Choosing The Safest Place To Sit In A Restaurant Or Public Place by Ken Jorgustin | Last updated Jan 27, 2018 | security | 17 comments Four guidelines when choosing the safest place to sit in a restaurant or other public place: FACE THE ROOM WITH YOUR BACK TO THE WALL Situational awareness requires that you SEE what’s going on. Pick a seat where you can see other people to observe their behavior and demeanor. Try not to sit where someone can come up behind you. SIT CLOSE TO THE AISLE Whether choosing a seat at a table, a movie theater, or anywhere with a row of seats, sit close to the aisle. This will allow you to get out quickly and less likely to be become slowed during an emergency situation. SIT NEAR AN EXIT Know where the entrances and exits are, and sit near one of them if possible. This will enable quick egress during an emergency. That said, don’t seat yourself closest to the entrance – which is an immediate point of focus. DON’T BOX YOURSELF IN