Proactive Planning: Know Your Exits
Effective egress begins the moment you enter a new space. Make a conscious habit of identifying all possible exits, not just the main entrance. In a restaurant, this includes the kitchen exit. In a hotel, it includes fire escapes and service stairwells. This mental mapping creates a pre-planned escape route in your mind. If an emergency occurs, you will not waste precious seconds orienting yourself; you will already know where to go. Always have a primary, secondary, and tertiary exit plan.
The Principle of Breaking Line of Sight
To escape from a human threat, you must break their line of sight. This is the fundamental goal. Every corner you turn, every doorway you pass through, every crowd you melt into is an opportunity to break contact. The more visual barriers you can place between yourself and a pursuer, the more likely you are to succeed. This is why a zigzagging path through a dense urban environment is more effective than running in a straight line down an open street.
Using Choke Points
A 'choke point' is a feature of the environment that restricts movement and observation, giving you an advantage. A revolving door, a narrow hallway, a subway turnstile, or a crowded marketplace are all examples of choke points. Entering a subway car just as the doors are closing is a classic egress tactic. It creates an impassable physical barrier and instantly breaks line of sight, making it an extremely effective way to lose a tail.
Vehicular Egress
When in a vehicle, egress principles remain the same but are applied differently. Always park your car facing the direction of travel for a quick departure. Maintain enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to be able to pull out without having to reverse. In a threatening situation, your vehicle is both a shield and a weapon. It can be used to push obstacles out of the way (a 'bull-through') or to create a barrier. Understanding basic evasive driving techniques, such as the J-turn, can be a valuable skill.
Tools for Egress: The Bug-Out Bag
A 'bug-out bag' or 'go bag' is a pre-packed bag containing the essentials you would need to survive for 72 hours. Having this ready allows for immediate egress without having to waste time gathering supplies. Key contents include water and a filter, high-energy food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a multi-tool, copies of important documents, and cash. The bag should be portable and discreet, allowing for rapid movement on foot if necessary.