help. Every day, we place ourselves in all types of situations. We should always feel comfortable and safe. Ultimately, you are the first responder and then call 911. Do not hesitate to call for help. Ever. We are here for you.

So, the next time you head out to a concert, take a walk in your neighborhood, call for a rideshare or get in your vehicle to drive somewhere. Keep your chin up, be confident and have a plan of action.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office offers more than a dozen free crime prevention programs, discussing best practices for safety and security. To schedule one for your community, business, organization or house of worship, please call (239) 477-1CRU (1278) or email us at CRU@sheriffleefl.org.