Situational Awareness Should Become Your New Best Friend

Did you see that guy who went into the store, with the crazed look on his face? What was he wearing? How tall was he? Did you see the truck he go out of? Did you notice, he didn't turn off the engine?

Survival doesn’t always come down to muscle or gear—it often comes down to what you notice first.  

Situational awareness is the ability to stay alert to your surroundings, read subtle cues, and recognize when something feels “off.” Start by putting down your phone when walking or driving. Scan your environment regularly. Notice exits in every room you enter. 

Situational awareness is a needed skill that allows you to notice potential threats around you and to anticipate and avoid danger.

Situational awareness can also help you avoid getting lost. You have to notice landmarks, signs and other indicators that let you know exactly where you are.

Make it your habit to observe who is around you and the behaviors of those people;

• are they nervous
• are they being overly aggressive
• is there someone who seems to be completely out of place 

Trust your instincts.

If your gut tells you something weird is going on and you need to leave a location - LEAVE.

Situational awareness also means understanding what’s normal and being able to detect deviations. 

In survival prepping, this skill is invaluable for spotting ambushes, looters, or environmental threats like a fire or structural collapse. 

Practice color-coded awareness levels: white (unaware), yellow (alert), orange (focused), and red (actively responding). Live in yellow most of the time—it’s relaxed but attentive. In crisis, those who notice danger early often avoid it entirely. You don’t have to be paranoid. You just have to be present.

The Basics of Situational Awareness