How can I get free WiFi around me?

Excuse me, could you please elaborate on how one might be able to acquire complimentary WiFi access in their immediate surroundings? Is there a specific application or service that you recommend utilizing for this purpose? Are there any public hotspots nearby that I should be aware of? Furthermore, are there any precautions or considerations that I should take into account when connecting to a free WiFi network in order to ensure my safety and privacy? Thank you for your assistance.