In a manner similar to our current presidential contenders, you either instinctively love her or hate her. Regardless, it’s hard to argue against the fact that Kim Kardashian has mastered the art of getting people’s attention.

This past week was no different as camera crews trailed her and droves of people (including her own 84.5+ million Instagram followers) “hearted” her every look as she whisked through the Spring/Summer 2017 shows at Paris Fashion Week. And while these shows were considered by some in the fashion world to be the showcase for the redefining work of major fashion heads and houses like Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent and Bouchra Jarrar at Lanvin or about the anticipated first solo show of Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino or his former design partner Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior – the headlines that trickled down to mainstream America were focused on Kim Kardashian.

There is no question, Kim understands her brand and utilizes her media and social media power, daily.

It was all wonderful until the very tool her fame depends on became the very tool five alleged armed robbers used to find her at the exclusive l’Hotel de Pourtales on Oct. 3, 2016. According to reports, Kim had just returned from the Chanel show and was in her room without security. After gaining entry, the men allegedly bound her wrists and ankles with zip ties and left her in a bathtub before stealing more than $11 million in cash and jewelry. Reports following the incident say that Kim blames herself for being so open on social media and for flaunting her wealth.

And so I ask, what say you? Many of us flaunt our stuff on social media. We share images of our homes, our trips, our cars, our latest purchases . . . and we do it often. Last I checked, most of us don’t have around-the-clock security and yet, we’re okay. My hope is that is how it remains. That said, Kim’s horrific incident reminds us that social media is a gateway into your life that can easily be used against you at any moment. While there are many lessons we can all learn, here are the top 5, starting with designer Karl Lagerfeld’s words of wisdom for all:

1. Don’t post the flashy stuff. Lagerfeld, the head designer and creative director of the fashion house Chanel, the Italian house Fendi as well as his own fashion label: “I don’t understand why she was in a hotel with no security and things like this. If you are that famous and you put all your jewelry on the net, you go to hotels where nobody can come near to the room. You cannot display your wealth and then be surprised that some people want to share it with you.”
2. Be careful of posting in real time as it shares what you are doing and where you are. According to NY Magazine, Kim’s next mistake was Snapchatting in real time from her location.
3. Disable the location services (under Privacy settings on your iPhone) for photos and pictures.  This is especially important for kids. Kids still think it’s nearly impossible to find out where a photo or video was taken and/or that no one cares enough to invest this time to unlock your location. Wrong. Let’s remind them that it takes less than 5 minutes and a few savvy clicks to pull the IP address off your photo or video. Beyond the ease in which it can be done, so many of us are “friends with” or “followed by” people we don’t know at all and who thoroughly enjoy unmasking everything they can about people they find desirable. A 2014 study showed that more than 70 percent of teens have no problem connecting with strangers online.
4. Parents, it’s time to talk to your kids about Kim Kardashian. I know. I actually typed those words. But the reality is, she has given us a terrific learning tool. She is extremely open on social media, believes she is invincible, has top security teams at her beck and call and still she was found, targeted and victimized. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone. Furthermore, there are many men and women who are not out for $11 million in jewelry but rather are happy to grab whatever it is we are displaying.
5. Be prepared. Whatever you decide to do with your own social media empire, spend just one hour today self-reflecting. Are you okay with everything you have posted? Is there anything you should delete (remember, people may have saved your images or videos)? Is there a better way to be doing what you are doing? Do you have a safety plan in place in case you are contacted by a stranger online?

Social media is an integral part of all our lives. It’s here to stay and I, for one, am thankful for it. That said, it can be a dangerous tool if we don’t take small, but important, steps to use it safely. Let’s have one more or 10 more conversations about this important issue that each and every single one of us can relate to. While Karl Lagerfeld’s comments have adults across the nation nodding in agreement, Kim’s awful experience has the potential to make a lot of young people think and that’s a lesson I think is worth grabbing onto.

What to discuss this weekend . . . how I long for the post when we discuss the weather! In the last few days, the Crime Stoppers of Houston office has been inundated with activity surrounding the active shooter in our very own West University area Mon., Sept. 26 as well as the incredibly scary mass threats targeting Houston-area high schools Fri., Sept. 30. So let’s break it down as both require our attention today.

