How to check if a website is safe or not?

How can you determine whether a website is secure or not? Are there specific steps you should follow to ensure your safety when browsing online? What kind of information should you look for on a website to verify its authenticity and reliability? Is it important to use a VPN or other security measures when accessing unfamiliar websites? Can you provide some examples of what to look for and what to avoid when assessing the safety of a website?