The Importance of Being Hands Free
This week’s security tip is to keep your hands free. Our hands are one of the best security tools available to us, and they come built-in! Your ability to react quickly to catch something falling, stop a family member from stepping into danger, or help out a friend by taking something out of their hands all depend on what you are doing with yours.
Too often I see people walking around with both their hands full. They have a drink on one hand, a phone in the other, and some sort of bag (or two) draped over a wrist. Then they fumble to get out their their wallet and keys, open a door, or grab the next thing they need off a shelf.
Save yourself the hassle! Keep your hands free!
It’s not just about the convenience of being able use to freely use your hands to accomplish simple tasks without trying to set things down on a car roof or asking someone else to hold things for you.
It’s also about being able to respond quickly to impromptu hazards or threats that come your way.
Maybe your kid starts to step out into a busy street.
Maybe you need to quickly steer your car around another that breaks unexpectedly.
Maybe you or someone else trips on the stairs.
I recently saw someone trip and fall on an escalator. They and everyone in their group had their hands full. The person who fell couldn’t catch themselves and their friends were unable help until the emergency button was pushed (by someone else with a free hand) and they started dropping their stuff.
If that person and their friends had kept at least one hand free, I am confident they would have avoided the injuries they received.
Keeping your hands free allows you to respond quickly and easily to both big and small problems that come your way in daily life. And it doesn’t take much effort. Carry around a backpack or larger purse. Don’t use your phone while you are walking around. Ask for help or make multiple trips.
Sure, there are going to be times when you have to carry multiple large items and you can’t avoid having your hands full. But I am confident that’s a minority of the time and there are plenty of opportunities for us to be more intentional in keeping our hands free so that we can better serve others and help both them and ourselves stay safe.
Pay attention. Be thoughtful. Stay focused. Keep your hands free!