Active Shooters – 5 things to think about, swallow and make part of your reality right now:

• It can happen anywhere, anytime, and affect any one of us. In terms of who is most at risk, past data shows us that businesses are most at risk, next schools, government properties followed by open gathering spaces and then residences, houses of worship, and lastly health care facilities:
• These incidents are on the rise. According to the FBI between 2000-2006, an average of 6.4 incidents occurred annually; between 2007-2013, the average increased to 16.4 incidents annually and is only going up.
• Knowing this means you need to be alert at all times and always have a plan to escape and safely tell others. Wherever you are, how would you get out if a shooting broke out? What would be safe, appropriate ways to mitigate risks for others? In the recent shooting in West University, there were reports of citizens running into the streets to stop oncoming cars from traveling in the area. Keep in mind, your safety is critically important so do not do anything that further jeopardizes your life. Each decision will be a game-time decision and will vary.
• Call 911 immediately. Look out for and listen to law enforcement’s direction; help gather any information you possibly can about the suspect. Remember, if you recognize the risks and have a plan in place at all times, if an incident takes place, you will hopefully be in ready mode.
• Get involved. How can we as a community come together to stop active shooters? Some will want to focus on pressing elected officials, others will focus on mental health reform and treatment while others will want to volunteer their time focused on education. Crime Stoppers works around the clock to offer free trainings to schools and neighborhoods and wants each community to get more involved.

And as if that wasn’t enough, on Friday, schools across Houston received threats of kidnappings and shootings. Many schools were on lockdown and kids all over were terrified. Parents, we are finding that threats against schools are increasing year after year. Here’s what we need to do now:

• Talk to the youth in your life about the seriousness of making these types of threats. Often times, these are good kids who are trying to be funny. They do not realize that these threats are considered to be criminal offenses and that they will be found and arrested.
• Walk youth through the consequences to the schools, the teachers and the students who suffer through the “lock-down” process.
• Talk to the school about absences in the face of a school threat (will they be counted?); the school’s policy on “lockdowns” and what measures the school and the school based law enforcement (is there one at your school by the way?) are taking to ensure safety. (For example, one mom called me on Friday because her Houston-area high school was on lockdown and she wanted to go get her daughter, but the school forbid the parents from approaching the campus until the lock down was lifted.)
• Put the risk into perspective. This recent threat seems to be more of a “copycat” scenario where the goal is to place fear but not cause actual physical harm. All threats need to be reported. Threats that are more targeted and consistent in nature should always be taken seriously. Students, parents or teachers with information must call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS to report what they know.
• In the face of a school tragedy, what is your child’s plan? In talking to our partners at the FBI, they have told us that when it comes to their children, they tell them one thing: In the case of a school threat or active shooter, run –  get out of the campus immediately. Don’t hide in the bathroom or classroom unless those are your only safe options. Even if forced to hide, plan to fight and try to break down any window or any door to get out of the building safely.

I talk to people all the time who think the world is roses. Don’t get me wrong, there is more good and more greatness than there is anything bad. That said, we must recognize the reality of what is happening – from active shooters in the safest neighborhoods to threats targeting a whole host of schools at a time – times are changing. It doesn’t mean we need to change anything other than know the facts, be vigilant and spread the education. I firmly believe that by working together, we are stronger.

My sincerest love to each of you and best wishes for a safe week ahead!

Across the country, students going off to college are worried about learning how to do laundry, pay their own bills or cook a meal or two. Discussions are focused on sororities and fraternities or what courses to take and academic areas to concentrate on.

In Texas, our kids have another issue facing them and this one requires serious attention. Today, Aug. 1, marks the date when concealed handgunswill formally be allowed on the Lone Star State’s college campuses. It’s the end result of a heated and lengthy legislative battle championed by Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury and state Rep. Allen Fletcher, R-Cypress. Needless to say, it’s an issue that has had colleges, professors, students, parents and school-based law enforcement spinning.

