Situational Awareness: The Skill Everyone Should Practice

Situational awareness means recognizing what’s happening around you, understanding what it means, and predicting what comes next. It’s a foundational personal safety skill, and you don’t need tactical training to develop it.

Start by Simply Being Present

Modern distractions phones, earbuds, rushing from place to place—can blind you to potential hazards.

• When you enter a room, take a quick look around.

• Identify exits, crowds, and anything that feels out of place.

• Keep your head up, especially in parking lots or public transit.

A few seconds of attention dramatically lowers your risk.

Trust Your Intuition

Humans are wired to detect threats before consciously identifying them.

Red flags may include:

• Someone loitering without purpose

• A person following too closely

• A vehicle cruising the same route you’re taking

• A sudden change in someone’s tone or behavior

If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it.

Create Space and Options

Good situational awareness gives you time and time gives you choices.

• Avoid allowing strangers to get too close.

• Position yourself near exits in crowded areas.

• When walking, choose well-lit paths and maintain distance from corners or concealed areas.

The more space you have, the easier it is to respond calmly.

Make It a Daily Habit

You don’t have to live on high alert. Situational awareness is about being engaged, not paranoid. With practice, it becomes second nature—and one of the most effective ways to keep yourself safe.