In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring the safety of our loved ones is a top priority. When it comes to navigating public spaces, being proactive about safety and promoting awareness can make a significant difference. During my career in law enforcement, I instructed Officer Safety to recruit and veteran officers. During training courses, we always made a point that officer safety practices were not just important when we were on the job; they were equally important when we were off duty and perhaps even more so when we were with loved ones.
However, personal safety is essential for everyone, whether alone, out with friends, or spending important time with loved ones. Developing safety strategies and skills and having a plan to be safe applies to everyone, no matter your profession. Things can happen anywhere and anytime, and having some general safety strategies in place will help you and your family be prepared to respond appropriately and efficiently if and when the time comes.
There are many valuable safety tips and practices worth learning. I could discuss them all day, and I will discuss many more in the future. However, to get you started, here are a few essential tips I believe you should know today. I have practiced and taught these throughout my career. I hope they help you to practice and promote safety in public places for those you love and want to protect:
1. Establish Communication Plans: Before heading out, establish communication protocols with your family members. If you are an off-duty law enforcement officer or have a Concealed Carry Weapons Permit, teach your family members not to compromise your advantage by intentionally or unintentionally announcing this information. Identify keywords or phrases that should elicit attention from your loved ones and will be used in emergencies. Teach them to recognize these keywords or phrases and what they mean. Educate them on the importance of following directions related to these keywords or phrases without hesitation or unnecessary questioning. For example, if you or someone in your group states, “gun” and “Get under the table, or move in a certain direction or move towards a specific exit,” teach family members to do so without hesitation or unnecessary questions. This comes from trust and constant discussion about how important it is. As you arrive at a location, Identify and communicate where everyone should meet in case of separation. Have a plan for contacting each other in crowded areas or if separated. Having educational discussions with loved ones, particularly children, helps to build familiarity and reduce confusion when a situation occurs.
2. Educate yourself and your loved ones about sound Safety measures: Educate your family, especially children, about basic but sound safety measures such as staying close to trusted adults. Help them Learn to understand the importance of creating distance when seeing a threat, particularly in today’s world, where videotaping incidents has become popular. Learn to recognize suspicious or threatening behaviors or situations and teach your loved ones. Help educate your children about identifying resources for obtaining help, such as people in uniform, businesses, or people with children. Learn and understand emergency procedures when in public places, offices, or events.
3. Practice listening, Communicating, following directions, and decision-making:
Teach family and friends the importance of following directions in an emergency, such as staying where they are when told to wait by someone they trust, moving when told to move, and being quiet when instructed to be quiet. Educate yourself, family, and friends on recognizing when windows of opportunity may open for them to escape, create distance, move to shelter or cover, use technology or seek help, etc. Being able to recognize when a window of opportunity does and does not exist is an essential situational awareness skill. Help educate your loved ones by communicating in a fun way; playing the “What if” game is a practice I recommend. It goes like this: What if this happens; what would I, you, or we do? Then, discuss it. Promote strategic thinking and reinforce sound decision-making skills.
4. Use Technology: Leverage technology to stay connected. Use location-sharing apps or wearable gadgets with GPS features to easily track family members in public places. Make a habit of ensuring you and your loved ones keep phones charged. Most public safety organizations today use social media to keep the public aware of developing situations. Educate your loved ones on recognizing this information and sharing it when appropriate.
5. Trust Your Instincts: Encourage everyone to trust their instincts. Encourage them not to dismiss it when their “hinky bells” go off. It is okay to say something. It is difficult to know how often dangerous situations were prevented or avoided when people followed their instincts and nothing happened. However, it is much easier to know how many times bad things were not prevented or avoided when people ignored their instincts and became victims. If something feels off or unsafe, taking precautionary steps is important for avoiding putting yourself at risk and seeking help if necessary.
6. Promote Awareness, but not paranoia: Be an active advocate for safety within your family, social, and professional circles. Be aware of what is going on around you. Learn to recognize what is and is not normal or out of place. Encourage productive dialogue with friends and loved ones about safety measures in public places, and embrace and practice situational awareness as you enjoy your surroundings. Avoid being paranoid; being situationally aware and prepared does not mean you must be paranoid. It means being aware of your environment and surroundings and being prepared to act “if” the need should arise. You and your loved ones must enjoy your lives and be adventurous. You can do this by knowing there is no threat or boogeyman behind every bush and by knowing you have prepared yourself for when one shows up!
By prioritizing safety and awareness in public places for those we love and care about, we empower our families and friends to navigate the world with confidence and security. Remember, increasing the ability to be safe for ourselves and our loved ones is a gift of love.
Stay safe, stay aware!
Securing Your Family: Promoting Family Safety and Awareness in Public Places
