Why You Should Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Disaster and calamity can strike at any given moment. There’s evidence of this every time you go to flip on the morning news. But when it becomes personal, and your world is crashing down, this can leave you in a position where you’re left making a careless decision that could wind up being your last. There are many reasons why you should be aware of your surroundings.
With the rise of global terrorism, school shootings, and natural disasters, choosing to live out life as if any of these situations could never happen to you is like playing next to a fire. Eventually, you’re going to get burned.
Why You Should Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
That’s why it’s so crucial that you are aware of your surroundings every time you leave your home. These terrifying situations aren’t going to wait long enough so that you can collect thoughts and evaluate potential risks. Still, there are several mental steps that you can take ahead of time so that you’re better prepared if such a disaster were ever to happen. This is called situational awareness, and it’s a crucial skill worth learning about and trying to apply.
These steps can help you in the workplace or even when you’re in what you think a safe environment is, such as a church, school, or shopping area. Here are things to remember and why you should be more aware of your surroundings and the potential hazards.
Put Away the Distractions
We live in a day and age where we’re more distracted than ever, it seems to be part of everyday life. The next time you’re sitting down at a restaurant, take a look around you. You’ll notice that several people are mesmerized by technology. What happened to conversations between couples and families? Please put your phone away and out of sight.
Maybe you’re one of them. You can even see people flying down the highway while on their cell phones, paying little attention to what’s happening in front of them. (Scary, but true.) And, Yes, I call 911 when I see them swerving and texting; Mark is driving, and I take a picture of the license plate. We have lost friends to irresponsible drivers talking, texting, and killing loved ones. This is not acceptable.
We must look up from our screens and stop being tunnel-visioned to our surroundings and the situations that might be developing. Look at the big picture, and don’t allow yourself to become caught up with distractions.
You should be able to close your eyes and accurately describe your surroundings. This can give you a few extra precious seconds to make a wiser decision. Without looking around, you may have the perception that all is well and you’ll be safe. In a large environment like a stadium, it may prove harder to establish a comprehension factor of all the potential dangers. You need to look for obstacles, even if they are uneven surfaces you’re required to walk on. As I’ve gotten old and have some balance issues, I’m looking ahead, whether it’s in a store or their parking lot.
Look for an Exit
Look at all the possible exits, whether it’s a school or a grocery store, no matter what building you are heading into. It’s a good idea to devise a plan of escape if a dangerous situation arises.
Pay attention to anything you could use as defense and where you might be able to hide if you had to. Some might call this fearmongering, but you can call it being smart.
Keep an Eye on the People Around You
Stop and look at the people around you wherever you are. What are they wearing, what do they look like, and do they strike you as suspicious? Don’t feel guilty about stereotyping individuals that might pose any threat.
This way, you’re more alert to their behavior and aware of any possible warning signs. This is also helpful in giving security a heads-up and possibly information for police officers if anything comes up.
We visited Europe back in 2020 with our daughter. As we took the subway system in Paris, there were signs on the walls warning the travelers to be alert and aware of possible pick pockets. We took the subways for three or four days and things went well. On our last day we happened to ride during the busy commute period late in the afternoon. We noticed a group of guys getting on the train who seemed to be traveling together. As they boarded, they split up and took different positions while standing on the subway car.
Before you knew it, one of the new riders appeared to drop something that made a noise and drew attention to them. At that moment, a woman felt someone reaching in her purse and she yelled out. They had tried to distract everyone, but she was alert enough to be aware of what was going on. We weren’t sure if something had been taken or not, but it was scary!
Avoid Being Predictable
Keep in mind that people may be watching you and your daily tendencies. You must avoid being predictable, which can keep you and your family out of danger.
Try heading a different way to work, stopping at the grocery store another time, or meeting up with friends at various times and destinations. This doesn’t mean you have to live in a state of paranoia.
We all need to stop for gas from time to time. Gas stations are proving to be a typical place for people to be attacked. The perpetrators know you’ll be pulling out our purse or wallet to pay for the gas. They may try to cost you and take possession of the cards or cash, or even try a car jacking. Don’t get in the habit of filling the tank at night when it’s dark. Plan to fill the tank closer to the main building so employees are more likely to see you and call for law enforcement when needed.
