URBAN SURVIVAL: Learn How to Level up Your Situational Awareness

On this episode of SDN we're joined by Tony Blauer, the preeminent expert on situational awareness and sudden violence. Tony's system is incredibly elegant and can be applied to any situation. This is a "must watch" video for anybody who wants to improve their situational awareness and be prepared for sudden violence.
Watch this video to learn stuff you can't learn anywhere else.
Download the Survival Dispatch / Tony Blauer situational awareness and sudden violence flowchart/cheat sheet here ...
⚡️ survivaldispat...
Get Tony's "Making Friends With Fear" download here ...
⚡️ blauerspear.th...
Get Tony's "Know Fear" workshop here ...
⚡️ blauerspear.th...
50% DISCOUNT CODE: kf50 (not case sensitive)
For ad-free, uncensored videos and exclusive content please subscribe to a Survival Dispatch Insider membership ...
🔥 tinyurl.com/mt...
#survival #urbansurvival #shtfsurvival #prepping #gear
Get the SD weekly Situation Report
✅ SurvivalDispat...
‼️Please check your spam folder if you’re subscribed to our SITREP
Survival Dispatch Store
💥 SurvivalDispat...
Survival Dispatch Website
🇺🇸 SurvivalDispatc...
All SD Links In One Place
💯 linktr.ee/Surv...
Do you want your product(s) reviewed, or would you like to be a guest on our channel?
📧 [e-mail]
DISCLAIMER: The materials published on Survival Dispatch’s KZbin channel, Rumble Channel, social media accounts, and website (including any show, episode, guest appearance, etc. appearing within) are for informational and entertainment purposes only.
The opinions expressed through this video or podcast are the opinions of the individual author(s) and are for educational and documentary purposes only.
Please note, we have affiliate partnerships with some brands mentioned on our KZbin channel and Rumble and we may get a small portion of the revenue when you purchase an item using the links provided.
FAIR USE: In the rare instance that we include someone else’s footage it is covered under Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with the intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.
IMPORTANT: All firearms footage is produced in a safe environment by highly trained professionals with decades of experience. These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in our videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. Do not attempt to replicate the actions featured in our videos without the proper training, licensing, and medical professionals present.
We are not attempting to sell you firearms featured in our videos. We are not instructing our viewers on how to modify firearms, accessories, or otherwise change their basic legal function. All firearms and accessories are legal products commonly available in retail stores across the United States. Our videos are for entertainment purposes only. We are not an FFL and DO NOT sell or deal in firearms. Such practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. We DO NOT sell firearms, parts, or magazines.
© 2023 Survival Dispatch

[@dog-gone-it5944]

I totally understood everything he said. Great advice. I do listen to my my instincts my husband thinks I'm psychic. He's on a ship for 3 months at a time. I always put something in his bag that I think he will need. This trip I put a life straw in his bag. He asked me what in the world made me do that. I said I just think with all this trouble we're having with water you might need it. I've never ever put a life straw in his bag. He travels over to Pakistan, Poland. Germany...etc. He called last week and said he was so happy to have that life straw. They had a horrible problem with their water and people were getting sick. Mostly just bathroom issues. He thinks I'm psychic, but I see what's going on and get prepared ahead, in case it happens to one of us. The more you're prepared in life the less you worry. I love having this information because it's apart of my preps just like having a lifestraw. It's being ready for anything. Thanks!

[@SurvivalDispatch]

That is absolutely amazing. Well done!

[@pattibrown1809]

I practice situational awareness everyday while I walk my dog. If ever in doubt, I watch my dog. She always knows what's up!

[@superdave8248]

I wish that was the case with my mute. She is an indoor dog. She has zero situational awareness during walks. LOL

[@pattibrown1809]

@@superdave8248 She still gives you love though😊

[@superdave8248]

@@pattibrown1809 50 lbs lap dog is what she is who thinks she is the size of a chihuahua. But she will bark if the actual chihuahua in the house gets in a tizzy about something.

