Are you safe?
Too many people are not aware of their surroundings when out in public, according to a retired Secret Service agent — who has offered a primer for average citizens on how to take the same precautions as a President.
Scott Bryson, who shares his expertise via an active TikTok account, urged followers to always “be observant” when they go out.
While it “isn’t rocket science,” Bryson said, the number one tip is to get off your phone.
When you’re going into a store or parking your car, put it away, he urged.
“Just stay off your phone. Same thing going in, going out — stay off your phone,” he said.
His next tip was for when people are in a parking lot — and he stressed that this is something women in particular should look out for.
“Ladies, especially you, listen,” he began. When walking to your parked car in a lot, “if you come out and there’s a car parked right beside you, and I mean super close to the line or something like that, that should be a red flag.”
“Is there somebody in the car? Is it a minivan? Has it got sliding doors? Is it an SUV?” he urged people to take into account. “I’m not saying you can’t go get in your car, but just pump the brakes, okay?”
Brysom said to just take it slow and be observant of your surroundings rather than “just willy-nilly get in the car.”
“It might be fine, could be something, I don’t know,” he added.
He also suggested leaning against your car when your getting gas — and again, to stay off your phone.
“Now you’ve cut your 360 down to 180, you can see,” he explained. “If somebody approaches you, and they’re up to no good, spray them with the gas.”
He said, “That’s not cool, I wouldn’t wanna be sprayed with gas. They’ll probably run off.”
Finally, he advised not to sit with your back to the door when in a restaurant or other public space so you can see the door and know where the exits are. If you’re at the movies or church or any other public space with rows facing in one direction, sit on the end of the aisle.
“If you’re a fighter, you can get up and go fight. If you’re not willing to fight, that’s cool, too — you can run. But you gotta be able to get out,” he said.
People in the comments agreed that “situational awareness” is important, and some even offered their own tips.
“‘Walk with a purpose’ was always (still is) what my mom told me,” one shared.
“Leave yourself a way out when driving. Don’t stop too close when stopped at traffic light. Always be able to see tires of car in front of you.. This gives you a way out most of time,” another suggested.
“Don’t go in to convenience stores with the windows covered with ads. People need to be able to see from the parking lot what’s going on inside,” someone added.
“I always park where the cart return is that way no one can park beside me on the driver side,” one commented.
“When I get fuel I open driver door, and leave it open, then I lock the doors, so no one can enter passenger side. I stand between the front door and the gas hose. I have my keys in my pocket,” a user chimed in.