Don’t Be An Easy Target
One essential thing to remember is avoiding places that make you an easy target, especially alone.
This includes walking alone, heading into a dark parking garage, or answering your front door at night. Don’t allow yourself to be easy prey for wicked and senseless people.
If you’re ever in a scary setting like this, it’s best to get yourself into a public setting as quickly as possible and ask others for assistance.
If you put groceries into your trunk late at night, ask the security officer if they would help. There’s no shame when it comes to your safety.
Know What the Situation Calls For
There might be a time when you have to run from a threat or turn around to stand and fight, and you need to know which one you should choose. We are all born with the “fight or flight” emotional response. It’s important to try and control your emotions, as tough as that may be.
This type of scenario is what is known as fight or flight. Depending on the situation, your first reaction should be to decide if it’s safer to hide or to get out of the building.
It’s never in your best interests to confront an aggressor, but only if you have no other options. Once an attacker has shifted his focus on you and your back is against the wall, it’s time to bring your claws out and find whatever means you can use to bring them down. This brings an element of surprise to them and may be the ones trying to get to safety. Consider having some mace on your person if you don’t feel comfortable with places and times during the day that prevent peace of mind.
Go With Your Gut Feeling
Never ignore your gut feeling. It’s there for a reason. When red flags or alarm bells are going off in your head, or there’s a knot in your stomach about something you’re unsure of, go with your gut feeling.
You’ll know when you’ve spotted someone behaving differently or oddly carrying themselves. You shouldn’t feel silly about alerting a manager or security officer so that someone else knows your feelings.
That keeps more eyes on the situation and may prevent a problem from ever occurring. You shouldn’t stay in a building or setting if something appears out of place.
Is it just me, or do young men or women in hoodies covering their faces make you think twice about the safety within close quarters and you don’t have enough space to feel comfortable? For me, this is specially true in the summer, come on, let’s be honest.
Make Sure Your Workspace is as Safe as Possible
Our son-in-law, Nate, spent several years as the safety officer for an HVAC company. He spent countless hours teaching and training staff to take the necessary steps for a safe working environment. In their business, workers oftentimes were in cramped spaces, walking on scaffolding, performing their tasks next to sharp edges and corners, setting up shop next to heavy machinery and unguarded equipment being run by coworkers. They were taught to tie down when appropriate, always have a first aid kit available, and have a clean and clear work area.
Final Word
We hope this message didn’t stir up any anxiety or paranoia in you, but hopefully, it was a good reminder of why we all need to be more aware of our surroundings when we’re out in public or at work.
These are some good reasons WHY you should be aware of your surroundings. If you have some suggestions I should pass on to my readers, please make comments below. Thank you for prepping. May God bless this world, Linda
Pandemic: What You Need To Shelter In Place
30 Items You Need To Survive A Pandemic
Copyright Images: Robber Depositphotos_202867110_s-2019, Cell phone Woman Depositphotos_205112524_xl-2015
It’s not paranoia if it’s real. The threat level has risen significantly.
Sidearms at all times. Long guns In the vehicle if you leave the house.
If this caused a mental or physical reaction in you good. The sooner you adapt to the new reality the better.
Things “should” stabilize but we haven’t hit the low point yet by any means.
Stop texting and driving. Talk if you must communicate. FB and other social media doesn’t exist in public. Ignore it. As things are shutting down there’s zero reason to dress flashy. Tone it down because your a target. Let your car get dirty because again your a target with the shine. If I’m a thug in a parking lot I’m looking for the easy money. Sitting in Walmart parking lot is it That dirty ole Chevy truck with a probably armed grumpy old man with his pocket knife or that shiny new Lexus with the necklaced makeuped up older lady in heels?
Matt,
You did my work for me today. You said it all. Sidearm at all times and train regularly with it. AR in the vehicle or like in my case a Mini-14 and Mossberg Shockwave. And, this grey haired guy, as mentioned below, might just surprise a thug. And, a shout out to Linda for putting this post together.
