National Situational Awareness Day - Let us draw your attention to the importance of situational awareness.

National Situational Awareness Day 2024 – September 26, 2024

National Situational Awareness Day comes up on September 26, every year. The holiday helps create more awareness about the importance of personal safety. Since we are all responsible for our personal safety most of the time, it is important to be reminded of general safety tips. National Situational Awareness Day was created for this purpose.

History of National Situational Awareness Day

In 2016, National Situational Awareness Day was approved and September 26 was chosen as the holiday. The holiday was submitted for consideration a year prior by Pretty Loaded, an enterprise that is concerned with training individuals and groups to be more mindful of their surroundings.The founder of Pretty Loaded, Beth Warford, recounted the story that inspired the enterprise. It was an incident that involved a stalker, in which she and her children were almost attacked. She recalls being unaware of the situation until it was almost too late and was lucky enough to have a family member interfere timeously. That event made her realize that many of us are totally unaware of our surroundings. Thus, we do not immediately notice the dangers that might be lurking.The term ‘situational awareness’ denotes an exercise that has been described in several military texts. The concept is said to be portrayed in Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” Also, during the first World War, the practice seemed to be adopted, especially by pilots.Situational awareness has helped many stay alive in very dangerous situations. It also teaches many people to avoid potentially dangerous situations, like walking alone in a dark alley. Countless firms now offer lessons in situational awareness, especially on National Situational Awareness Day. Organizations and institutions have also helped their employees get necessary training that would help them be more mindful of their surroundings.National Situational Awareness Day is observed to acknowledge the importance of situational awareness and also encourage more people to learn basic survival tips for their own personal safety.

National Situational Awareness Day timeline

1910s
Situational Awareness Becomes Popular

During the First World War, Oswald Boelcke promotes the practice of situational awareness for soldiers, especially pilots.

1980s
Practical Model for Situational Awareness

Psychologist Mica Endsley proposes a model of situational awareness.

2015
Pretty Loaded Proposes the Holiday

In November of 2015, Pretty Loaded LLC suggests a national holiday for situational awareness.

September 2016
First Situational Awareness Holiday

September 26 is chosen to celebrate National Situational Awareness Day.

National Situational Awareness Day FAQs

What is situational awareness?

Situational awareness is knowing what is happening around you and also knowing what decisions to make based on the circumstances.

Why is National Situational Awareness Day on September 26?

The day was chosen to celebrate the birthday of Dru Sjodin, who inspired the founding of Pretty Loaded.

Why is situational awareness important?

Situational awareness is important because it helps people to ensure their own personal safety in potentially dangerous situations.

How to Observe National Situational Awareness Day

  1. Register for a training class

    It is good to be prepared for sudden, distressing situations. Situational awareness lessons can help you be more mindful.

  2. Spread the message

    Use social media to create awareness about mindfulness. It is important that everyone ensure their personal safety.

  3. Educate your children and young ones

    On National Situational Awareness Day, you can educate little kids on the importance of situational awareness. This will help them be more mindful of their surroundings.

5 Facts About Situational Awareness

  1. Situational awareness concerns everyone

    It is important that everyone, including children, be mindful of their surroundings.

  2. It helps keep you from danger

    Situational awareness can keep you from going to dangerous places unknowingly.

  3. Situational awareness was formerly a military practice

    Before becoming a societal requirement, situational awareness was commonly taught in military circles.

  4. Situational awareness is indispensable

    Several experts agree that everyone requires the skills involved in the mindfulness that comes with situational awareness.

  5. It helps us to act faster

    In sudden dangerous situations, situational awareness can help you act faster.

Why National Situational Awareness Day is Important

  1. We learn more about our surroundings

    On this holiday, there are several opportunities to learn more about our immediate surroundings. We learn to avoid dangerous situations.

  2. You can organize classes

    On National Situational Awareness Day, you can organize situational awareness lessons. This can be at work or even at home.

  3. We learn more about self-defense

    It is always fun to learn new tricks and tips. National Situational Awareness Day is all about personal safety and mindfulness.

National Situational Awareness Day dates

Year Date Day
2023 September 26 Tuesday
2024 September 26 Thursday
2025 September 26 Friday
2026 September 26 Saturday
2027 September 26 Sunday