Animals act on instinct. When they get hungry, they look for something to eat. The prey somehow senses if it encounters a predator and does its best to escape from that predator. Humans, on the other hand, are more complex beings. We are born with the ability to feel emotions and communicate. For the latter, we use words to convey thoughts and emotions. Those who are not able to speak are not left behind; writing and reading are also crucial parts of communication. Similar in a visual aspect, there are objects that guide us away from danger, like fire hazard warning safety signs.
This is a contributed post and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Meet The Harris Family.
Accidents happen. They are unpredictable and always seem to come around when you least expect it. But as animals guide themselves through life with their instinct, we also do the same by giving visual and audio cues. Here are ways that we can navigate through life with man-made objects.
Sirens
They say that music is the universal language. There is a semblance of truth to this, as there have been many songs that became popular around the world regardless of the language used in their lyrics. But when it comes to emergencies, none can match the instant familiarity that is brought about by the sound of the siren. It puts people in a position of urgency. The use of sound makes it inescapable. You can close your eyes if you do not want to see something, but covering your ears won’t always let you drown out the sound.
Ambulances mix the loud sound of a siren with brightly colored lights. If you are driving, you don’t have to turn your head to know that one is near you. It illuminates the surrounding with hues of red and blue, and that would be your signal to give way. Someone’s life may depend on it, so you should comply.
Indoor Signs
When you are thrown into the jungle, you can carve your own path and go wherever you desire. When you are in the city, paths are already built, and you need to rely on signs to point you in the right direction. Some establishments are so big that you still might get lost in them, so you rely on signs that they have scattered around. If you feel lost in the sea of people, like in a large mall, lift your head up and let your eye scan your surroundings. You will see a sign nearby. Go near it and see if it will lead you to your destination.
Warning Obstacles
These are similar to signs, except that they are strategically placed to block your path. They can be used to keep people away from safety hazards such as a slippery floor or a broken escalator. Large buildings often feature smooth floors, owing to their aesthetics and, at the same time, being easy to clean.
Some people tend to wander aimlessly and not look where they are going, and these are the ones who are prone to slipping or tripping others. Bumping on an obstacle will make them stop in their tracks, making them snap out of their “trance” so that they can pause and observe their surroundings. At this point, they should discover what the obstacle is for and what area they should avoid walking into.
No matter what age you are, you will always need some form of guidance. It’s understandable that there may be times when you get distracted or out of focus. But there are signs and objects that help you get back on track.
