Blogs

Your Security Professionals Want You To Stay Safe This Season

The most valuable asset for any business or corporation is its people.

That’s why savvy executives and business owners go to great lengths to keep their people safe, all year long.

Many corporate holiday events will include the utilization of security professionals, who are on hand to help the party run smoothly – and safely.

But, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the holiday season is unfortunately prime time for accidents and safety mishaps, both at work and at home.

So your firm’s security professionals would advise you to pass on these helpful tips and reminders to your folks as they enjoy another holiday season with family and friends.

Remember These Security Practices When Celebrating This Season

Here are some “best practice” reminders for safe and secure holiday activities.

• Be safe when decorating for the holidays.  House fires are sadly far-too-common as a result of haphazard or dangerous holiday decorating… don’t let your home be the next to suffer this disaster.
• • Make sure your decorations are UL-approved.  Ensure your power cords are in good repair, and don’t try to use indoor extension cords outside.  Keep live trees moist.  Be careful on the ladder, and keep lit candles away from flammable materials like draperies.  Turn off and unplug decorations when you aren’t enjoying them… and keep a fire extinguisher handy “just in case.”

• Use safe holiday cooking practices.  The kitchen is another part of the home that’s vulnerable to fires starting… but the smart chef knows how to keep things safe while preparing the feast and the treats.
• • Turn the pot handles inward on the stove (and away from the reach of curious youngsters).  Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order, and never leave the stove unattended.  If a fire does start, remember, never use water to try to douse a grease fire.

• The best holiday parties are the safest ones.  If you’re hosting a party, make sure your guests are both comfortable and secure.
• • Check with everyone to ensure there are designated drivers to get revelers home safely.  Don’t over-sell the alcohol… instead, push the food!  You want people to enjoy the treats you’ve prepared or acquired, and well-fed guests don’t generally drink too much.  And try to offer a place to stay for guests who do overindulge.

• Keep things safe on your road trip.  Many people travel the highways to visit family and friends during the holidays.  It’s important to keep the road trip safe by remembering that it’s cold out there!
• • Make sure there are plenty of blankets and winter coats in the car… if you’re stranded, those can be life savers.  Some extra food and water in the car might also come in quite handy.  Have your vehicle checked and winterized, and don’t drive too fast when the roads are slick.  And just in case the unforeseen occurs, make sure to keep your cell phone fully charged.

• And travel safely by air, too.  If your holiday plans include air travel, make sure you’re safe throughout the journey.
• • Double-check to ensure your photo ID is current before you get to the airport security line.  Don’t make a big show of valuables at the airport… and, of course, never leave your luggage unattended (report any unattended luggage you see).  Dress for the climate you’re headed toward… and make sure any medicine you might need is packed in your carry-on (not in your checked luggage).  And you’d be surprised how many people still aren’t aware of this major warning: never carry luggage or items for strangers.

With a little attention to detail, everyone can have a pleasant – and safe – holiday season.  Pass these tips on to your cherished employees… and look forward to seeing everyone rested and refreshed after a fun and enjoyable time!

We live in a world where women live in constant danger. It’s a harsh reality to learn that: 1 in 3 women around the world will experience physical/sexual violence by a partner … About 140M women suffer from female genital mutilation/cutting. Three million girls a year are at risk … Globally, 38% of all murdered women were killed by their intimate partners …  Women are 2-4 times more likely than men to become infected with HIV during intercourse. Forced sex or rape increases this risk … More than 64 million girls worldwide are child brides … Women and girls represent 55 percent of the estimated 20.9 million victims of forced labor worldwide … Women and girls represent 98 percent of the estimated 4.5 million forced into sexual exploitation.

Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County joins in fighting this problem that is ruining the lives of women and girls …  We will wear orange throughout November in support of “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” a Zonta International campaign to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls. “We believe that sustainable prevention requires an understanding of the root causes and the use of multiple complementary strategies operating on individual, relationship, and the community and society levels, starting early in life during childhood, continuing in the schools and continuing during adulthood,” explains Maria Jose, Landeira Oestergaard Zonta International President.

