Lesson 4: Situational Awareness
In this lesson you will learn the definition of “Situational Awareness” and tips on how to apply it to your every day life. Also check out our Situational Awareness Blog.
Definition
Situational Awareness /sit-u-a-tion-al aware-ness/
noun
Situational awareness is being aware of what is happening around you in terms of where you are, where you are supposed to be, and whether anyone or anything around you is a threat to your health and safety.
Internet Safety
Do keep your personal social media pages private
Don’t post sensitive information about yourself or your family members
Do understand that seemingly harmless information like birth dates, major life events and places you frequent can be used to target you
Don’t post your place of employment, the outside of your house or your vehicle tag
Do verify all friends and followers
Don’t tag or post your location until after you’ve left (this includes vacations)
Vehicle Safety
Do keep a first aid kit, jumper cables, a water source and a blanket in your vehicle
Don’t leave valuable items on display
Do lock your car doors as soon as you get inside the vehicle
Don’t browse the internet or continuously look down at your phone while parked
Do re-fuel your vehicle before you go home
Don’t text and drive
Do learn how to change a flat tire, check oil and refill vehicle fluids
Child Safety
Do teach your children their full names, your full name, phone number and address
Don’t leave firearms within reach of children who have not been trained on firearms safety
Do identify meeting spaces in case of emergency when you’re away from home
Don’t forget to take a photo of your child before you go to theme parks or heavily crowded areas so you’ll have a recent photo of them in case they get lost
Do practice fire and emergency drills while at home
Safe Dating
Do meet at a public place that you’re familiar with
Don’t ever let them pick you up from your house. Meet them at the venue
Do get their full name, age, photo and as many details as possible. Send this information to a close friend/family member
Don’t consume alcohol provided by your date or other strangers
Do have a friend/family member check in on you via phone at designated times and give them a plan in case you don’t respond
Don’t go to a secondary venue with your date without informing someone
Home Safety
Do get a home alarm system and a firearm for self defense
Don’t open your door before looking outside to make sure it’s safe
Do have a friend/family member come check your mail and gather your newspapers if you’ll be gone for extended periods of time
Don’t put gun-related signs or identifiers on your home
Do be discreet about telling your neighbors about your firearms
Don’t leave a spare key under your welcome mat
Personal Safety
Do go out in pairs or groups if possible
Don’t text/talk on the phone while walking. Stop to text or check your phone
Do carry your firearm on your person and NOT in your purse or bag
Don’t wear headphones while running/walking outside
Do keep your head on a swivel and be sure to look behind you every few minutes
Don’t trust strangers who approach you asking for directions, the time, etc.
Do understand that anyone can be a threat and criminals have used children, women, the elderly and the disabled as ploys to gain the trust of potential victims
“The bad guys may continue to be predators but it’s our jobs to make sure we’re not easy prey”