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Stay Alert in Public

Personal Safety

high priority
5 min read
Updated December 2024
Overview

Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is one of the most important personal safety skills you can develop. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to maintain situational awareness in various environments.

Key Points
  • Keep your head up and eyes scanning your environment
  • Avoid distractions like phones or headphones in unfamiliar areas
  • Trust your instincts if something feels wrong
  • Identify potential escape routes and safe spaces
  • Be aware of people around you and their behavior
Step-by-Step Implementation
1

Practice the 360-Degree Scan

Regularly look around you in all directions. Make it a habit to check behind you, to your sides, and ahead. This should become second nature.

2

Use Your Peripheral Vision

Train yourself to notice movement and changes in your peripheral vision. This helps you detect potential threats without obviously looking around.

3

Identify Baseline Behavior

Learn what normal behavior looks like in different environments so you can quickly spot when something is out of place.

4

Plan Your Routes

Before going somewhere new, familiarize yourself with the area. Know where exits are located and identify safe places you could go if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Being completely absorbed in your phone while walking
  • Wearing headphones at full volume in public spaces
  • Ignoring your gut feelings about a situation
  • Not having an exit strategy when entering new places
  • Assuming that busy areas are always safe
Emergency Actions
  • If you feel threatened, move to a well-lit, populated area immediately
  • Call 911 if you witness or experience a crime
  • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, leave the area
  • Make noise to attract attention if you're in danger
  • Have emergency contacts readily available on your phone
Related Safety Tips
Trust Your Instincts
Share Your Location
Carry Emergency Contacts
Additional Resources

Personal Safety Awareness Guide

Comprehensive guide to situational awareness

PDF • 2.1 MB

Self-Defense Basics Video

Basic self-defense techniques and awareness tips

Video • 15 min
Emergency Contacts

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