Sexual violence is one of the most pervasive human rights violations and a global epidemic. It knows no national or cultural barriers and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and conflict. It includes physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as rape, female genital cutting and human trafficking. Violence against women and girls threatens countries, inhibits economic progress, and prevents women from contributing to their community and creating better lives for themselves and their families. In our own backyards violence against women is hidden in the most unsuspecting places, on our streets, in our schools, or maybe even in a right in your neighborhood. In Colorado 1 in 4 women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Whether it is rape, child sexual assault, dating or domestic violence incest, human trafficking, it is in all strata of our society. But yet it is estimated that under 10% of sexual assaults are actually reported to police.

As a community, Boulder County can only reverse this trend if we advocate for programs that educate and lay the ground work for change. Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County salutes groups in our community like Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA), Abby’s Voice, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE), St. Vrain Safe Shelter and CU Women and Gender Studies Program and others who work with us to address reverse this epidemic.  Their efforts must be recognized in our community.

Together we are saying that we can no longer tolerate exploitation of women and that college campuses must not look the other way to traditions of drinking, hazing and sexual exploitation.  As a community we are reaching out to men, women and children to educate and establish an understanding the intricate web of violence. Men and boys must be empowered to speak with a unified voice making violence not just a women’s problem but broader societal issue. Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County asks you to recruit you spouse, your brother, your neighbor or your son…inform them of the facts surrounding this social tragedy urge them to be an agent for change for all of our daughters.

To learn more visit http://www.zontafoothills.org/.

Define Defense now offers 4 week self defense courses on Fridays from 5-6pm. In these 4 classes, we go over:

- Self defense on the floor against a standing attacker
- Self defense against sexual assault
- Self defense against grabs, chokes and other forceful attacks
- Effective striking
- How to avoid dangerous situations
- How to maximize your chances of escape
- How to use pepper sprays (and other defense sprays)
- Vital points, body language and other proven methods to get yourself into safety

The next self defense course will take place on these dates:
October 26th
November 2nd
November 9th
November 16th
Every attendee will receive an information packet. If you cannot attend all 4 consecutive classes, you can use your remaining class(es) during the next course dates.

The price for the full program is only $75.
If you want to reserve a spot, please send us a message or register here. Spots are limited!

This program combines all of the most effective and realistic ways to defend yourself against any dangers that may occur. We focus on prevention as well as protecting yourself and others. In this course, you will learn how to deal with a crisis situation, mentally as well as physically. Everything we teach is relevant to real situations and applies more realistic training methods for improved results. 

I'm sure you've heard or read about the 20 year old CU student who got ticketed for falsely reporting an attack on University Hill. You can read more about it here.

Her initial story was that she was walking alone when she was grabbed by a 200lbs. knife wielding man. After a struggle, she got away with some minor scratches.

Doesn't add up does it? It may be possible if she was very lucky and the attacker only had the intention to scare her with the knife but did not plan on actually using it. It is definitely possible if she acted and overwhelmed her attacker (you want to take away the attacker's confidence, therefore the Golden Rule of self defense: ACT CRAZY). However, if a 200 lbs. man was wielding with a knife, it would be extremely hard to walk away the way she did. Not just for her but for anyone, including me!

False reports are unfortunate and prevent law enforcement from investigating real crimes. For example:

The armed robbery which turned fatal for Todd Walker (March 2011)

The gunmen who robbed multiple people and sexually assaulted a woman (August, 2011)

A gunman outside the Boulder Community Hospital (April, 2011)

Bank robbery in North Boulder (September, 2011)

CU campus robbery (January, 2012)

Sexual assault attempts (October, 2011)


Does this mean Boulder is an unsafe or bad place to live? Absolutely not! However, as in every big town (and college town), you need to be aware and more importantly, not be naive. Not everyone is trustworthy, you need to be cautious and use common sense. 