Before we jump into the details, I want to share the significance of the Aug. 1 date. It goes back to a tragic event that took place Aug. 1, 1966 when student Charles Whitman peered over the edge of the clock tower at the University of Texas at Austin and shot… and shot… and shot. Ultimately, 16 (some accounts say 17) people were killed and more than 30 others were wounded.

Lawmakers used the tragic memory of that incident as the impetus and stamp for the new era they sought to create, one where, in their minds, campus goers would now have the recourses necessary to protect themselves in the wake of any potential danger. It’s the law and we must accept it for now so let’s learn all we can about it and talk to our college students, today, tomorrow and as often as possible, about the safety of themselves and their student body.

Who can carry?

The short answer is anyone who holds a Texas handgun license. So what does it take to get one of those and how many people have one? To get a license you need to be 21 years old (18 if you are in the military). You also need to have passed both a classroom and gun range training course. Restrictions apply regarding felons (both charged and convicted) as well as those guilty of committing high-level misdemeanors. It’s significant to note that restrictions also apply to people with a history of mental illness. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety records, there are more than 1 million people in Texas with an active license to carry.

Concealed carry: A person with a license to do so can carry a concealed handgun (hidden from view) in public places, which has some restrictions. This has been the way of the land in Texas for decades. Starting today, this includes four-year public college campuses in Texas.

Open carry: A person with a license to do so can carry a handgun in plain view or out in the open. This is a new law for Texas and took effect Jan. 1, 2016. Open carry is still not permitted on any college campuses.

What does it mean for public, private and community colleges? 

• The concealed campus carry law primarily applies to four-year public universities. To further clarify the law:
• Concealed handgun license holders are allowed to carry their weapon into public university buildings, classrooms and dorms.
• Public universities are allowed to designate “gun-free” zones on part (but not all) of their campuses. An example of a gun-free zone: areas where formal administrative hearings/investigations are held.
• State law still bans weapons from some campus areas including hospitals and sporting events.
• Open carry is strictly prohibited on all Texas college campuses.

Private colleges are allowed to opt out. See the list of private universities in Texas and where they stand with open carry.

Community colleges have until August 2017 to make policy and security arrangements for concealed campus carry.

What should colleges do to prepare? 

Integrating this law into college life will be a complicated task and the best ways to do so will vary. Aric Short, vice dean at the Texas A&M University School of Law in Fort Worth is quoted as calling the new law, “very emotional and somewhat controversial.” He later recognized that “people are going to disagree about how to implement it and whether the law was appropriate in the first place.” Short was among those working on the campus carry policy for the A&M Systemduring the past year. Regardless of their thoughts on the legislation, all campuses must do certain things before kids step foot on campus this fall:

• Concealed carry campuses must have signs posted outlining the new law.
• Information must be created and available for distribution to parents explaining how the new law works.
• Handbooks for students and professors must be updated.
• Lockboxes must be placed in dorms to make sure the guns stay safe.
• Professors must communicate changes in class procedure at the start of class – for example, some professors who oppose the law have already indicated that they will only be conducting “virtual” office hours (i.e., office hours via conference call, facetime or skype) so not face-to-face with a concealed weapon carrier.
• Faculty can request that weapons not be allowed in their offices if and only if they have been granted permission by the university.

How is the college community responding?   

• Opponents worry that the new law will lead to an increase of campus violence, negatively affect free speech, increase campus suicide and create an environment of fear.
• Supporters argue that faculty and visitors will be able to defend and protect themselves in the wake of an active shooter or simply while walking home in the evening.
• Both feel discussions of a students’ emotional maturity is vital, especially when such student has access to a weapon.

All agree that it is absolutely critical that students report any suspicious behavior to police; that they immediately report knowledge of a student who has been depressed or talking about committing a violent act.

All agree that parents must – please – talk to your permit-holding college student about what to do in a host of scenarios including:

• What to do when witnessing someone acting out of control – please remind your college student that the first response is NOT to pull out their weapon in an effort to “keep the peace.”
• What to do if they witness a commission of crime – please remind your college student not pull out their weapon but rather to CALL 911.
• What to do if they find themselves in an active shooter situation – this is the toughest of all scenarios and your conversation will take shape depending on your college student’s age, level of experience with their handgun as well as their maturity level. Either way, talk about it now.

