With both your hands in the S shape (make a fist wrapping your thumb across the front of your fingers), cross your fists in front of your chest (your arms will make a big X shape), fingers facing your body. Simultaneously rotate both wrists outward so fingers now face away from your body, and wrists are separated. (Like breaking free from a chain)
Sign 'SAFE' by crossing your 'S' fists and rotating them outward to separate them. Then, point to the person and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'BABY' by mimicking cradling an infant in your arms, then sign 'SAFE' with a firm, protective motion as you separate your crossed fists.
Sign 'HERE' or 'NEIGHBORHOOD', then sign 'SAFE' while nodding affirmatively to reassure the person about the security of the location.
Sign 'SAFE' by crossing your 'S' fists and rotating them outward to separate them. Then, point to the person and raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Sign 'BABY' by mimicking cradling an infant in your arms, then sign 'SAFE' with a firm, protective motion as you separate your crossed fists.
Sign 'HERE' or 'NEIGHBORHOOD', then sign 'SAFE' while nodding affirmatively to reassure the person about the security of the location.
They use the exact same motion, but different handshapes! 'Safe' uses 'S' handshapes (fists), while 'free' uses 'F' handshapes (index and thumb touching, other fingers extended). Always double-check your handshape to ensure you are signing the right word.
No, it generally does not matter which arm is on top when you form the initial 'X' shape in front of your chest. Just use whichever crossing feels most natural and comfortable to you before you separate your wrists.
The speed can convey the intensity of the situation. For general safety, a smooth, firm motion is perfect. If you are urgently telling someone they are safe from immediate danger, a quicker, more emphatic break of the wrists works well.