After all, things happen and you don't control everything or everyone. None of the above victims ever thought this would happen to them but unfortunately it did. We should all try to keep ourselves and others safe. There are many ways to do this but the first step is to realize bad things do happen. Being prepared doesn't hurt. The last thing you want to do is putting yourself in a situation in which bad things can happen.

As a self defense instructor, I spend a lot of attention to all aspects of self defense. It is not simply about the techniques and how to get back to safety but it's also about preventing, scanning, communication (verbal and non verbal), knowing vital points and very important: your mental state.

My wife pointed out an article about self defense a few weeks ago and Linda Fairstein (a former sex crimes prosecutor) addresses a few very bad choices that turned for the worst.

- Kenia Monge from Denver was planning on going to college to become a crime scene investigator so she was an intelligent woman. When she left her friends to go to the restroom when partying, she never came back. Travis Forbes was found guilty for the murder of Kenia. She made one mistake but it cost her and her family dearly. It is very important to use a buddy system when leaving the group, no matter how close or easy your destination is.

- Holly Bobo, a 20 year old student was kidnapped outside her Tennessee home. It seems like Holly did not resist enough, at least not in the initial part of her kidnapping. Traces of resistance were found but it was probably too late. If you feel unsafe, draw attention to yourself. It will lower your attacker's confidence and other people may be able to assist or call 911. Do whatever you can to draw attention and target vital points to maximize damage and pain. Please note that every situation is different and everyone's response is different. When there are weapons involved, it is also a very different scenario so this response may not fit all situations!


- Paula Sladewski had a fight with her boyfriend in a club, it came to a point that her boyfriend was thrown out and she stayed. When she left later, cameras show a man was following her. She didn't make it and up to this day, there is no suspect. Paula made the mistake of making a decision based on her emotions at that time. This affected her safety and it turned for the worst. Always be careful and don't take risks, even if you are upset.

The article focussed on these three situations that were caused by a certain decision. Other people doing the same actions may be fine and many other decisions will also turn out to be the wrong one. Should you lock yourself up and don’t take any risks? No but take calculated risks and please use common sense. It’s better to be safe than sorry. In my mind, every person should take a proper self defense course and know the basics (not because we teach these but I believe things can happen and you should be able to help yourself if needed).

We teach self defense classes 4 times a week and offer punch cards to give our clients the freedom to choose their own times. We focus on every aspect of self defense and make sure you leave with a strong basic knowledge and skill set. All levels and ages are welcome. More info about our self defense classes and workshops here.


By Sander Vanacker, Define Defense’s certified personal trainer and head martial arts instructor, based in Boulder, Colorado. Take a look at www.DefineDefense.com

I'm sure you've heard or read about the 20 year old CU student who got ticketed for falsely reporting an attack on University Hill. You can read more about it here.

Her initial story was that she was walking alone when she was grabbed by a 200lbs. knife wielding man. After a struggle, she got away with some minor scratches.

Doesn't add up does it? It may be possible if she was very lucky and the attacker only had the intention to scare her with the knife but did not plan on actually using it. It is definitely possible if she acted and overwhelmed her attacker (you want to take away the attacker's confidence, therefore the Golden Rule of self defense: ACT CRAZY). However, if a 200 lbs. man was wielding with a knife, it would be extremely hard to walk away the way she did. Not just for her but for anyone, including me!

False reports are unfortunate and prevent law enforcement from investigating real crimes. For example:

The armed robbery which turned fatal for Todd Walker (March 2011)

The gunmen who robbed multiple people and sexually assaulted a woman (August, 2011)

A gunman outside the Boulder Community Hospital (April, 2011)

Bank robbery in North Boulder (September, 2011)

CU campus robbery (January, 2012)

Sexual assault attempts (October, 2011)


Does this mean Boulder is an unsafe or bad place to live? Absolutely not! However, as in every big town (and college town), you need to be aware and more importantly, not be naive. Not everyone is trustworthy, you need to be cautious and use common sense. 