[@trishaporte]

There was a “game” that was played as a young child… “what if”….what if a deer ran across the road right now, what if a car ran the red light right now….it was presented to me so often it was annoying!! However I believe that being trained to “think outside of the box” better prepares one for having a heightened awareness of the space around us, and learn to make better decisions on the fly!

[@moyamontgomery1468]

My brother played this with me with driving and 43 years of having my license I’ve managed to stay safe on the roads.

[@elevatorman7750]

Great video, guys. Live AWARE. A- be Aware of your surroundings W- look for Warning signs A- Assess the warning signs R- Ready yourself if necessary E- Engage or Exit depending on the issue.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Well said. Thank you.

[@Shakashack2022]

10:09 Functional awareness system: trust your bad feeling; choose safety 16:00 Apply instinct & intuition > Intelligence (solutions, take actions for safety) 32:36 Awareness color chart; accelerate your decision making 43:56 The 4 Stages to Action 46:02 The Cycle of Behavior 48:27 The Timeline of Violence 52:05 Survival Dispatch Flowchart Love Chris’ organized thinking. 👍🏼 Some ppl learn better by doing - need to take classes, train their minds & bodies on tabletop scenarios to think & move quicker. Thank you for this video!

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Thank you for contributing to the conversation.

[@lcamjrlc]

People need to understand that intuition is a subtle thought or voice to guide you safely it senses danger but people always overlook it and listen to the other mind.The best thing to understand is that we have a defense mechanism within our mind. Discipline the Voices......

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Well said.

[@C.Brown5150]

Live life , just be aware of your surroundings.. And listen to your GUT , because 9 out of 10 your GUT is right. Great video tonight 👍🦅🇺🇸🦅

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Thank you!

[@Markus_321go]

Listening to one's gut feeling is a thing. With people, money, work and SHTF, of course. Start practicing it now and be better off.

[@Coppersaguaro]

Long story- Years ago I was in a theater and 5 guys with hoods up came in late and sat in the front row. They all took turns going in and out of the theater. I watched them as soon as they came in. Eventually two of them started walking up the stairs to higher seats, one on each side. I thought for sure they were about to shoot us up. I was on the aisle seat and the guy stopped at my row. I was half a second from taking him out. Never been more nervous. They eventually walked back down and nothing happened. I watch everyone. Be aware brothers and sisters, stay armed.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Most of us would interpret those five guys the same way you did. Kudos on showing restraint. Many of us wouldn't have.

[@blueridgerealtor]

I’m loving the content that you guys have been sharing with us.

[@johncox4693]

I spent the last 35 years training and this guy has the distilled truth.

[@trishaporte]

My Uncle told me when I was just a kid “once you go into a building, always know how you’re going to get out beside the door you came in”.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Good advice!

[@trishaporte]

@@SurvivalDispatch as a kid, I always thought it was weird bc he would talk in what I thought was rhymes, and I had to figure what he was saying…. 😊

[@chrisalejado1396]

thanks for this video, it goes beyond those tactics and self defense techniques and actually tackles the roots between actual confrontation which is the fear. i will watch this over and over to absorb this

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Thank you.

[@BrokenSurvival]

The example given is a semi tough cookie. You may help your survival by giving aid to your captor, but that is also strengthening them against those who will come to actually save you. In that scenario, I’d keep a cast iron around with something hot in it at minimum to swing when the distraction comes.

[@SueGallon]

I loved the question, "how do we instill intelligence in people" 😆 ...... Great video, definitely sharing.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Thank you!

[@casyleer144]

I prefer to call it Sensory skill. Because it's multifaceted. Parkour. Hearing. Peripheral eyes usage. Even what gear your wearing. If your gear isn't worn comfortably it can give you pain or make you off balanced, Over exertion from weight. A good soldier knows they're a better fighter if they can move properly. You can't function properly enough to fight or run to survive if your not comfortable in your gear. I even always take into account entrances & exits. How many people are directly around me. Whole a potential threat based on body language attitude & what they might have on them. Sensory skill as I call it regards anything & everything that can benefit your survival. Even ninja tactics. Navy Seal Tactics. Sun Tzu's tactics. As I said. Anything & everything that can Benefit your survival.👍

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Great feedback! Thank you.

