One thing we do very frequently when we’re out in the world – is a form of situational awareness. To know your landscape, so to say.
Specifically – it means surveying the properties and locations you visit.
99% or more of the people out there just “go shopping.” They park in the designated lot for customers – buy their crap – and leave.
How many people drive BEHIND the properties they visit? Not many!
But we do.
Almost all of the retail or commercial venues we visit, we “check out” the entire property. This includes the rear of said establishments or strip malls.
Why do we do this? Part of being aware and prepared
To augment our knowledge of how the site is laid out.
This would be helpful in many circumstances, such as emergencies or other unfortunate events (like a fire, plane crash, active shooter, etc.)
To know where the exits are. To understand what is adjacent to the property. Homes, businesses, public roads or transportation (railways), and more.
It also helps to study your maps from time to time. Same aspect, but in a more “big picture” way.
While we generally have faith in humanity and believe that it’s an extreme rarity for nefarious things to take place – it causes no harm to “be prepared” as a good Boy Scout.
Plus it’s kind of fun going where most people don’t bother. You never know!
