By Gail Summers
Special to the Insider
It is important to be observant not only if you participate in your community Neighborhood Watch program, but also at home, at work, dealing with people or when out in public.
There are a host of events happening around us each and every day with the potential to be unsafe. Everyone seems to be in a hurry, doesn’t want to get involved or simply just doesn’t pay attention to details.
When we overlook the small details at work, at home or our surroundings, we overlook hazards that can lead to injuries or miss an opportunity to be an eyewitness to an event.
A quick exercise can demonstrate how easy it is to lose sight of the small details.
We have all handled dollar bills throughout life. More than likely, you have one in your pocket now. Without pulling one out, list some details of a one-dollar bill. Write them down.
You will probably name six to eight characteristics of a dollar bill. Now, look at the dollar bill and then start naming details. Once you really pay attention, you can find all sorts of things you never noticed before. I bet you won’t look at that dollar bill the same way again.
Just like a dollar bill, we see our work areas, our homes and our surroundings every day. What details are we not paying attention to? What hazards are we either missing or being complacent with? What details or information are we missing?
First, we need to take the proper time to do a thorough observation of objects, tools, equipment, placement of objects, surroundings and people. Being observant is a skill, but we also need to make a conscious effort to dedicate the time to evaluate the area around us.
Walk around and view it from different perspectives. Focus on details that you normally skim over. Use past experiences, lessons learned, safety shares or training to identify potential hazards.
Try putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. What things in your area would those other “shoes” have an issue with or want to be corrected?
Really get picky about the details of your environment. Be honest about what is normal in your community, what does a person normally look like, what vehicles belong, etc.
Banks teach their tellers what a real dollar bill looks like. Then a counterfeit is easy to spot. It’s the same with your environment – if you know what is “normal,” then anything out of the ordinary will be easy to spot.
Seven Lakes North and South National Neighborhood Watch Program is always watching out for you. Contact us at 910) 975-2329 or seven.lakes.north.and.south.nnwp@gmail.com.
