Page 80 - Advance Copy: Todd Kaufman, Author

TODD KAUFMAN
STEP TWO
Once you have acknowledged Homer with the statement: “Homer, you wanted my attention; you’ve got it! Homer, you want to keep me safe, I am going to help!” you need to quickly move to Step Two: engaging Homer’s concern that you are not safe.
If possible, find a quiet place to sit down (because talking to yourself out loud works best, and sometimes draws the wrong attention!).
Now, turn your conversation instantly to Homer, and try to find out why he thinks you are in danger.
Take a good look around and do a safety inspection. Do you know this place? Does anyone look suspicious? Are there any suspicious packages? Is anyone armed? Is the space itself dan- gerous (like the edge of a mountain cliff!)? Answer these ques- tions out loud (if practical) and direct the answers to Homer. Your conversation with Homer might go something like this:
“Homer, you wanted my attention; you’ve got it! Homer, you want to keep me safe, I am going to help!”
“I’m in my regular classroom at school and ev- erything looks pretty normal. I don’t see any new faces or see anyone looking upset. Nothing looks out of place. The teacher looks safe – preoccupied even. No one looks armed, the door is still open, and there is the fire exit at the rear of the room. They ran a fire alarm test last week so that is good. I’ve got my schoolbag close at hand and even re- membered my homework – so no danger there! I see a few friendly faces I have spoken with before. There seem to be more people smiling than not.
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