[@Lela-p4q]

This is the first time that im watching "know fear" videos. Keep up the good work 👏 🙌 👍 👌 💪 😊

[@mikeratcliff1446]

Great informational and I’m sure I’ll watch this and the other videos on this subject.

[@Cata-Holic_Doode]

28:41 - in the context of the conversation, of course this man is correct, but I'm sure He'd agree that we'll never know if the heroic wrestler bought time for someone else to be averted ! Godspeed! This channel rocks! ⚡️🇺🇸

[@sojournsojourntraveler1203]

I have been enjoying this very much and in some situations I have been in / romantic I would have to agree with you 100%. Some others not so much, as I spring into action without hesitation when it comes to protecting others. When it comes to my self I avoid it as much as possible . Great Job Thank you

[@golf-n-guns]

A lot of young cops hesitate, especially if there are cameras in their face (cellphone or otherwise). The sidewalk is not the place to hold court. Follow your instincts. Detain, search, arrest, transport.

[@NoName-jr2eo]

Very good video. Advise is very good. Many ought to listen to this and begin practicing situational awareness looking for things and people out of place, ie, usual things that don't seem to fit, and that means looking in every direction I'd only for a few seconds at each direction especially when you've got that uneasy feeling. You never know from which direction a threat or threats may come from even in a store while you're shopping for groceries, clothing, parts, ect. It's being aware of who and what is around you at all times. I've been putting that into practice but it isn't all that easy to do in that I find myself slipping up by allowing myself to become distracted by my I terest in what I'm shopping for, looking at phone, listening to music,ect. It does take some time to incorporate situational awareness into your evey day life but the key is to recognize it and change it by returning to it.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Thank you!

[@brynnleapierce5600]

Situational awareness saved me from being robbed or possibly killed by trusting my internal GPS (instincts) going to an ATM one evening. As I pulled into the bank parking area 2 males in an SUV were coming out & I noticed they made a turnaround to come back behind me, they me a lone female as a soft target. I bypassed the ATM coming out to the other side main road & returned home, keeping my eyes on my side & rear view mirrors making sure they did follow me home. Passed on the ATM stop because I knew they had ill intentions.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Well done!

[@N0N4M30]

If you’re being followed never go to your home because if the aggressor or who follows you doesn’t know where you live now they do

[@machellesnow4214]

I think the intelligence comes in for each individual. It's amazing how different people have different skills, ideas and thoughts (intelligence), based on how they operate. People do need to learn to be observant and notice whats happening around them. I think if they learned to be vigilent and observant they could began to think whats the safest thing to do and what is that? Thinking this way makes you think of options and being more aware of options.

[@peggyharris7419]

Ok my turn. I’ve been prepping for about 12 years and my husband wasn’t on board until BO became President. He started half-heartedly listening but then since DT lost the election he knew it was crooked and he jumped in with both feet. Since I’ve been listening to you guys Chris, I’ve been sharing your videos with him and he’s sharing with his friends. He’s now all in - full steam ahead. He’s been hardening our home and property for home defense and screening family and friends for our own mag. Tells me to buy anything we need. Your videos have given him the kick in the butt that he needed. And because I’m also sharing Keith’s videos over on Christian Warrior he’s joined our church security team and he’s sharing those videos. We enjoy watching and putting into practice what you all are teaching. Thanks for your time and effort Chris, Mike, Jeff, Jeff, Keith and the others who are all keeping America safe! 🇺🇸

[@robertp8247]

Really an excellent description. Thank you!

