Situational Awareness Quiz - Part I

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

Situational Awareness Quiz - Part I

In light of the Madrid terror attacks by Al Queida, I resolved to take a fresh look at my family and personal preparedness.

Out w/my family last night in a crowded but seemingly 'casual' environment the other night, I found myself habitually checking for emergency exit doors, positioning myself at a table with my back to the wall so I could scan without being obvious, and being aware of the subtleties of the body language, hands and movements of people nearby.

While I consider this to be sound and fundamental Situational Awarenss, I'm starting this thread for a simple reason: to see what others do in various kinds of situations outside of your home.

Any habits you follow for improved Situational Awarness?

 

[Devonai]

When driving, if somebody follows me through three consecutive turns I'll make one or two random turns to make sure I'm not being followed. If close to home I certainly won't head there.

Not very useful for terrorism, perhaps, but terrorists aren't my number one concern.

 

[Josey]

I always look for three things when entering a building. The alternate ways out, the bathrooms and a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers make nice weapons. I catch myself scanning the area.

 

[Preacherman]

Josey, glad to see that you've also learned how useful fire extinguishers can be!

I could tell a story about a certain BG duo in a shopping mall, and the use of a dry-powder fire extinguisher to turn them into instant snowmen and prevent their seeing anything at all, much less aiming (even gangsta-style)...

 

[mattx109]

Oh, but the inherent accuracy in "gangsta" style shooting could easily overcome a little powder. I once had a member of a Tampa area gang tell me why shooting this way was actualy more sound (for speed and accuracy) than a traditional grip, and it was all I could do to stop myself from laughing.

And for even more accuracy...

To the topic at hand. It used to be that I rarely thought about these things. I was vaguely aware of them, but it wasn't something I actively practiced. Now, due to both terrorism and my personal experience, I turn my attention to the environment in a much more forward fashion. I don't make a habit of examining every person in a restaurant, but I've seen enough trouble that the warning signs jump out at me clearly. When something doesn't fit, I more actively start to observe and, in an abstract way, plan. In your restaurant scenario, for instance, I might think, "If that shady character pulls something, there's an exit over there that I can try to get my friends and other bystanders through. There's a low brick dividing wall right there, but it might not stop a bullet. My cell phone is on," et cetera.

That said, other people might look at the environment and those populating it in a different way. Instead of looking for good cover, they might skip that and concentrate solely on how to withdraw if things get crazy. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, looking for the best exits is, to me, the first and most important thing to consider. It's relatively easy to identify an exit, but you might miss a jumpy goblin in the crowd.

 

[ACP230]

I pay attention to other people when out. A couple months ago, watching to see if an older woman needed help on the snowy steps at the Post Office, I let another customer walk right up behind me before noticing him. I am still annoyed with myself about that.

In restaurants I sit with my back to a wall and with a good view of the place, if possible. I look around frequently and check on who is coming in and going out.

My wife and I have a code word we use if things start looking odd.
I can drop it into conversation and alert her, without letting anyone else know that our radar is on.

At home, I keep an eye on who is on my street. Things are pretty quiet here, and I'd like to see them stay that way.

 

[Mannlicher]

I have made this a way of life for over 30 years. My wife is still amazed, when on a trip, I point out a truck or car we saw some 600 miles earlier. I watch and mark everything, and everyone. I always know how I am going to make egress, and I know who/what is in my way if I feel I need out quickly.
Avoiding congested places as much as possible is a good place to strart.

 

[capt_happypants]

I've posted this before, but it's worth noting.

Think like a criminal. Identify likely targets and see how close you can get to them. In parking lots, it's terrifyingly easy to get close to a potential victim.

I usually learn from other people's bad examples. If you look around at other people, it's shocking to see how many people walk around in complete oblivion to their surroundings.

Don't act like food, and most predators will seek different prey.

 

[entropy]

I was raised with Situational Awareness. My father was a police officer, I studied to become one, (couldn't because of my eyesight), I hunt, I served in the US Army. It's just habit to take the corner seat along the wall. It's kinda funny when my Dad and I go somewhere together, us jockeying for the wall seat! (I always let him have it. I don't doubt my safety if he's watching my back )
I had a truck following me coming home from work the morning before last. (I work 5pm-5am) There as several small hills on the road I was on, and when I was in the dips, I gunned 'er full, the guy stopped on the side of the road trying to find me, he probably figured I couldn't be the car a mile and a half ahead of him in that short of time! (He had been on the side of the road when I passed him, he pulled out behind me trying to close. When he pulled over again that just made it seem all the more suspicious to me. I don't know what kind of game he was playing, but I haven't heard of any crimes commited in that area. Maybe he was just lost, or had tranny trouble, but I'd just as soon not find out the hard way.)
The guys in my unit in the Army must have thought I was psychic, because I would always point out the ambushes before they'd happen. (On training road marches.) It's just a matter of paying attention to the terrain and figuring out where you'd ambush from. I used to like to surprise the OPFOR and carry an M60, which my unit wasn't issued.
Got called a cheater a lot, because I would drop off the road, flank the ambush, and take 'em out from behind just as they'd open up.(This was with MILES gear, they'd all be beeping within ten seconds!
Situational Awareness-The first line of defense!

 

[Eskimo Jim]

Captain Mike,
I definitely look for alternative exits where ever I go. I also scan the crowd to see if anyone stands out. I also try to look at people's body language, any nervousness etc. Is someone wearing a long coat on a warm day? I keep an eye on cars around me and how their occupants are behaving. Scanning an area generally doesn't take long.

The location of fire extinguishers are an excellent item to be on the look out for. they make great improvised weapons and are great tools if the building catches fire.

-Jim

 

[Abenaki]

I do all of the above plus..........
With the way the world is going bomb crazy, one of the things I look
for are daypacks and briefcases and such with no owner.

Abenaki

 

[answerguy]

I always belly crawl to my car. ( this is a humorous thread isn't it?)

 

[geekWithA.45]

Funny thing is, me, my dad, and my wife all fight for the seat with its back to the wall.....it's like a family sport.

My mom and sisters think we're nuts.

 

[grnzbra]

Matt, your'e just plain mean.

You tell us about a gang member telling you why the palm down grip was better and how you struggled to keep from laughing, and then you provide a link. What do I find when I get there but the HoMeBoy sights.

Thanks a lump.

What did he say? What was the general gist of his theory?