Situational Awareness and Self-Defense

by Brianna Pesek

Situational awareness and self-defense give a person the ability to identify, process and comprehend information about how to survive in an emergency. It is knowing what is going on around you. It is dynamic, hard to maintain and easy to lose. Knowing what is going on all the time is very difficult for any one person, especially during a high stress survival situation. Therefore, it is important to know what behavior is effective to maintain both.

Identifying the elements in a person’s surrounding is key. Always be aware of what is going on around you. Is the location busy—filled with people, cars, movement—or is it silent and it appears that you are alone? This also leads to considering whether there is someone nearby to help in a desperate situation. Is it daylight or dark outside? If it is daylight, it is still smart to be aware of whether a person or telephone is easily accessible, and if the environment makes it difficult to see others from a distance or if a person could easily pop out in front of you and catch you off guard. It is also a good idea not to wear headphones so you can hear what is going on nearby. Consistently look behind you to see if anyone is following you or walking in the same direction. Be aware of their movements and behavior. This may lead to turning in a different direction, finding others nearby so you are not alone, and having your cell phone and protection handy.

Owner and Master Instructor for Full Circle Martial Arts Academy in Rapid City, Naomie Even-Aberle says, “Know your route, know where the public locations are and how far away they are from you. How many steps are there to your car, house, or office building? What is the ground like in that space? Is it smooth, icy, uneven, grassy, or does it have stairs? These environmental obstacles can make a difference if you have to run for your life or defend yourself.”

When a person is out hiking or walking by themselves, in a parking lot, gas station/rest stop, at school or on campus, at the grocery store, etc. it is smart to plan accordingly.

Here are some tips:

1. Preferably go during the daytime, most likely for leisure, but obviously for any circumstance dealing with work, groceries, the gym, or “normal life,” you will have no choice but to have to go out in the dark. Daylight savings makes it extra hard to accomplish this during the winter months. Therefore when you are out in the darkness, stay near trusted neighborhoods, busier places where there are people, movement and a lot of lights.

2. Bring a cell phone in case of emergency, whether it is because you are hurt or threatened. Another reason why having people around is a good thing is that you can scream for help or run to a nearby house or business. This will probably scare the predator and they will most likely run in the opposite direction. “One piece of advice we give our students is that if an attack happens in a public space, yelling 'help' doesn't actually help,” said Master Even-Aberle. “However, if you yell 'FIRE,' people are more willing to call for assistance or even come help you themselves. In this case, FIRE is your friend.”

3. If it is dark outside, bring a flashlight and/or some sort of reflective wear so you are visible, again for safety or if others need to find you.

4. Let someone know that you are going out—tell them the location, when you are leaving, an approximate return time and who you will be with, if that is the case.

5. Carry your keys in between your fingers to use as a weapon if needed. Think Wolverine.

6. Ask for help out with your groceries, or ask the gas station attendant or someone to walk you to your car in any instance that you feel unsafe.

7. If you are ever approached by someone, perhaps for directions or to ask you a question, stay calm. Stay out of their reach and keep your eyes moving so you can read their body language. Make sure you stay in an open space. Don’t be afraid to say you cannot help if you can’t.

8. Call 911 in an emergency. Don’t hesitate to report an incident to the school/campus, place of employment, and to family and friends to help future situations.

Situational awareness is important for everyone, be aware of your surroundings and the potential hazards you face. Educating yourself and others on situational awareness and self-defense will help with health and well-being, feeling safer and more confident while facing everyday life. BHW