Personal Security Information

Personal Security - At Home, On the Street or While Travelling

Australian Dept of Foreign Affairs Travel Advice - Check before travelling overseas.

INTRODUCTION

The most serious obstacle to personal safety is an attitude of complacency or fatalism.
Comments like “It can't happen to me” and “if it's going to happen then it's going to happen” amount to dangerous thinking.
Recent political events throughout the world have changed, but not necessarily diminished, the threats you face. Today, the most prevalent threat you face is crime.
A criminal attack against you or your family can take place at any time, as can a fire or other disaster. However, you can influence what happens to you by assuming more responsibility for your own security.
The information presented here is general. Not all the information applies to all situations.
It should be noted that this information is offered purely as a guide, these are not “Must Do's” or “Essential information by which you should arrange your security”, merely suggestions on ways to minimise your risk. Obviously there are many other methods you could use, some expensive, others cost free, the suggestions here are merely basic.

Residential Security

Alarm Systems Information

Residential security is a critical component of any personal security program. The following guidelines should be used in reviewing your residential security. 

• All entrances, including service doors and gates, should have quality locks, preferably the deadbolt type. Check the following:
• Front Door
• Rear Door
• Garage Door(s)
• Service Door(s)
• Patio Door
• Sliding Glass Door
• Gate
• Swimming Pool Gate
• Guest House Door(s).
• Do not leave keys “hidden” outside the home.
• Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbour or colleague.
• Keep doors locked even when you or your family members are at home.
• Have window locks installed on all windows. USE THEM
• Lock louvered windows—especially on the ground floor.
• Have locks installed on your fuse boxes and external power sources. 
• If you have window grilles and bars, review fire safety.
• Do not block bedroom windows with permanent grilles if the windows may be used for emergency exit. 
• If you have burglar or intrusion alarms, check them regularly and use them. 
• Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, and be sure to keep one in the kitchen. Show family members and household help how to use them. 
• Periodically check smoke detectors and replace batteries when necessary. 
• Keep flashlights in several areas in the house. Check the batteries often, especially if you have children in your home. (They love to play with flashlights!) 
• A family dog can be a deterrent to criminals. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison. Do not install separate “doggy doors” or entrances. They can also give small intruders access. 
• Choose a location that offers the most security. The less remote, the safer your home will be, particularly in a neighbourhood close to Police and Fire protection. 
• Know your neighbours. Develop communication with them and offer to keep an eye on each other's homes, especially during trips. 
• If you observe any unusual activity, take note of it and advise others. If you feel it is necessary, report it to Police. 
• Establish safe family living patterns. If you understand the importance of your contribution to the family's overall security, the entire household will be safer. 
• While at home, you and your family should rehearse safety drills and be aware of procedures to escape danger and get help. 
• Educate family members and domestic help in the proper way to answer the telephone at home. 
• Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns. 
• Know where all family members are at all times. 
• Use these same guidelines while on leave or in travel status.

Establishing a Safehaven

At some stage you may be subject to a home invasion by criminals, in such an event it is wise to have a safe room (or safehaven) where family members can hide.
Follow three basic steps in setting up a safe-haven in your home:

• Designate an internal room, making sure it is secure and difficult to enter once locked
• Install a two-way communications system and/or telephone; and 
• Furnish the safehaven with an emergency kit.

It is highly unlikely you would spend more than a few hours in a safehaven; however, the supplies listed below are suggested for your maximum safety. A security officer can tell you more about how to select and secure your safehaven.

The following is a checklist of possible safehaven supplies.

• Mobile Telephone (make sure it is charged at all times)
• Fire extinguisher
• Fresh water
• Supply of food and water
• Flashlight and, where possible, portable flouro lam.
• Extra batteries
• Toilet facilities
• Medical/first aid kit
• Other items for your comfort

It is important that all family members know where this room is and how to secure it. Children should be instructed to move to this room immediately if danger is apparent, they should NOT wait for the adults and should secure the room once inside. Children are at the highest risk as they can be easily threatened and, in some cases, used to create threat.
Such a room must be easy to open from the inside but extremely difficult to enter from the outside once secured. Children must be taught to open the room only when they believe it is safe to do so. For maximum security you should choose a “safe word” or 'phrase” that every family member knows and understands. This way any person, child or otherwise, inside that room, will NOT open the door until they hear that word or phrase.

