In the era of smartphones, texting and multitasking, we are constantly are being pulled in so many directions that it’s hard to focus on what’s around us. Yet, life can come to a screeching halt in a single unfortunate event. In a time where news cycles are constantly negative, we may become numb to the series of unfortunate events until it lands on our doorstep.
Ask yourself, when you walk into a room, do you notice if everything is normal or there something is misplaced in the room? Chances are, until you were prompted, you didn’t think twice.
So what do you do to stay aware of your environment when you feel like you're running at 100 miles per hour? Here are some safety precautions that you can incorporate to your life.
- Know where you’re walking - Have you ever almost run into a pole while you’re walking and texting? Or get distracted till you didn’t know someone was behind you until they can almost reach you? When we are on our phones, we lower our guard and can become an easy target. Make sure you’re aware off your surroundings when you’re walking around in pubic.
- Know your neighbors - They become your first line of defense when you're not home or you have an emergency while you're home alone. Consider eating dinner out in your front yard every once in a while and say hi to your neighbors when they walk by.
- Know your community - In times of need, communities will come together. Learn how to get involved in your community through your HOA, church, or school. Look to them for support in times of need.
- Engage with your family - Your children and family may know more about the community than you would think. Keep the conversations going at the dinner table and play a game like the cell phone stack game to encourage conversation instead of screen time. In this game, everyone stacks their phones on the table and the first person to check their phone before dinner is over has to do all of the dishes.
- Engage and ask questions - Don't just accept what people say as truth right away. In the time of "fake news," it's very easy to be led astray. Be aware of bots and people intentionally spreading fear and negativity. Do your research and do not be afraid to speak up if you notice something isn't right.
Want to know how technology can be an additional safety net to you in your home? Contact us to learn more about how your security system can add an additional layer of security to your life.