Hi Harry, you know I always love your comments! You are a true Texan! Love it! Linda
I’m glad this post is well received. For decades I’ve been “that guy” ya know the crazy uncle no one wants to talk to at thanksgiving. Some of it is being misunderstood. I don’t want it nor wish it. I only want folks to be safe.
I’m still not doomsdaying it because I truly believe it will get better however it’s going to get worse first. the curve. This will only make it worse.
Good luck everyone
Hi Matt, I agree with you, it will get worse before it gets better. I’m not a doomsday chick, but people should have stocked up before this happened. NOW, maybe they will listen to us! God bless everyone, Linda
Thanks for the reply Matt,
My attitude on being armed is the flat tire scenario. It is the solution of last resort. If I have a flat, the first try is the can of “blow and go” in the back to see if it will get me to a repair place. If not, I will put the spare on. If it is flat, then I will call AAA. And, my firearms are my AAA. As you said, first choice is to leave and avoid a confrontation. Second choice is deescalation. Last choice is to use your firearms.
To you and all folks on Linda’s wonderful blog, have a great weekend. Stay safe and stay well in these trying times. God bless you all!!
Hi Harry, great comment as usual. Please stay well and have a great weekend! Linda
Matt – great comment. I don’t drive a shiny new Lexus but I am the little old lady (no heels) but with a necklace on and a side arm concealed on her side. No one would expect me to be carrying I think!! As I told someone once, 1) if I am carrying, you won’t know until I have to pull my gun out and 2) I don’t carry to impose my will on you but to keep you from imposing your will on me!
Two things that I know are these: 1) practice if you are going to carry a weapon – no matter if it is a pistol or a knife. Practice, practice and 2) practice walking normally if you are carrying concealed. My shooting instructor was a woman and she said that the worst thing you can do when carrying concealed is change how you walk – it is a dead give away. She said that we typically swing our dominant arm differently and we need to practice not doing that!
Oh Leanne, I LOVE this comment! Linda
Excellent advice Matt! Thank you.
It is definitely time for the “sheepdog” instincts to surface within.
If you have grey hair you are wearing a target.
Hi E.J. oh my gosh, I think you are maybe right. Linda
I think that this little old lady will surprise any who want to take her on!!
Hi Leanne, I was thinking the same thing about you! Love it! Linda
Matt, you are 100% correct, people need to get with the times on self protection, especially women. Recently i pulled into a shopping center parking lot to go to the hardware store, lot was full so i had to park out in the boonies as my wife calls it,
Young lady that i parked beside of seemed very nervous and upset, tears in her eyes, i asked if anything was wrong, two men had followed her and was very close to her when i got out of my truck, i could see them behind another car. I waited until she loaded her grocery’s, got in her car and left.
I also got in my truck and left, why? Because i wanted to avoid a consultation that probably would not have ended well because i am that grumpy old man.
Linda is right on about her “gut feeling”, “be aware of you surroundings”, “know what the situation calls for”, i asked why didn’t you go back into the store when you became aware of the situation, texting!! should not have been on the cell phone be alert, don`t think it can`t happen to you, it can!!!
Women, you are an easy target, read what Linda has posted and do it!!!!
HI Hearl, way to go! Thank goodness you were there! You know I love hearing this, Linda
You definitely are one of the good guys! God bless you for helping this young lady.
Hi Harry, I totally agree! Linda
I am an older lady and I can vouch for this type of situation. What happened to me was this: I was getting ready to load my groceries one day in broad daylight. I had just unlocked my car when I felt a hand on my shoulder. This guy had come up behind me and well, who knows what he wanted! Well, I whirled around with my key chain weapon in my hand about his face level and boy did he step back. Surprised he didn’t fall! I learned that day that there are things we all (not just women) need to do.
I have the key chain weapon – the weapon looks just like a decorative thing but has two holes for fingers and the ears become the weapon. I know I purchased it on Amazon but I couldn’t locate it any longer. It was called a Wild Cat Defense Keychain.
Leanne, glad you were prepared! We all need one of those deals! Linda
If you have keys you have a weapon. Thread the individual keys between your fingers. Now you have brass knuckles for punching or scratching. (I horrified a date one time when I automatically did that–he asked, so I explained!) I also learned a few dirty tricks from my Dad’s WWII self-defense booklet, as well as my big brother…
Probably partly from a lifetime of working with and around large animals who *could* do serious damage, and being in the woods where you’d best stay alert, I suppose that need to know what’s going 360 degrees carries over… I’m always appalled by people who do various things while wearing ear-buds, totally unaware of anything but what’s right in front of them. No wonder people get mugged while jogging!