Home Security While You Are Away

• Notify your family or “trusted” neighbours of your departure and return dates but don't otherwise publicize your travel or vacation plans. Leave contact numbers with appropriate people. 
• Arrange to have a friend or colleague pick up your newspapers, mail, or other deliveries daily.
• Secure your home. Close and lock all windows and doors. Don't forget to lock garage or gate doors. 
• Consider purchasing timers to turn on outside and inside lights automatically at various times throughout the night. 
• Check outside lighting and replace older light bulbs. You don't want a light burning out while you are away. 
• Ask a friend or colleague to check your residence periodically, ensuring your air conditioning is functioning and that timers and lights are working. 
• The decision to set the automated alarm system may vary from region to region. Power outages and brownouts may trip alarm systems. Check with your security company for advice on setting alarm systems when you are away for long periods of time. 
• Unplug all unnecessary appliances such as televisions, stereos, and personal computers. 
• Mow your lawn just before leaving; make arrangements to have someone mow it again if you will be gone for an extended period of time. Also arrange for watering, if that is likely to be needed. 
• In the winter, make arrangements to have someone shovel walkways in areas of snow or sweep leaves in Autmn. At a minimum, have a neighbour walk from the street to your door several times. 
• If possible, ask a neighbour to park a car in your driveway (if you are taking yours). 
• If you use a telephone answering machine, turn off the ringer on the telephone. If you don't have an answering machine, unplug or turn off ringers on all telephones. Do NOT leave a message on your machine which tells people you are away.
• Lock all jewelry, important papers, currency, and other valuable portables in a safe place such as a safe deposit box or home safe.
• Ensure all personal and home insurance policies are up-to-date and that your coverage is adequate.

Personal Security While Travelling

• Notify family and/or friends of your departure and return dates, but don't otherwise publicize your travel or vacation plans. Leave contact numbers with appropriate people.
• Check plane, train, and bus times before you travel.
• Sit near other people or near aisles or doors. Learn the location of emergency alarms and exits.
• Stay awake and alert when using public transportation.
• Consider purchasing special clothing or accessories to hide your passport, money, or credit cards. Keep the majority of your funds in traveller's cheques and hidden; carry some in your wallet or handbag. Use a money clip. If you are robbed, you may lose the money in the clip but will retain important credit cards and documents.
• Keep valuables out of sight and luggage close at hand. If carrying a handbag, keep it in front of you, closed, with the fastening toward your body. Keep a wallet in your front pants pocket. 
• Let go if your bag is snatched. 
• Do some research on the area you are visiting. Talk to your security company or government agency regarding travel advisories or warnings. 
• When travelling, dress casually; dress down where appropriate. Be aware of local customs. 
• Don't wear excess jewellery. Reduce wallet and purse contents, particularly cards denoting affiliations, memberships, accounts, etc. 
• At airports, proceed through security checks and go to the boarding area as quickly as possible. These areas are usually the most secure in the airport. 
• In any crowded situation, be aware of any crowding or jostling, even if it appears innocent. This is often a ploy by pickpockets to distract you. 
• Be very careful any time you use a telephone calling card. Fraudulent uses of these cards is on the rise. Look for people observing your card or your fingers as you dial your code. Avoid being heard giving the number to local telephone operators.

Personal Security in Hotels

• Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where they may be overheard. Discuss your travel plans and movements during your stay, with as few people as possible.
• Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floor generally will keep you out of reach of criminal activity from the street but still within reach of most fire truck ladders.
• Do not entertain strangers in your hotel room. 
• Be alert to overly friendly locals who may have criminal intentions. They may offer to take you to a “special” restaurant. Their ruse may be to offer drugged refreshments or even to lure you away for others to rob you.
• Never leave valuables in your hotel room exposed or unattended, even in a locked suitcase.
• Place valuables—money, jewellery, airplane tickets, credit cards, passport etc. in a hotel safe deposit box or room safe. 
• Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other catastrophe.
• Use the door chain or bolt lock whenever you are in your room. 
• Use the door viewer (peep-hole) before opening the door to visitors.
• Do not discuss your room number while standing in the lobby or leave your room key on restaurant or bar tables.
• Keep your room neat, this way you will more easily notice disturbed or missing items quickly.

