Sharing tips on TikTok, he explains how simple habits can make you safer.
A retired Secret Service agent has shared some of his best advice for staying safe while you’re out in public. His tips are practical, easy to follow, and could make a big difference in risky situations.
It’s easy to believe we’re always alert and aware when we’re outside, but the truth is, that distractions happen, and our vigilance can slip when we least expect it.
Scott Bryson, who identifies himself as a retired Secret Service agent, regularly discusses safety-related topics with his 250,000 followers on TikTok, providing insight into how we can stay more secure in our everyday lives.
In one of his recent TikTok videos, he broke down simple yet effective ways that anyone—not just security experts—can take extra precautions for their own safety.
The first piece of advice he shared might seem obvious, but it’s a crucial one. He says when you’re entering a store or parking your car, the most important thing you can do is to put your phone away. Avoid distractions by getting off your phone and focusing on your surroundings.
Scott emphasized this point, reminding viewers that staying alert is key. His next tip focused on parking, specifically urging women to be cautious about where they choose to leave their vehicles.
There are some simple tips we can establish in our everyday lives to keep safe
TikTok/scottbrysonbts
He explained: “Ladies, especially you, listen. When you’re parked and there’s a car parked right beside of you, and I mean super close to the line or something like that, that should be a red flag.”
Scott recommended evaluating the environment around your parking spot and considering questions like, “Is there someone in the car parked next to me? Is it a minivan with sliding doors or a large SUV?”
He added: “I’m not saying you can’t go get in your car but just pump the breaks, okay. No pun intended. Just take it easy. Take a little look around.”
“Don’t just willy-nilly get in the car. It might be fine, it could be something.”
When it comes to getting gas, Scott’s advice is to lean against your car while refueling. This small action helps you maintain a wide view of your surroundings, reducing the chances of being caught off guard.
He elaborated: “Now you’ve cut your 360 down to 180, you can see” Additionally, he suggested an unconventional but effective strategy: “If somebody approaches you, and they’re up to no good, spray them with the gas. That’s not cool. I wouldn’t want to be sprayed with gas. They’ll probably run off.”
Scott says to ‘get off your phone’ in certain situations
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Another tip he offered applies to public places like restaurants or cafes. Scott recommended sitting where you can see the entrance, ensuring you always know where the exits are located.
In situations where all seats face the same way, such as a movie theater, he advised sitting at the end of the aisle for easier access to exits. He explained: “If you’re a fighter, you can get up and go fight.” and added: “If you’re not willing to fight, that’s cool, too – you can run.”
“But you gotta be able to get out. Don’t be stuck in the middle of the row.”
Scott’s advice struck a chord with many TikTok users, sparking a lively discussion about situational awareness and personal safety. Hundreds of commenters agreed that these small adjustments could go a long way in keeping people safe.
One commenter shared: “I will never forget my driving instructor asking me what the first thing I should do getting in my car. I said, ‘seatbelt!’ He said ‘no, you lock your doors young lady’.”
Another user chimed in with: “‘Walk with a purpose’, was always, still is, what my mom told me.”
A third commenter, claiming to be in law enforcement, pointed out how surprising it is that so many people are unaware of their surroundings.
These shared experiences highlight how essential it is to stay alert in everyday life.