Terror-Proofing Your Life, Pt 2 — Situational Awareness

The skill of being aware of your surroundings can’t be stressed enough.  Pay close attention to what people are wearing and how they are acting.  You know the external appearances of things. 

For example, are they wearing a winter jacket in the spring or a trench coat in the summer? Do they leave a purse, handbag, or backpack for extended periods of time?  If you are in a large group of people, ask yourself, “What is the behavior of the crowd?”  Is it a party and someone is angry?  Is it a funeral and someone is laughing?  Take notice of someone whose is acting out of character for the event or occasion. 

There are also things that should stick out to you that are more about the relationship of the person in connection to the building.  For example, are they blocking exits?  Are there barricades natural or man-made that restrict the natural flow of traffic?  Do you see the same person repeatedly at particular structures? 

Lastly, trust your gut.  If you get a sense that something is wrong or out of place don’t try to logically determine why that is.   Simply leave.  The prudent sees danger and hides from it.