Fire Safety at Home

Statistics about fire are frightening. About 30,000 people are injured and nearly 4,800 die from fire each year in most countries. Differences in fire codes, building and electrical standards, and even firefighting capabilities, can increase your threat from fire if you live overseas.

Three vital facts you should know about fire:

• It isn't usually fire that kills; it is the products of combustion—smoke, toxic gases, or superheated air.
• Fire travels at lightning speed—up to 6 metres per second. 
• The critical hours for a house fire are 11 PM to 6 AM when most people are asleep. 

This means you need to detect fire early, and you must move quickly when you do.
You and your family can avoid becoming a statistic if you:

• Install smoke detectors in your home. 
• Create and practice a fire escape plan.
• Take fire preventive measures such as those listed on the next page.

Smoke Detectors

A smoke detector can mean the difference between life and death. They are inexpensive and are battery operated; they are not at the mercy of sporadic electrical service. You should have one on every level of your home, particularly in the hallway outside bedrooms. Test your detectors regularly, and replace the batteries as needed—usually twice a year.

Exit Drills

You and your family should create a fire exit plan together. Learn how to escape the house from every room. Locate two exits from each bedroom. Designate a meeting place outside the house. Most importantly—especially if you have children - PRACTICE YOUR PLAN!

Preventive Measures

Carelessness with cigarettes is the most frequent cause of house fires.

• Never smoke in bed!
• Open flames and the resulting sparks are dangerous.
• Don't place barbecue grills or other open flames on the balcony or near the house.
• Check for: faulty electrical wiring; overloaded circuits; faulty equipment, including cooking and heating appliances; leaking propane tanks; overloaded or frayed extension cords; dirty chimneys and vents; and flammable liquids.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the house, preferably one on every level but particularly in the kitchen.
• Teach older children and household help how to use the extinguisher.

Security Do's for Children

• Teach children never to admit strangers into the home.
• Teach children local emergency phone numbers, the family doctors number, and how to use the two-way radio. Make sure younger children know their name, address, and phone number off by heart.
• Caution teenagers about “blind dates” or meeting anyone they do not know. 
• Teach younger members of your family not to open mail or packages.
• Teach young children how to answer the telephone so that they do not give out personal information, such as home address, absence of adults, etc. 
• Teach children how to say no to strangers.
• Teach children how to exit the house in case of emergency.
• Teach children all about the “safehaven” or “safe room” and it's use.

Letter and Parcel Bombs

Letter and parcel bombs are generally “victim activated” meaning that a victim or intended target must activate the device by opening it. They do not normally contain timing devices.
Bombs can range from the size of a cigarette package to a large parcel. Letter and package bombs have been disguised as letters, books, lollies, and figurines. Delivery methods have included mail systems, personal delivery, or placement at the recipient's site.
A letter or parcel bomb might have some of the following indicators:

• Suspicious origin—especially if the postmark or name of sender is unusual, unknown, or no return address is given.
• Excessive or inadequate postage.
• Off-balance or lopsided letter or package. 
• Unusual weight for the size of the letter or package. Letters also may be unusually thick.
• Stiffness or springiness of contents. (When checking, do not bend excessively.) 
• Protruding wires or components; unusual grease or oil stains on the envelope.
• Strange smell, particularly almond or other suspicious odors. 
• Handwriting of sender is not familiar or indicates a foreign style not normally received by recipient.
• Common words or names are misspelled. 
• Rub on or block lettering. 
• Restrictive markings such as “confidential” or “personal” or an honorific title appended to the name of the addressee. 
• Small hole in the envelope or package wrapping that could be a provision for an arming/safety wire. 
• Rattling inside the envelope or package—possibly loose components of a device. 
• Visual distractions (i.e., currency, pornography).

Never assume a letter or parcel has been processed by postal staff, often items will be placed in your letter box by individuals who are not postal employees. The item may be stamped and marked, this is easily done. Also, postal staff do not always look carefully at items, thousands of items pass through their hands hourly.
If you identify a letter or package as suspicious, don't let anyone near it. Notify your local police immediately. Leave the letter or package in an open area, such as a courtyard, where it is easily accessible to bomb squad personnel. Never submerge it in water.