[@Lela-p4q]

I love Survival Dispatch ♥️

[@Hawk0057]

I would like to thank you very much for the videos that you put on for us my brother God bless you and your family keep safe

[@madbombermike]

What I had said was this Chris" We, as humans, have allowed our intelligence to override our instincts. Our instincts say, Run or Fight Our intelligence says, what will everybody think of you? Youve got no time! The party... My spouse keeps talking crazy.... Our Intelligence is causing us to focus on something other than THE NOW!

[@ellenj8896]

Always follow one’s own intuition- doing so has saved me a few times. Question that comes to mind, which might be a topic of discussion in the future: I was at the gym today and I was looking at the fire exit. I wondered, if a gang decided to attack the facility, how would I dare leave through the fire exit when I don’t know if some of the gang might be standing outside to ambush anyone fleeing through that door. I suppose it comes down to the fact that fleeing would likely be safer than hiding in the building, regardless of the potential for perpetrators waiting outside.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

You're smart to think of the possibility of bad guys being outside the exit. That's not an uncommon thing in the middle east. All things considered, in many instances you'd be better off using an emergency exit as opposed to using the main entrance or trying to hide in the building. If you do have to hide make sure it's behind a locked door if possible, but also be aware that if the bad guys want you dead they'll set the building on fire.

[@N0N4M30]

@@SurvivalDispatch if possible you should exit by a window and get the F away from there

[@11ccom]

Yes, I am starting to get Tony's stuff.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

That's awesome!

[@wizzel101]

When my eldest was small we had a scary "almost" incident. We went to a local WinCo (discount food store) and I was shopping and playing with my daughter, out of nowhere I got the biggest red flag bad feeling I've ever gotten. It took a while but eventually I realized - this is how babies go missing. I mediately grabbed my babies clothing in a death grip and didn't let go. We walked around looking for repeat ppl till the feeling faded. When it felt safe I bought what we had in the cart and left. We got home safely. Later a friend informed me that there had been police reports of predatory activity in the area at that store. There was a report on FB of someone who spoke Spanish over heard groups of men talking about which mothers had men with them and which did not. I am convinced we were targeted by that group. Always always trust your gut, it has never let me down PS we haven't gone back to that store

[@wandabaquedano2451]

Two nights ago I was alone and stopped at a gas station to run inside and just grab a soda (it was around 2:30 a.m. and I am a woman in my late sixties). I parked right in front of the door next to an older cream sedan that was backed in with a young man sitting alone in the front passenger seat. He was on the other side of the car, so I didn't register any threat and the area was well lit. But when I came out, the driver had returned and was sitting in the driver's seat with his door fully opened so that when I opened my car door to get in, I was totally boxed in between the two cars, in the dark, and would not have been able to run if my life depended on it. Once I safely got in my car without incidence and on my way, I said to myself, "let's never do that again stupid!"

[@HeatherTuynman]

I've been re-reading Laurence Gonzales' 'Deep Survival' he speaks of 'mental models' and how we need to be open to new information that doesn't fit the model we've made based on experience and expectations and adjust the model accordingly. When we don't accept new information (disregarding info that doesn't fit the model is the brain's default for the sake of efficiency) that is when me make poor decisions and end up in a life threatening situation.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Very interesting. Thank you for adding to the conversation.

[@plkurngr2262]

As a team member then team leader of a 4 man long range patrol team in Viet Nam, it was policy that anyone who, in any manner, displayed such a premonition of impending danger, doom or disaster, well they did not go out. To have such a premonition made them a danger to the team as they are now spooked, distracted, hyper vigilant and reactive. In short, their survival is clouding their thoughts. Perhaps look into the old fighter pilot process: OODA Loop-Observe-Orientate-Decide-Act, and redo after observing the situation after you've acted.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

We appreciate your service. We also appreciate you adding to the discussion on this topic.

[@NestorNegronDiaz]

Congrats again on having Mr. Blauer... too bad that Dr. William Aprill is no longer with us. Would have made a great contribution. (Already downloaded the chart).

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Tony is a good friend and amazing all around guy.

[@johncox4693]

Tony is the man.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Yes he is! We're proud to call him a friend.

