"Stay alert and aware" — Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner reveals the 10-second rule that can save your life

Lori Greiner, an entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank, shared a safety tip on Instagram that highlights a simple yet effective habit known as the "10-second rule." According to Greiner,

"Top law enforcement officers say this 10-second rule can save your life. Most importantly, always stay alert and aware."

This rule emphasizes taking a few seconds to scan the environment, identify exits, and assess potential risks. The Shark Tank investor underscored that law enforcement professionals and safety organizations stress the importance of situational awareness to help individuals avoid dangerous situations.

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The 10-second rule: A simple strategy for personal safety according to Shark Tank star Lori Greiner

On February 9, 2025, the Shark Tank investor posted a video on Instagram under the hashtag #SafetyTipSaturday. In the video, she highlighted the importance of the 10-second rule, referencing guidance from law enforcement officers. She explained,

"The first thing you should do when you arrive anywhere like a sporting event, concert, store, gym, or whatever it is where you are, take 10 seconds and just look around."

The Shark Tank investor further emphasized the importance of being aware of one's environment upon arrival at any location, saying,

"Survey your surroundings, especially important if you're somewhere unfamiliar. Take note of who is around you. Does anything seem off or suspicious and identify all exits?"

Greiner also highlighted the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations, stating:

"Knowing where the exits are will allow you to get out in case of an emergency. Most importantly, always stay alert and aware."

The post stressed that distractions, such as mobile devices or engaging in conversations without observing the surroundings, can make individuals more vulnerable. The 10-second rule serves as a straightforward precautionary measure that can be incorporated into daily routines to enhance safety.

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Practical steps for enhancing personal safety

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has also highlighted the significance of situational awareness in their safety guidelines. According to NAR, many individuals find themselves in dangerous situations because they are not paying attention to their surroundings. Their recommendations provide a structured approach to assessing an environment through short observation intervals.

NAR suggests taking two seconds upon arrival to check for any questionable activity in the area, confirm that the location is well-lit, and ensure the vehicle is not blocked. After stepping out of a vehicle, another two-second scan should be conducted to look for suspicious individuals and confirm the intended route.

As individuals walk toward their destination, NAR advises taking another two seconds to observe foot traffic, check for obstacles or potential hiding places, and determine if the area is unusually quiet. At the entrance, another two-second scan should be used to assess whether anything seems unusual or if someone is following.

Finally, upon entering, the last two seconds should be used to confirm that everything appears normal and that no unexpected individuals are present.

The guidance provided by NAR aligns with the principles shared by Lori Greiner in her Instagram post. Both emphasize that taking brief moments to assess the environment can contribute to personal safety. Regularly scanning surroundings, recognizing potential risks, and identifying exit routes can serve as proactive steps to avoid harm.

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