The federal government has issued a travel warning to Americans planning to go abroad. We have heard of some local residents who take annual holiday trips to New York City or other shopping destinations canceling their plans this year. Some are even wary of patronizing local malls, stores or popular restaurants. All of this, and more, is because of the elevated concern over terrorism.

There is no question we need to be aware of what is happening in the world and that it can happen here, but we need not be paralyzed by fear.Realistically, we need to put the threat into perspective:The chances of being hit by lightning are about 3½ times greater than the chances of being involved in a terrorist incident.According to the Center for Globalization Studies, eight American civilians died worldwide in terrorist attacks last year compared with 29 Americans who were struck and killed by lightning. The leading cause of death among Americans traveling abroad in 2014 was not terrorism, murder or crime of any kind - it was motor vehicle accidents.If you're like I am, I'll be damned if I am going to alter my plans on the basis of unspecified concerns; I wouldn't give a terrorist organization the satisfaction.By the same token, we must use common sense and a heightened awareness that we are living in a dangerous world.Every generation has had its dangers. There have been two worldwide wars, the Cold War and the potential for nuclear annihilation. This new terror from Muslim extremists, whose mission it is to annihilate nonbelievers and infidels, poses the latest danger to "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness."The coordinated attacks in Paris, Lebanon and Mali during the past 10 days show that we need to be on high alert. We must acknowledge that no country is immune from these attacks. What occurred on 9/11 should dispel this notion in a hurry.We need to think about what we would do if someone launched an attack near us or against us. We need to react quickly. That could mean fighting to save our life or a strategic retreat to keep us and our loved ones safe.While the chances are slim that we will encounter a terrorist situation, awareness is our best friend. Practicing awareness is actually fairly simple.Tom Givens, owner of a firearms training school in Memphis, Tennessee, said all it takes is to open our eyes and look around.For example, he said, when we walk into a room, scan it quickly to see who is nearby and what they are doing. We should observe any suspicious behavior.Glance into the window of businesses or shops as we walk down the street to see who may be walking behind us."By observing the people around you, you're not as defenseless as you would be if you were totally oblivious of your surroundings," he said.Givens also suggests that we practice awareness by looking at a car that passes. Could we recall the make, model and color of the car, possibly even the license plate? Could we identify the gender of the driver and passengers and remember any descriptions?The next time you are shopping look at the people you pass, and try to describe them. "By taking the time to train yourself to become more aware of your surroundings," Givens said, "you'll naturally start paying more attention."He urges us to report any unusual behavior or unattended packages to police or security personnel.With the Christmas shopping season about to start officially, it is almost inevitable that we are going to be in some crowds in the next month or so.Taking prudent precautions is being smart, but shuttering ourselves in our homes is not.I like what New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio had to say after an ISIS propaganda film implied that his city might be the next target of terrorists after the attack in Paris on Nov. 13."Stoking fear is the goal of terrorist organizations, but New York City will not be intimidated," de Blasio said."New Yorkers won't live in fear, and people should continue to go to work, live their lives, and enjoy the greatest city in the world."We need to embrace the same mindset.Bruce Frassinelli |

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