[@trishaporte]

I saved this so I can watch it several times!

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Thank you!

[@trishaporte]

@@SurvivalDispatch YW ! Since so many of us (I would say mostly females) are discounted throughout life, watching your videos are firm reminders when in the past our gut was always spot on….. 💖

[@SurvivalDispatch]

@@trishaporte ... When we acquired Survival Dispatch during the summer of 2022 the audience was 96% male and 4% female. The average age was under 30 years old. We've worked hard to expand our base. As of today 69% of our audience are male and 31% are female. The average age is now in the mid to late 40s. For our Survival Dispatch Insider members the numbers are really interesting. Half are males and half are females. I think women in general are wired better to be preppers while men are probably better suited to survival. Just an unscientific observation. 😎 ~ Chris Heaven

[@Huntress_Raven]

Intuition starts in the gut. Always trust your gut. If you’re not hungry, it’s probably your intuition talking. It feels like butterflies really really painful butterflies Hey survival dispatch can you do another video about prepping tools and food items to prep,the basic necessities? I like those videos Also, I can’t run so I’m gonna go head on towards the target meaning the active shooter or something like that because I can’t run away physically impossible Sneak up on target and disable it Sometimes it’s better to go it alone .

[@carldaugherty8981]

There's a tendency where I live here in West Virginia to be lulled to sleep because not much in the way of crime, assault, etc. takes place. But I try to practice being aware of my surroundings anyway. An Interstate passes nearby so there's always the factor of strangers passing through.

[@soap5393]

People who had military experience (especially 11B) have a leg up on situational awareness because that's what they spent most your time doing. That carries over into the civilian like. Great education. Maybe a bit less so now that they're serving soy milk and pronouns it the "eating facility" (mess hall).

[@AriePharmD]

@SurvivalDispatch @48:30 D1-Detect D2-Defuse D3-Defend Think of D2-D3 as Denzel Washington in Equalizer 1&2 when he looks at his watch and calculates how much time it will take to Defuse (D-2) the bad guys then he actually Defends or kills (D-3) based on his exact calculations.

[@timothyhume3741]

Best to train in the wilderness. Travell, unarmed in grizzle country. You will become situationally aware very quickly. Guaranteed best training ground even for the city situation. Spend time learning to read animal body language because it applies to humans as well. Cheers

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Good advice.

[@Lela-p4q]

I love the neon sign😮😊❤

[@madbombermike]

Attention to detail is a lifestyle!

[@thedrummer7673]

That thumbnail pic says everything you need to know. People will see an elderly man being attacked by animals and just keep on walking. Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, nobody is coming to save you.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Disgusting behavior huh?

[@madbombermike]

Nobody is Coming! Its all up to us!

[@judithstorck5195]

Thanks guys - good points. Is this just for when one is out & about? Not for protection at home - around the home & property? Now that is what I would like to hear about. We have solar & battery operated motion sensor alarms & lights. Also have two dogs as alerts. Plan on trip wires outside & shatter proofing our windows & glass sliding door. Can you talk about WHAT ELSE would be needed.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

This is for any time you're outside your home.

[@judithstorck5195]

@@SurvivalDispatch For that I have a personal alarm attached to my keychain attached outside of my purse, along with gel pepper spray in the outside pocket of my purse & next to that a glass breaking tool (which everyone should have in case of a car accident) for really close encounters. I also know the vital areas of the face & neck & what to do to them.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

That's awesome!