After all, things happen and you don't control everything or everyone. None of the above victims ever thought this would happen to them but unfortunately it did. We should all try to keep ourselves and others safe. There are many ways to do this but the first step is to realize bad things do happen. Being prepared doesn't hurt. The last thing you want to do is putting yourself in a situation in which bad things can happen.

As a self defense instructor, I spend a lot of attention to all aspects of self defense. It is not simply about the techniques and how to get back to safety but it's also about preventing, scanning, communication (verbal and non verbal), knowing vital points and very important: your mental state.

My wife pointed out an article about self defense a few weeks ago and Linda Fairstein (a former sex crimes prosecutor) addresses a few very bad choices that turned for the worst.

- Kenia Monge from Denver was planning on going to college to become a crime scene investigator so she was an intelligent woman. When she left her friends to go to the restroom when partying, she never came back. Travis Forbes was found guilty for the murder of Kenia. She made one mistake but it cost her and her family dearly. It is very important to use a buddy system when leaving the group, no matter how close or easy your destination is.

- Holly Bobo, a 20 year old student was kidnapped outside her Tennessee home. It seems like Holly did not resist enough, at least not in the initial part of her kidnapping. Traces of resistance were found but it was probably too late. If you feel unsafe, draw attention to yourself. It will lower your attacker's confidence and other people may be able to assist or call 911. Do whatever you can to draw attention and target vital points to maximize damage and pain. Please note that every situation is different and everyone's response is different. When there are weapons involved, it is also a very different scenario so this response may not fit all situations!


- Paula Sladewski had a fight with her boyfriend in a club, it came to a point that her boyfriend was thrown out and she stayed. When she left later, cameras show a man was following her. She didn't make it and up to this day, there is no suspect. Paula made the mistake of making a decision based on her emotions at that time. This affected her safety and it turned for the worst. Always be careful and don't take risks, even if you are upset.

The article focussed on these three situations that were caused by a certain decision. Other people doing the same actions may be fine and many other decisions will also turn out to be the wrong one. Should you lock yourself up and don’t take any risks? No but take calculated risks and please use common sense. It’s better to be safe than sorry. In my mind, every person should take a proper self defense course and know the basics (not because we teach these but I believe things can happen and you should be able to help yourself if needed).

We teach self defense classes 4 times a week and offer punch cards to give our clients the freedom to choose their own times. We focus on every aspect of self defense and make sure you leave with a strong basic knowledge and skill set. All levels and ages are welcome. More info about our self defense classes and workshops here.


By Sander Vanacker, Define Defense’s certified personal trainer and head martial arts instructor, based in Boulder, Colorado. Take a look at www.DefineDefense.com, www.TrainerVanacker.com or check out our videos onYouTube.com/DefineDefense ! Define Defense offers training in: - Modern Martial Arts - BJJ & MMA - Self Defense - Strength & Conditioning - Personal Training

I'm sure you've heard or read about the 20 year old CU student who got ticketed for falsely reporting an attack on University Hill. You can read more about it here.

Her initial story was that she was walking alone when she was grabbed by a 200lbs. knife wielding man. After a struggle, she got away with some minor scratches.

Doesn't add up does it? It may be possible if she was very lucky and the attacker only had the intention to scare her with the knife but did not plan on actually using it. It is definitely possible if she acted and overwhelmed her attacker (you want to take away the attacker's confidence, therefore the Golden Rule of self defense: ACT CRAZY). However, if a 200 lbs. man was wielding with a knife, it would be extremely hard to walk away the way she did. Not just for her but for anyone, including me!

