Threats Facing Civilians and How to Protect Against Them

Ilan Linhard

Is it possible that the very environment we live in could be the greatest threat facing the daily lives of civilians? If so, is there anything that can be done to counter possible dangers to individuals? The questions asked are both philosophical and practical in nature. Therefore the approach must be both philosophical and practical – we must ask if the average citizen should assume his own protection and if so, how? The spectrum of threats people face during their daily lives is enormous. Most of them are connected to the environment in which they live and are out of their control. Part of the ability to defend against those threats depends on and relates to philosophical perceptions and practical attitudes towards protection in the event of a life-threatening event.

The era in which we live presents various dangers to people’s lives. Natural disasters such as fires and earthquakes can create situations in which people can not breathe and may result in death. Accidents in which fires break out in either enclosed or open areas, chemical leaks or the release of other dangerous substances endanger and threaten lives on a daily basis. Worldwide terror presents malicious, deadly threats to our daily lives.

Global terror attacks civilian targets in order to inflict a high number of casualties and disrupt daily civilian life. This in turn places enormous pressure on states and decision makers, may reduce the ability to cope with the threat and attacks moral while damaging economies (all objectives of terrorists). The sophistication and confidence of terrorists, the breaking of all moral codes of conduct and the panic which they pursue make them a global and immediate threat.

Terror crossed borders long ago. The threat of biological or chemical weapons, with the goal of disrupting daily life and world politics, has transformed previously localized terror into a current global threat. This is the threat now facing citizens at all times and in all places – the danger unseen and often unpredictable. In general, people rely on security services and first responders who must arrive to the right place at the right time and with the necessary equipment to save lives. But will they arrive in time? The sense of personal safety is now in a continuous decline.

The average citizen is now in need of a means to protect himself; a means which is easily available, easily traveled with, easy to use, affordable, and which will allow him, in a life-threatening event and within seconds, to protect his ability to breathe and move as far as possible from the place of an event to a safe destination. This is the combining of the philosophical and practical. The average citizen takes active action in order to protect his own life.

Safety masks being marketed by OmniTOP (an Israeli company) encompass the philosophical and practical approaches in that the masks give civilians the ability and means to defend their lives from a significant number of threats. The masks are also easily available, easily traveled with, easy to use and affordable.

OmniTOP offers four types of escape masks, allowing up to 15 minutes of breathing time while escaping from a danger area.

1. “Maskito” - A personal emergency device for short-term respiratory protection during escape from situations involving hazardous and toxic air. For private homeowners, hotels, high-rises, hospitals, ships and aircrafts.
2. “Cogo” – A personal respiratory protective device with visor, hood and built-in filter for escape from fire. Protects against smoke and CO (Carbon Monoxide) inhalation.
3. “Kimi” – A personal emergency device for short-term respiratory protection during escape from situations involving hazardous and toxic air. For private homeowners, hotels, high-rises, hospitals, ships and aircrafts.
4. “Cembayo” - A personal emergency device for short-term respiratory protection during escape from an area of low concentration of chemical or biological agents.

Israeli security authorities have understood for some time the need for quality escape masks which save can save lives and recommend their purchase.

Israeli government offices equipped themselves with masks in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003) as a means of defense against Iraqi chemical threats. As well, the government unit for personal protection equipped bodyguards and those they were protecting with escape masks.

Petrochemical plants have equipped their workers with escape masks in order to protect them from spills involving dangerous materials.

Both private and public companies located in tall buildings have provided escape masks to their employees for use in the event of smoke or fire.

The Israeli Department of Homeland Defense, responsible for the defense of citizens in times of emergencies is currently considering adding escape masks to its inventory. .

First responders and police have obtained the masks as an immediate solution in the event of an emergency.

As one who has spent years in the security world as head of the security division for the Office of the Prime Minister of Israel and a senior figure in the Israel Security Agency, and as an expert on terror and emergency situations, I am familiar with the situations that dictate Israel’s needs and the realities facing its citizens. The special advantage of the escape masks being offered by OmniTOP is the best solution and “life insurance policy” to the civilian who is carrying it.

Escape masks save lives and raise personal security for all citizens.

Mr. Linhard was head of security for the Israeli Prime Minister’s office and a senior figure in the Israel Security Agency. He is currently CEO of OmniTOP. Details regarding the masks discussed are available at www.omnitop.co.il or www.omnitoptrade.com.