Situational Awareness - Introduction

As a father of two, I have always been deeply concerned about my children' s safety. Living with my daughter in Brooklyn when she was in her early 20’s, I would often remind her to pay attention to her surroundings with phrases like, "Keep your head on a swivel," and "Don’t get too lost in your phone; be mindful of your environment." These are great tips, but what do they really mean in practice? 

My goal in this Module is not only to enhance your safety but also to provide actionable strategies.  These strategies can be taught to family members; moving beyond simple phrases to effective practice.

WHAT IS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and understand critical elements happening in the environment around you. 

It involves being aware of objects, individuals, and events in your immediate vicinity; understanding how they might interact and affect you; and predicting what could happen next so that you can prepare and respond appropriately. We all have been in a situation that just didn’t feel right and our “Spidey Senses” went off telling us “Something’s Wrong.” You might not be able to articulate it, but that is your instincts telling you to pay attention. 

There is a great book by security specialist Gavin de Becker, called “The Gift Of Fear.” This book goes into great detail on strategies a bad guy will use to get close to a victim. De Becker repeatedly emphasizes the importance of trusting our instincts about people and situations, even when there isn't an obvious rational cause. If you feel uneasy around someone, even if you can't pinpoint why, trust that feeling. It's your survival instinct picking up on subconscious cues to protect you. Avoid rationalizing these instincts and don't talk yourself into a potentially harmful situation.

Even though your instincts are innate, there are tactics you can practice to increase your awareness. The following strategies that are being discussed will help you to hone your instincts, and practice getting in touch with them. These skills will make you more aware and give you valuable time to make a safe decision.