On our site we sell many different types of preparedness kits, survival gear and other disaster related items. However…there is more much to better preparedness than just items you can buy. One area is becoming more aware of your surroundings and situations you find yourself in.
Almost everyday we read in the papers about a shooting, a sexual assault, an armed robbery or some other type of terrible incident. Often in interviews after the event with people involved…they will tell you that they “sensed something was wrong” or that a particular person made them nervous. These are signs you need to at least pay more attention to. If you sense something is wrong, take a moment to try to understand why you are sensing it. If it just doesn’t feel right…if you can….remove yourself from the area. If you can’t leave…tell someone, move to another area, etc. I am not suggesting that you walk around being paranoid all the time. Just learn to listen to the clues your body gives you that something is wrong.
One other thing you can probably get better at is being aware of your environment. What I mean by that is simply knowing where you are. If you are at a mall, restaurant, movie theater, stadium, etc….take a moment to know where the exits are. Understand what is between you and those exits. This could come in handy if there was a sudden disaster, a fire, an armed robbery or other situation that forces you to evacuate your location. What if the exit closest to you is blocked or crowded…what is your second option? When I check into a hotel…I take a couple minute after checking into my room to look at the emergency escape routes. Often I will even walk them once. I don’t want to have to do this for the first time if I am suddenly awakened at 4:00 a.m. to the sound of a fire alarm.
These suggestions don’t really take up much time. Once you start being more aware of your surrounding you will find yourself doing it more and more naturally. These are skills that could come in handy and one day….might save your life.
All the best…be safe.