At Explore Secure® the travel safety training arm of ETS Risk Management Inc we are dedicated to improving traveler safety and strongly advocate that all travelers – especially young or solo travelers, or people visiting higher risk environments consider how best to respond should a difficult situation emerge. This can be challenging – and making decisions when under pressure is never easy.
When traveling, or in a new or changing environment it is important to maintain awareness of your surroundings, the people around you, using all your senses and judgment to assess the immediate space around you – this is called situational awareness. This deliberate means of keeping track of your surroundings allows you to notice any changes from the normal which may potentially impact on your safety and security.
Proactive
Having made the assessment make a proactive decision, on your terms, of what to do. Thus allowing you to take the initiative and not have to react to what may be developing in front of you. An old saying goes – any decision is better than no decision. This is often true, especially if you have made a calm, and rapid assessment of the threat/snow you have to be proactive, hopefully removing yourself from the threat/situation early to avoid the danger.
Use Crap
It’s easy to remember and can help guide you through the immediate decision-making process to remain safe in a difficult situation. Panicking never helps – and rushed decisions without assessing the situation can actually make things worse….so think CRAP™ and stay Safe.
Our Online travel risk management companies cover this in more detail and look at several scenarios and examples of how best to adopt this proactive approach to travel risk management – learn more. At Explore Secure® we are dedicated to broadening the discussion on travel safety for all travelers across the globe.
We have developed our briefings and guidance based upon years of travel safety experience and engaging with leading security professionals, overseas embassies and consulates, and of course – the travelers themselves.
Rapid Assessment
Then make a rapid assessment of your situation. What is the threat, what could do you harm, what is available to assist you, or can you extract from the situation? Just a few seconds spent on coming up with a plan rather than running blindly or reacting wildly will significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Calm
Keep calm, maintain composure and awareness of what is going on around you. Don’t Panic. Panicking is the worst and most unproductive thing to do. This is much easier said than done, but just the process of thinking to yourself CRAP and focusing on being calm will help you keep a clear head and make better decisions.
We are firm believers that by taking sensible measures in both plannings prior to travel and also the approach is taken when traveling can exponentially increase your personal safety – and in turn, contribute to a hugely rewarding travel experience. Explore the world and enjoy your travels – always consider your personal security and return home safely to share your experiences.
