Before It Happens - The Color Code of Mental Awareness

This episode features Chapter 3 from Before It Happens: The Art of Staying Safe Before Violence Starts by David Burnell—a critical lesson on one of the most effective mental models in personal safety: Jeff Cooper’s Color Code of Awareness.

Based on decades of experience in war zones, rescue missions, anti-terror operations, and civilian protection, David explains the color-coded mindset that has kept professionals and ordinary people alive around the world.

In this powerful standalone chapter, you’ll discover:

• Why most people live in Condition White, oblivious to the threat until it’s too late
• How to train your brain to stay in Condition Yellow, alert yet calm
• When to shift into Condition Orange and start planning your response
• What Condition Red looks like when action is your only option
• How to avoid Condition Black, where stress takes over and your body freezes

David shares real-life stories—from hardware stores to war zones—where applying the Color Code gave people the edge they needed to survive.

This isn’t about paranoia.
 It’s about preparedness.
And it’s not just for soldiers or bodyguards—it’s for parents, teachers, students, travelers, and anyone who wants to move through life with more confidence and control.

This is a single chapter from the full-length book Before It Happens, available now as audiobook, ebook, and paperback on Amazon, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audible.