Criminals often look for easy targets, and employees who work alone, overnight, or in transit face a unique set of security challenges. Whether you are driving a commercial truck, managing a remote facility, or closing up an office after hours, practicing active situational awareness is your first and most effective line of defense. By recognizing potential threats early and adopting strict safety habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Core Awareness Techniques
- Eliminate Distractions: Avoid wearing headphones or getting absorbed in your smartphone when walking to your vehicle, checking a load, or unlocking a building;
- Establish a Check-In Routine: Never start a solitary or overnight shift without a strict communication protocol;
- Control Building Access: If you work inside a physical facility alone at night, keep exterior doors locked at all times. Never prop doors open, and do not let other individuals enter into the secure zone; and
- Park and Walk in the Light: Always map your routes and park your vehicles in well-lit, open areas.
Your Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
If you ever find yourself facing an active threat or an immediate crime in progress, remember these absolute protocols:
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or location feels unsafe, leave the area immediately;
- Do Not Be a Hero: In the event of a robbery or physical confrontation, cooperate fully; and
- Observe and Report: If it is safe to do so, make a video of write down key identifiers of the suspect or vehicle and report it to the police.
STAY SAFE: HOPE FOR THE BEST…PLAN FOR WORST!
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