This morning is Sept 11, 2011. As we all know, the events of ten years ago changed life as we knew it. But I am not going to rehash all of the events; the media have that base well covered. Instead, I want to talk about what you and I, as audio & video experts, need to consider in the event of another major incident.

I recall the morning well. My wife had already gone it to work; she was (is) an RN working at a major hospital. I had awakened, and had turned on the television as I was preparing to take my young son to school.

And the events unfolded right there on the screen! Once the shock wore off, my mind began to race. What if Los Angeles was next on the list? The United States was definitely under attack of some sort.

Immediately, I contacted my wife and instructed her to stay where she was. The hospital complex was the safest place for her to be at the time; certainly it was not prudent to be driving across the city if there were any local incidents. Besides, as a nurse, she might be needed at the hospital in case of a triage. No question in our minds that she should remain where she was.

I believed we were pretty safe in our neighborhood. There were no worthwhile targets around, so I did not fear anything local to worry about.

Also, I realized that I might be needed as an emergency responder.

One of my first calls that morning was to a colleague at the LAPD Video Unit whom I had done work for in the past. I let him know that he could consider me on stand-by if he needed assets to cover something in the San Fernando Valley. Secure at my business, not far from home, I had  video and audio gear, so I could arrive on scene way ahead of his dispatching his team from downtown. In addition, I had other specialized equipment, and was well versed in its use. I have instructed audio & video classes for law enforcement, was a former Technical Reserve police officer, and have had my share of specialized training over the years.

My lights, IR camera capability, and super sensitive microphones might also be valuable for search & rescue, if not documentary.

Fortunately, the only thing we had to deal with here in Los Angeles was grief and shock. We cried for our "brothers and sisters" in New York, DC, and (Pennsylvania).

If you have skills, video equipment, or anything else that might be useful in an emergency -- I urge you to stroll over to your local police branch and fire department, and let them know what you could provide locally and immediately if the call came.It could be a natural disaster, or a man made one.

Be vigilent, be ready.