False reports are unfortunate and prevent law enforcement from investigating real crimes. For example:

The armed robbery which turned fatal for Todd Walker (March 2011)

The gunmen who robbed multiple people and sexually assaulted a woman (August, 2011)

A gunman outside the Boulder Community Hospital (April, 2011)

Bank robbery in North Boulder (September, 2011)

CU campus robbery (January, 2012)

Sexual assault attempts (October, 2011)


Does this mean Boulder is an unsafe or bad place to live? Absolutely not! However, as in every big town (and college town), you need to be aware and more importantly, not be naive. Not everyone is trustworthy, you need to be cautious and use common sense. 

After all, things happen and you don't control everything or everyone. None of the above victims ever thought this would happen to them but unfortunately it did. We should all try to keep ourselves and others safe. There are many ways to do this but the first step is to realize bad things do happen. Being prepared doesn't hurt. The last thing you want to do is putting yourself in a situation in which bad things can happen.

As a self defense instructor, I spend a lot of attention to all aspects of self defense. It is not simply about the techniques and how to get back to safety but it's also about preventing, scanning, communication (verbal and non verbal), knowing vital points and very important: your mental state.

My wife pointed out an article about self defense a few weeks ago and Linda Fairstein (a former sex crimes prosecutor) addresses a few very bad choices that turned for the worst.

- Kenia Monge from Denver was planning on going to college to become a crime scene investigator so she was an intelligent woman. When she left her friends to go to the restroom when partying, she never came back. Travis Forbes was found guilty for the murder of Kenia. She made one mistake but it cost her and her family dearly. It is very important to use a buddy system when leaving the group, no matter how close or easy your destination is.

- Holly Bobo, a 20 year old student was kidnapped outside her Tennessee home. It seems like Holly did not resist enough, at least not in the initial part of her kidnapping. Traces of resistance were found but it was probably too late. If you feel unsafe, draw attention to yourself. It will lower your attacker's confidence and other people may be able to assist or call 911. Do whatever you can to draw attention and target vital points to maximize damage and pain. Please note that every situation is different and everyone's response is different. When there are weapons involved, it is also a very different scenario so this response may not fit all situations!

- Paula Sladewski had a fight with her boyfriend in a club, it came to a point that her boyfriend was thrown out and she stayed. When she left later, cameras show a man was following her. She didn't make it and up to this day, there is no suspect. Paula made the mistake of making a decision based on her emotions at that time. This affected her safety and it turned for the worst. Always be careful and don't take risks, even if you are upset.

The article focussed on these three situations that were caused by a certain decision. Other people doing the same actions may be fine and many other decisions will also turn out to be the wrong one. Should you lock yourself up and don’t take any risks? No but take calculated risks and please use common sense. It’s better to be safe than sorry. In my mind, every person should take a proper self defense course and know the basics (not because we teach these but I believe things can happen and you should be able to help yourself if needed).

We teach self defense classes 4 times a week and offer punch cards to give our clients the freedom to choose their own times. We focus on every aspect of self defense and make sure you leave with a strong basic knowledge and skill set. All levels and ages are welcome. More info about our self defense classes and workshops here.


By Sander Vanacker, Define Defense’s certified personal trainer and head martial arts instructor, based in Boulder, Colorado. Take a look at www.DefineDefense.com

Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced that it is bolstering the wind energy training and safety labs, offering students access to cutting-edge equipment that prepares them for careers in the wind industry.  According to the Department of Energy, wind power is the fastest growing energy source in the world.  By using the newest equipment at Ecotech, students will have the most up-to-date training that employers want.

“Ecotech’s Wind Energy Technology Program is arguably the best in the world and our labs are a critical piece of the student experience,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “The ever-growing area of wind energy requires tremendous knowledge and a commitment to learn proper, safe techniques, which this equipment will help provide.”

Ecotech’s holistic teaching approach includes hands-on labs, soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), math and science basics, technology and more.  However, the labs serve as the showcase of the campus and Ecotech has purchased state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that students have the renewable energy training that will help them excel in their careers. 

The labs, which will be complete in time for the first graduating class to enjoy, use a wide variety of real-life elements for complete training.

