15/06/2026
🛡️SAFE TIP: What Colour Are You Today?
Have you ever heard of Cooper’s Colour Code?
It’s a simple awareness tool used by security professionals, emergency responders, and military personnel to help them understand their level of alertness and awareness.
At SAFE, we believe awareness isn’t about fear – it’s about confidence.
So, what colour are you in?
⚪ WHITE – Unaware
You’re relaxed and switched off from what’s happening around you.
Examples:
• Walking with your head down scrolling your phone
• Both headphones in and volume up
• Distracted and unaware of who or what is around you
There’s nothing wrong with being in White when you’re at home or in a safe environment. The issue comes when we’re in public and become so distracted that we miss important information around us.
🟡 YELLOW – Aware
This is where we encourage people to be when out and about.
You’re relaxed, but paying attention.
Examples:
• Looking up from your phone regularly
• Noticing who’s around you
• Knowing where exits, transport links or busy public spaces are
• Trusting your judgement if something doesn’t feel right
Yellow isn’t about being suspicious of everyone.
It’s about staying one step ahead by remaining connected to your surroundings.
🟠 ORANGE – Something Doesn’t Feel Right
Orange is when you’ve identified something specific that has caught your attention.
Examples:
• Someone repeatedly appearing wherever you go
• A situation that makes you uncomfortable
• Behaviour that feels unusual or out of place
This doesn’t mean you’re in danger.
It simply means you’ve noticed something and are paying closer attention.
🔴 RED – Action Needed
Red is when you’ve identified a genuine threat or immediate concern.
Examples:
• Someone following or harassing you
• Feeling unsafe in a situation
• Witnessing threatening or aggressive behaviour
At this stage, your focus should be on creating distance, seeking help, moving to a safer location, contacting someone you trust, or calling emergency services if necessary.
💙 SAFE isn’t about blame.
Nobody should have to change who they are because of someone else’s behaviour.
But awareness can be a powerful tool.
The goal isn’t to live in fear.
The goal is to stay aware, feel empowered, and make informed choices when you’re out in the community.
So next time you’re out and about, ask yourself:
❓ What colour am I in right now?
❓ Am I aware of what’s happening around me?
❓ If something changed, would I notice it?
SAFE – Stay Aware. Feel Empowered.