I used to use my keys as well. I like my kat key ring though – it is cute and functional!
I totally agree with the comment on ear buds!
Hi Leanne, the earbuds, need we say more. People please be aware of your surroundings. Linda
Hi Rhonda, the earbuds….don’t get me started. I think it’s wonderful they make them IF you are aware of your surroundings. Stay safe! Linda
Something that I do now when I am out shopping, besides just being aware of what is going on around me is this:
My key fob when clicked once unlocks just the driver’s door; clicked 2X and it unlocks all doors. I do not unlock my doors until I am at my car. AND I have my keys in my hand all the time so that as soon as I open the door I am going to use to load my groceries or whatever, I am pushing the lock button to lock all the other doors. Then when I close that door, all doors are locked and no one is getting in. Also, when I get into my car, the only door unlocked will be my drivers door and that gets locked as soon as I get in.
I try to NEVER shop after dark but of course, during the winter, that is not always possible.
Hi Leanne, I just shake my head when I see you girls walking in the grocery store parking lot texting on their phones and it’s 11:30 at night or whatever. Alone. I do not get it. I was raised to be more cautious but you and I didn’t have cell phones back in the day. Thank goodness you and I have a key fob. I hope your shoulder is still healing. Stay well, Linda
Leanne, you are a very smart woman, and also very lucky, most of the time the person that comes up behind you has a weapon of some sort. You have “street sense” that`s important.
I don`t want to get in an argument about firearms, but i have spent days training women how to handle a hand gun and use it safely, taught firearm courses right on the firing line. it is too complex to discuss here. The time now is not like it was years ago, stop living in the past……
Don`t be a victim!!!!!!!
Hearl, great comment! Linda
Well Linda, another truly great & sadly needed article, especially for the ladies!!! Due to my many years in Law Enforcement, my wife got more from this than I did…I have failed to teach her I’m afraid, so many personal thanks from me .
SUGGESTION – Once in a while, a picture is more explanatory than many words so it would be nice if you could have your people figure out a way for your many admirers to attach a picture in these comments. Jake
Hi Jake & Sylvia, you should join my Food Storage Moms private group on FaceBook (we talk to each other with only kind ideas and thoughts) And yes pictures are shared. I wonder if someone knows how to upload a picture in the comments. Hmmm. There are so many copyright lawsuits we may never be able to upload in my website. Dang, Linda https://www.facebook.com/groups/293154608161380/
Oh yes, I understand.
We stay away from the Social Media type sites (except your’s)…old fashioned I guess. We’re not at all tech- savvy! We just don’t want to take the time (or) have any information about us floating around in space, LOL.
I just thought being able to post a picture to you occasionally would be useful.
Be safe in these troubled times. We’re hunkered down up in the Northwest!
Jake
Great article!!
I learned this in the 80’s when I would have to walk 8 blocks at 7am in downtown Minneapolis, MN by myself. One trick for people to use, especially women, is take your key chain and with the longest key you have place it sticking out between your pointer and middle finger on your dominant hand. That way if someone comes up behind you you can swing your arm back to hit them in their face.
Also don’t be afraid or polite to grab a man in the groin area and squeeze HARD or twist. That will work for a woman too, if you ever fall down on the bar on a boy’s bike you know what I’m talking about, or a boob.
Hi Barb, thank you for your kind words! I worry so much about my granddaughters running/jogging at night alone. They always say, “I’ll be fine”. I have watched too many shows where they find the bodies of people in a field. Great tips on the key trick you mentioned. It would be awesome for everyone to take karate or some kind of protection/survival classes. Great comment, Linda
Another problem is attending large events. I tend to avoid anything involving large crowds but when it’s necessary I definitely stay at the outer edges or close to an exit. I got caught up in a mass panic once many years ago and it is extremely hard to keep upright and avoid getting trampled. I never keep anything valuable in a back pocket or in an easily accessible pocket in a backpack and often use a small screw lock carabiner to attach zipper tabs together on a backpack so it’s harder to open without extra effort, giving you time to notice. For fellow cane users, you can also get canes that are specifically designed for self defense, including some that have a stun feature.