Remember, when law enforcement arrives, they see anyone with a weapon as a threat and target.

Conclusion 

Some of us are okay with this new legislation. Some are quite honestly losing sleep over it. That said, I sincerely wonder – what do you think about it? What conversations will you be having or have you been having with your college student?

At the end of the day, Texas joins seven other states in this effort (Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin) and will hopefully navigate this new world with a sense of order, safety and incredible judgement. For now, while I honor the law, I silently say a prayer for all our students…. My sincerest hope for all our kids is a safe, happy and healthy academic year.

With all the stories circulating, it’s no wonder that more and more people are talking about the frustration and fear of being pulled over by a police officer. I admit, every time I see it happen, my heart sinks a little. My nervousness has always been focused on the driver and that sense of anxious anticipation of the unknown.

I think many can relate. Almost 50 percent of all police-civilian interactions take place during traffic stops. For many if not most of us, our only real interaction with a police officer will take place when we are on the road. And we keep these officers busy! In 2015, there were 800,000 police officersin US cities making traffic stops daily.

For many, that moment of police-civilian interaction has always been about the civilian. That changed for me personally when I met Officer Ann Carrizales. Many of you know her story. Officer Carrizales was shot – point blank – in the face and chest during a routine traffic stop in 2013. In meeting her and working with her, I uncovered so much about what officers feel and face during these face-to-face interactions.

Guess what, they’re not crazy about them either. The truth is, traffic stops pose significant dangers and heightened risks for police officers. They have no idea what the steps leading to an unknown driver’s side window will mean for them. They approach cautiously and asses the risks. In their experience, a routine traffic stop can escalated into anything but routine, in an instant. In fact, just this past Thursday night, one police officer was killed and another injured during a “routine” traffic stop in San Diego.

So how can we best handle the dreaded traffic stop? Read these important tips and facts below and please take a moment to share them with your teen drivers and loved ones!

When an officer approaches your car, this is what they are looking for: 

• Do you make efforts to stop right away or continue driving longer than necessary?
• What is the visibility inside the car? Are the windows heavily tinted?
• Is there any movement in your car? Are you trying to hide something? Drugs, liquor, stolen property or a weapon?
• Does the car appear stolen? What is the condition of the vehicle? Is the license plate covered? Are registration stickers expired or missing?
• What do the tail lights say? Have you put the car in park, reverse or are you planning to take off as soon as the officer approaches the vehicle? Brake lights that stay on mean the driver still has the car in drive and could be preparing to take off.
• How many people are in the vehicle? Is the trunk lid latched? Police are looking for potential ambushes.
• Once by the car, are people making eye contact?
• Is it obvious that items are being intentionally covered in the car? Is there liquid on the floor of the vehicle? Is the glove box open or partially closed? People driving with alcohol tend to intentionally pour it out or try and store it in the glove box.
• Does the driver know where the registration and insurance papers are or is he/she not able to secure proper documentation?
• Are there any signs of intoxication or drug use in any way?

What you need to do when pulled over: 

• Pull over immediately. If the location is questionable (i.e., unsafe for you or the police officer), he or she will tell you over his vehicle’s PA system.
• Put the car in park. Know that the officer may ask you to turn off the engine.
• Roll down the window. Be prepared, if it’s dark outside, the officer might ask you to turn on your interior lights. The officer will most likely have a flashlight.
• Place both hands on the top section of the steering wheel. Do not reach for anything until you are asked. We all know you need your license, registration and insurance – but wait for the officer to ask. In fact, sit quietly and let the officer do the talking and the leading. Tell all other passengers in the car to sit still with hands in plain view.
• Know when an officer can legally search your car. If the officer finds probable cause (seeing any illegal objects in plain view) after a traffic stop, he can search your vehicle. If there is no probable cause and the officer asks if he can search your car, you have the legal right to say no.
• Know what to do if you feel unsafe. If you feel unsafe pulling over in the area you are currently driving, turn on your hazards, and drive slowly to a well-lit area; pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. If you feel unsafe with the officer facilitating the traffic stop, remain calm and call 911. You can request that the 911 officer stay on the phone with you during the stop. Tell the officer initiating the traffic stop that you have 911 listening in.  You are also able to request that the 911 operator send a supervisor or additional officer(s) to the scene.
• Always be polite.

