He's Got A Gun!

You're sitting there, playing the music, reading the chart, watching the clock.
Minding your own business.
Maybe you just made a joke about the mailman, ate a Twinkie, or read an encouraging bible verse on air.
Suddenly, for no apparent reason, a person walks past the window of the control room, carrying a weapon.
How did they get to this point without anyone stopping them?
And what do you do now?

Recently a man with a knife visited a Christian station in Peoria IL.
He walked in the front door brandishing the weapon.
He is reported to have mental issues, the police were called, and no one was hurt.
But it raises the question; what policies & procedures do you have in place to protect your station staff?

It could be as simple as putting a series of barriers in place.
Not the sand, concrete or yellow cone variety, but rather a system of contact that allows you to identify visitors and define their intentions.
I don't believe it's as simple as making sure the door is locked.

My dad once told me, "locks are made for honest people".
I wasn't sure exactly what he meant, until he explained;
"An honest man will walk up to a door, turn the doorknob, and if it's locked, knock or walk away.
A dishonest man will figure out a way to get that door open, no matter what it takes."
So with your doors locked, you are safe from any honest robber, mugger or thief.
That's comforting.

I believe there is a definite need for a plan and follow through.
Have you thought about it, and taken steps to prevent it from happening to you?
What safety protection plan have you implemented?
Have you considered the possibility?
Or is it something you are going to get around to?

Don't wait for your intercom to ring, and you hear the words;
"There's a man out here.
And he's got a gun".