Hi Alice, I didn’t know we could get a cane with a stun feature, love it! I do not like large crowds, years ago I loved concerts, not anymore. I would rather watch a movie at home than go to a theater. I think the older we get the more we like fixing our own popcorn and watching a show on our own TV with a cup of hot cocoa and a warm blanket. The carabiners are a great tip! Love those! Linda
In college I took Jacket Wrestling (American version of Karate), and worked out on a heavy bag my husband put up in the basement. My granddaughter went to a party while in college and was attacked at the party. She was able to get away. She took Karate lessons outside school after that.
Hi Barb, wow, I love hearing this, Jacket Wrestling! Way to go, I’m glad your granddaughter was able to get away from her attackers, oh my gosh. I love hearing she took Karate lessons after that. YES! Linda
Another excellent, excellent article Linda, and this one especially will be going to all my women friends in particular! Thank you!
Hi Karen, thank you for your kind words, my sweet friend! Stay safe, Linda
My son and son-in-law are Law Enforcement. They taught us, when in a restaurant never sit with your back to the door. If at all possible do not install a handicap ramp at your front door. Better to use the back door especially if you have a fence. I have a electric lift chair in the garage to the house where it is hidden from view when the garage door is closed. Try not to advertise that there is an elderly or handicap person inside. Please everyone stay safe and healthy.
Hi Chris, wow, I never thought about the handicap ramp outside in the front. My brother in law had his there. Great tip!! I’m glad you mentioned restaurants and making sure you do not have your back to the door. Brilliant! I always look for all exits when I enter any store. I knew someone who got shot in Las Vegas in a major grocery store. Better know our surroundings for sure. Great comment, Linda
My daughter just reminded me. DO NOT leave your handicap parking tag hanging from your rear view mirror unless you are parked. There is no need to advertise you are handicap while you are driving.
Hi Chris, great reminder, it’s actually against the law in Utah to keep it hanging on your reareview mirror while driving here. It can obscure your vision. Great tip! Linda
I will just say this! Read my previous comments!!!
Hi Leanne, way to go my friend! You have great comments in previous years! Thank you, Linda
Linda, as usual, Matt, Harry and Leanne have nailed it and their advice and yours is golden. But I have a correction and an addendum. Fight or flight is a survival instinct, not an emotional response. Emotions, especially panic, can get you killed or jailed if the situation goes south. Arizona, is an open and concealed carry State so I’m comfortable doing either or both and heartily recommend that practice.
But for those who want to try a non-lethal deterrent bear spray or mace In a gel spray (so it won\’t blow back in your face) is a good idea. A small pocket taser trumps both if you end up grappling with your attacker. The problem with pocket tasers is you have to be close enough to touch the person threatening you. Another decent deterrent is a loud whistle you can blow into–and some personal alarms being marketed have very loud sirens. Noise like that can cause an attacker to flee.
But all of this depends on being situationally aware and if you’re staring at your phone while walking you are oblivious to threats around you. Posture erect and head on a swivel spells trouble to potential thieves or rapists, as does an open carry handgun.
Hi Ray, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment. It makes us all think about what options we have. I wish Mark was inclined to carry but he’s not. We have different thoughts on weapons. We used to have our concealed weapons permits not sure they require them in Utah any more. Great tips, my friend, Linda
Linda, i have not left a comment for a while, but believe me i have followed your posts every day. This post is very important, you have covered the bases. I have taught gun safety which covers much of what you have said here. I hope all of your followers take heed to this post. It is not a rose garden out there, the dangers are real, and are increasing. Thank you for posting this information, thank you for all the other great posts.
God Bless
Hearl
Hi Hearl, oh I love hearing from you, my sweet friend! It’s not a rose garden out there, you are so right! If I wore t-shirts I would buy one that says, “put your phone down and look around you! LOL! But I don’t wear T-shirts! The dangers are real! Stay safe and stay warm, hugs, Linda