While I hope you and yours don’t get pulled over any time soon, my bigger wish is that information and dialogue presented here will resonate with you the next time you see those red and blue lights in your rearview mirror! Let’s commit to showing our officers our best and expecting the best from them in return. I am forever committed to by belief that #workingtogether #wearestronger!

Returning home after 14 days out of the country was both wonderful and sad. I thoroughly enjoyed being across the globe and was thrilled to have had that opportunity to travel with my whole family. Everywhere we went, it was busy. Airports – busy. Public transportation – busy. Tourist spots – busy. Shopping centers – busy. Clearly, people are making the most of summer.

Whether you are traveling near or far, we want you to be safe and enjoy yourself. That said, here are the top 10 safety tips for the busy traveler.

1. Protect your credit cards and personal information. Forget fanny packs or hiding your wallet at the bottom of your purse. Now, people can steal your credit card information by simply standing next to you on a bus, in a restaurant or on a street. It’s called “electric pickpocketing” and it’s a real problem. If you have a “chipped” credit card, that chip uses a radio-frequency identification computer chip. Additionally, that chip (even though it’s nestled in your wallet) can be scanned and copied by high-tech thieves who are up to 25 feet away from you – and you’ll never know they are doing it. Scanners used by thieves have been shown to capture information off of 39 credit cards from people nearby in just 15 minutes.  Solution: Credit card sleeves with RFID blocking. These paper sleeves are usually sold in packets of 10 and protects your credit card information. Prices vary but this is an extremely inexpensive way to protect your information and a great way to ensure peace of mind.
2. Guard your home. Depending on where you live, neighborhood police are available to drive by your home once or even twice a day to make sure everything looks okay. You can request this free service online. Check out the forms for The City of Houston, The City of Bellaire, The City of West University and the Memorial Villages.
3. It takes a village. Let your trusted neighbors know you are traveling and ask them to watch your home. Call your alarm company and make sure they have a number of someone locally to call should your alarm go off or give them a direct number to you while you are overseas. Make sure to stop your mail, stop the newspaper and keep your house well-lit.
4. Know where you are going. This means, everyone has their hotel and airfare information down but do you know where the US Embassy is in your destination country? Do you know the difference between police and military – especially if you are in an area where both roam the streets? Do you understand the way public transportation works and the most common ways people get around?
5. To carry or not to carry. While you’re out and about, think of the following: Make electronic copies of your documents (passports, medical insurance, plane tickets, travel insurance, visas and more) and email the documents to yourself. Keep originals locked in the hotel safe when touring your destination city. Don’t carry everything together. Carry part of your cash in your front (never back) pocket, the remainder of your cash and credit cards in your wallet, travelers checks in your purse, and some lucky cash in your shoe. The point is, if one item is stolen, you have backup.
6. Start with the man in the mirror. Look your best but think of trying to fit into your country of origin. When traveling, if possible, don’t be flashy. Keep the fancy jewelry at home and take steps not to draw attention to yourself.
7. Don’t be easy. Yes, I said it. Don’t be easy! What I mean by this is don’t set yourself up to be an easy target. Pay attention, keep your head up, eyes focused and know where you’re going. It’s okay to be a tourist but you don’t need to look like a “dazed and confused” one.
8. Be careful in crowds. It’s wonderful to be amongst the masses. That said, ask any peace officer and they will say that 9 times out of 10 they do not hang out in large crowds. There are many reasons: pickpockets operate easily in the gentle pushing and shoving but more importantly, and quite sadly, in today’s world – terrorists thrive on targets where crowds gather.
9. Keep it bright. It doesn’t always follow that bad things happen after dark but it can be assumed that the number of things for families to do together decreases later in the day. If you’re traveling with your family, try to do your site seeing, walking and running during daylight hours.
10. Plan for safety. Have a wonderful time, make memories, talk to your family, invest in each other – and do it all safely!