[@deanloydprimo]

765 ZYV red Honda. This is one of many vehicles that follow me. I have been unable to get plates of the others.

[@R4N21]

“What is the Safest thing I can do?…”

[@SeanConnoly]

One comment I wanted to make was regarding the comment about stopping shoplifters. I understand the context and sentiment and understand that nobody said it was a good idea but I wanted to elaborate on something I think qualifies it a little bit. This whole training protocol has to do with feelings that lead to action and by virtue of it being a feeling it involves emotion. Emotion has to be part of the premise of feeling, sense, instincts etc but the emotion of anger or indignation of conduct of others not related to the physical safety of your family, self or whatever should not be part of the equation. I am with anyone else who is tired of the things that are allowed to happen, but don’t put yourself in a situation where you are in danger physically or run the risk of potential legal consequences. Notice I used the word allowed to happen. Nothing happens in this country that is not allowed. State sanctioned anarchy and in many cases the very corporations and companies we would be attempting to assist by stopping theft or whatever contributed to the conditions we are under. We only owe ourselves and family or those close to us our loyalty. I don’t like it and I have my own ideas about what needs to happen but I can’t do anything alone and neither can you. And how many times have we seen people who were justified or morally correct go to prison and others walk with no consequences. I am sure everyone gets it here but I mention this because if you are a little older you grew up in a different country. If you are whatever age and haven’t been paying attention things are in a state of planned decline state sanctioned terror.

[@docholt0000]

This is called analysis paralysis. For me there's way too much of this step then next step then that step. My brain is see threat prioritize threat shoot threat!

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Analysis paralysis indeed!

[@Aries61]

Chose safety: stay out of sketchy bars.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

💯

[@madbombermike]

Wait... like... all the time??? They have the nicest people in them!!!!

[@PedroJuanGutierez-k6o]

It was a good video & the speaker sounds well versed with his curriculum. I just wanted to say there was too many profanity used. Thank you Sir.

[@patrickowens1742]

Something to remember cops are more interested in there own safety than they are in yours . When I was shot at ( thankfully they missed) the cops did not respond for four hours and when I asked why it took so long to respond. They said it was for THERE safety not mine but they are the ones with body armor.

[@Point_Blank55]

I always look for anomalies.

[@SeanConnoly]

Basically a lot of society has been programmed to believe lies. Things even the liars know but yes the best fight is the one I avoid.

[@deanloydprimo]

I'm being stalked by a street gang. They follow me everywhere. Even in the grocery store. The police are aware and do nothing. This is north Las Vegas. 89101.

[@Ohnyet]

Twins?

[@SurvivalDispatch]

LOL! Tony's wife said the same thing!

[@Jose-xx4yu]

You're able to get how "know fear" and "F fear" are two completely opposite concepts, right? The thing is that the more you try to take rationalize what he said the less you'll get it (much less if you're taking notes live, when you can just replay the talk later on). It's about "getting the spirit of the thing", of whatever you're trying to understand, and your deductive "instinct" will guide you through what you should get out of all this. Instinct and awareness also work on the intelectual plan.

[@SurvivalDispatch]

No it isn't. It's an acronym coined by Tony Blauer years ago. It stands for ... Face it Understand it Control it Know it

[@Jose-xx4yu]

@@SurvivalDispatch yes, but where does the "F...k fear" (neon) enters in all that? When people say that they generally mean "I don't care about it" or "To hell with it" in a dismissive way. I get where that idea can say "I don't fear Fear", but by itself it becomes contradictory if you don't give it a discount, if you're familiar with the expression. (I edited my comment by the way)

[@gladysdeloya758]

buy guns

[@gladysdeloya758]

buy a bazuka

[@dex2591]

Is this one dude having a dialogue with himself ??

[@HeatherTuynman]

your hair is so distracting today 😂

[@SurvivalDispatch]

Lol!

[@madbombermike]

Its honestly been bothering me all day Chris!!!

[@lenoralascala4359]

This is not true. Take it from one who survived 6 holdups. 2 black out w looting 3 race riots 4 shooting events. And more.

[@sallylawson6742]

The word on the wall takes away all of his credibility. Very crude!!!

[@madbombermike]

If the superficial is all that you base your opinions on... perhaps you need to spend some time looking inward?

[@madbombermike]

Also... its a crude world out there!

[@bigal8986]

Thanks guys! Always great info!

[@KarmicAngel]

Sometimes my husband rolls his eyes or looks at me odd but I always trust my gut until proven otherwise