Before you step into any operational environment — whether it's a facility assessment, a security walk, or a site survey — run the 5-Point Scan. It takes 30 seconds and saves hours of headaches.
1. **Egress** — Know your exits before you need them.
2. **Cover** — Where can you take cover if things go sideways?
3. **Comms** — Does your radio/phone work here? Test it.
4. **Cameras** — What's watching you? Note blind spots too.
5. **The Ground** — Trip hazards, uneven surfaces, debris. Don't eat dirt.
Make this a habit. Run it every time you enter a new space. It becomes automatic after a week.
What's one thing you always check before starting work?