“Take a chance! You never know what can happen.”
Life is full of choices and decisions. Taking chances on certain things that may seem far-fetched is also part of life and is not always a bad idea; however, some chances disguise themselves as an adventure when really it only puts ourselves at a higher risk for crimes to be committed against us.
The Air Force Safety Center has come up with four main principles of risk management that we can apply across all areas of our life and adopt into our personal safety assessment.
Four Principles of Risk Management
- Accept no unnecessary risk
- Make risk decisions at the appropriate level
- Integrate risk management into operations, activities and planning at all levels
- Apply the process cyclically and continuously
Accept no Unnecessary Risk:
Those that love adventure and taking chances know that taking calculated risks pay off well while unnecessary risks are not worth it at all. A good rule in personal safety is to follow this example. Some unnecessary risks may include parking in the darkest area of the lot, walking alone without some form of protection, and not being aware of your surroundings.
Make Risk Decisions at the Appropriate Level:
As mentioned previously, some risks are great to take as they further your personal growth. Risks pertaining to your safety, however, are more often than not the cause of more harm than good. Taking a small risk of an Uber ride is nothing compared to walking in the sketchy part of town late at night with precious jewels on. Ensure you are listening to your gut and always trust your instincts in situations that may have turned risky suddenly.
Integrate Risk Management into Operations, Activities, and Planning at all Levels:
Always think before doing something outside of your skill level. You may think you can take on a group of strong body builders thanks to watching media interpretations of doing so; however, in real-life situations, could you truly take someone down, or will you freeze in fear? This is where training with your tool comes in handy. Knowing how to handle your protective item and how to look for suspicious activity is crucial. Talk to one of our Damsel Safety Educators today about how to begin learning!
Apply the Process Cyclically and Continuously:
Practice often with your device and test it consistently to ensure it is working properly. Setting a reminder to change out your pepper spray every year will also ensure that the pepper you carry is up to date and working at its max capacity. Continuously practice risk management in your everyday life and stay prepared for any situation.
Looking for training and ways to lead a low-risk lifestyle?
Go no further than contacting a Damsel Safety Educator here today!
