In the 1970s, Jeff Cooper, a retired Marine Corps colonel and firearms instructor, developed a system for self-defense called the Color Code. The Color Code is a way of thinking about your level of awareness and preparedness in any given situation. It is based on the idea that the more aware you are of your surroundings, the less likely you are to be a victim of crime.

The Color Code has four levels:

White: This is the lowest level of awareness. When you are in White, you are not paying attention to your surroundings and you are not prepared for anything to happen. This is the most dangerous level to be in, because you are an easy target for criminals.

Yellow: This is the middle level of awareness. When you are in Yellow, you are paying attention to your surroundings and you are aware of potential threats. You are not necessarily looking for trouble, but you are prepared to deal with it if it happens.

Orange: This is the highest level of awareness. When you are in Orange, you are actively looking for threats and you are prepared to take action to defend yourself. This level of awareness is usually only necessary in dangerous situations, such as when you are in a high-crime area or when you are traveling alone at night.

Red: This is the level of awareness that you should only reach if you are actually in a fight. When you are in Red, you are fully engaged in the fight and you are using all of your skills and abilities to defend yourself.

How to Use the Color Code to Stay Safe in a Big City

The Color Code can be a valuable tool for staying safe in a big city. By being aware of your surroundings and by being prepared for anything, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Here are some tips for using the Color Code in a big city:

Be aware of your surroundings. This means being aware of people, vehicles, and objects in your immediate vicinity. It also means being aware of your surroundings in a broader sense, such as the neighborhood you are in and the time of day.

Be prepared for anything. This means carrying a personal alarm, pepper spray, or other self-defense weapon like a sap or blackjack . It also means being aware of your escape routes and knowing how to use them.

Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, trust your instincts and leave. It is better to be safe than sorry.

By following these tips, you can use the Color Code to help you stay safe in a big city.

Additional Tips

In addition to the advice above, here are a few additional things you can do to stay safe in a big city:

Walk with confidence. Don't look like you are an easy target.

Avoid walking alone at night. If you must walk alone, try to walk in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.

Don't carry valuables in plain sight. Keep your wallet, phone, and other valuables in your pockets or a bag that you can carry close to your body.

Be aware of your surroundings when you are using public transportation. Be careful not to fall asleep or get distracted.

If you are ever followed, don't be afraid to go to a public place or call for help.

By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself safe in a big city.