The Wind Training Lab now contains a generator trainer, fiber optic splicing kit, specialty tools, a Lab-Volt Wind Turbine Nacelle Trainer, Lab-Volt Wind Turbine Hub Trainer, and several wind farm simulation software packages.

The Wind Safety Lab now includes a 25-foot climb and rescue tower, Miller Evolution Harnesses and Lanyards, Rescue Randy dummy, Miller Safe Escape Rescue Device, Lab-Volt cranes and a rigging trainer.  Ecotech will also soon have a TorcUP torque and tensioning trainer.

“The integrated systems approach offered by LabVolt’s Wind Turbine Training Simulators provide a very realistic view of the functionality and programming of a large, commercial wind turbine,” added Shawn Lamb, program director at Ecotech Institute.  “These are leading-edge technologies that effectively prepare students and get them excited about going into the field.”

Ecotech Institute’s Wind Energy Technology program is a two-year associate’s degree program focused on the generation and transmission of energy using wind power.  Designed with employer input, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as wind energy technicians.

This program might be right for people who:

• love working outdoors.
• want to help develop cleaner, more sustainable energy.
• are interested in working on mechanical devices.
• enjoy math and science.
• like working with power tools to assemble, repair or install.

Learn more about Ecotech’s Wind Energy program at www.ecotechinstitute.com/wind-energy-technology-schools.cfm.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in January and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

The Dive Rescue Summer training series comes to Boulder Colorado, hosted and sponsored by Boulder Emergency Squad-B.E.S., an all
volunteer, non-profit emergency response team serving Boulder County and
surrounding areas. Certifications are offered for specialized classes and
include basic and advanced dive rescue, dive medicine, light salvage and
recovery, and instructor training.

(Boulder, Colorado). May 28, 2010 -- Boulder Emergency Squad-B.E.S. is proud to host and
sponsor the Colorado Dive Rescue Summer Training Series coming in June 2010
conducted by Dive Rescue International-DRI of Fort Collins, Colorado. Every
year citizens and visitors of Boulder County enjoy the fun and excitement of
water recreation. "When an accident does occur, it's good to know we've
got a professional team of volunteers who work together seamlessly to respond
and save lives", says Joe Pelle, Boulder County Sheriff.

For the past 25 years B.E.S. has trained their emergency dive and water rescue
teams to the highest international dive standards. During the past few years,
Boulder Emergency Squad, in cooperation with the Boulder County Sheriff's
Department, City of Boulder Fire Department, and the Longmont Emergency Unit,
has co-authored dive rescue standards for all Boulder County dive teams.
"Our county guidelines adhere to the most strict DRI standards used by
dive teams across the globe", says Steve Lanaghen, Dive Instructor for
Boulder Emergency Squad.

Every year DRI conducts the Summer Series throughout the State of Colorado and is
pleased to be working closely with the B.E.S. dive rescue team to bring the
training to the Boulder-metro area.

The class schedule includes a wide selection of dive rescue classes for both the
public safety diver and recreational dive instructors and includes these
topics:

Dive Rescue I June 4-6, 2010

Dive Rescue II June 7-11, 2010

Med Dive June 13-14, 2010

Public Safety Scuba Instructor June 14-18,
2010

Specific classes are filling up and candidates can still register by contacting Diver
Rescue International at (800) 248-3483 ext 18 or www.DiverRescueIntl.com.

* * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

About Boulder Emergency Squad:
B.E.S. is an all volunteer, non-profit 501c.3 technical rescue team
serving the County of Boulder, Colorado. BES provides a number of technical
rescue services at no charge including underwater dive rescue, swift water
creek rescue, vehicle extrication, low-angle scree evacuations, animal rescue, wildland
fire fighting, structural fire support, and is a trained staffing resource for
the Boulder County Sheriff's Department. B.E.S. was incorporated in 1964.

Contact: Andrew M. Amalfitano, Public Information Officer

Boulder Emergency Squad
303-443-4081 http://www.bes-rescue.org

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