Carjacking

• When in your car, always keep the doors locked. Any time you drive through areas containing stoplights, stop signs, or anything that significantly reduces vehicular speed, keep your windows up. 
• Leave ample space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, this leaves you room to escape if needed. If you are approached by suspicious persons while you are stopped, do not roll down windows; drive away quickly.
• If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility. Once you find a place of safety, don't worry about using a legal parking space. Park as close as you can, and get inside fast.
• If another driver tries to force you to pull over or to cut you off, keep driving and try to get away. Try to note the license plate number of the car and a description of the car and driver. If this effort places you in danger, don't do it. The information is not as important as your safety.
• If you are being followed, never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out. Drive to the nearest police station, public facility, or government office. (You could verify surveillance by going completely around an arbitrarily chosen block.) Always report these incidents to your local police or security company. 
• If you are travelling alone and a car “bumps” into you, don't stop to exchange accident information. Drive on if possible to the nearest service station or other public place to call the police.
• Never, ever pick up hitchhikers! 
• When you park, look for a spot that offers good lighting and is close to a location where there are a lot of people. Lock valuables in the trunk, and lock all doors. 
• Extra precautions are necessary when shopping. If you take packages out to lock them in your trunk, then plan to return to the stores to do more shopping, it may be a good idea to move your car to another section of the parking lot or street. The criminal knows that you will be coming back and can wait to ambush you. By moving your car, you give the impression you're leaving. If you think you are being followed, do not go back to your car. Return to the safety of the occupied shopping area or office building and contact security or centre management. 
• If you have car trouble on the road, raise your hood. If you have a radio antenna, place a handkerchief or other flag there. When people stop to help, don't get out of the car unless you know them or it's the police. Ask the “good samaritan” to stop at the nearest service station and report your problem. 
• If you are in a parking lot or parked on the street and have trouble, be wary of personal assistance from strangers. Go to the nearest telephone and call a repair service or friend for assistance. If you feel threatened by the presence of nearby strangers, lock yourself in your car and blow the horn to attract attention of others.

Surveillance

The purpose of surveillance is to identify a potential target based on the security precautions that an individual takes, and the most suitable time, location, and method of attack. Surveillance may last for days or weeks. Naturally, the surveillance of a person who has set routines and who takes few precautions will take less time.
Detecting surveillance requires a fairly constant state of alertness and, therefore, must become a habit. A good sense of what is normal and what is unusual in your surroundings could be more important than any other type of security precaution you may take.
Above all, do not hesitate to report any unusual event.
There are three forms of surveillance: foot, vehicular, and stationary. People who have well-established routines permit surveillants to use methods that are much more difficult to detect.
If, for example, you leave the office at the same time each day and travel by the most direct route to your home or if you live in a remote area with few or no alternate routes to your home, surveillants have no need to follow you all the way to your residence.
You should:

• Vary your routes and times of travel.
• Be familiar with your route and have alternate routes.
• Check regularly for surveillance.

Stationary surveillance is commonly used by criminals planning home invasions. Most of this surveillance takes place near the victim's residence, because that part of the route is least easily varied. People are generally most vulnerable in the morning when departing for work because these times are more predictable than evening arrivals.
Many surveillance teams use vans with windows in the sides or back that permit observation from the interior of the van. Often the van will have the name of a business or utility company to provide some pretext for being in the area.
Where it is not possible to watch the residence unobserved, surveillants must come up with a plausible reason for being in the area. Women and children are often used to give an appearance of innocence. Try to check the street in front of your home from a window before you go out each day.
If you suspect that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, fire station, or Post Office. Note the license number, color and make of the vehicle, and any information printed on its sides that may be useful in tracing the vehicle or its occupants.
Don't wait to verify surveillance before you report it.
Be alert to people disguised as public utility crews, road workers, vendors, etc., who might station themselves near your home or office.
Whenever possible, leave your car in a secured parking area. Be especially alert in underground parking areas.
Always check your vehicle inside and out before entering it. If you notice anything unusual, do not enter the vehicle.
Household staff and family members should be reminded to look for suspicious activities around your residence; for example, surveillance, attempts to gain access to your residence by fraudulent means, and telephone calls or other inquiries requesting personal information.
Tell your household staff and family members to note descriptions and license numbers of suspicious vehicles. Advise them to be alert for details. Household staff and neighbours can be one of the most effective defensive mechanisms in your home—use them to your advantage.
While there are no guarantees that these precautions, even if diligently adhered to, will protect you from criminal activity or violence, they can reduce your vulnerability and, therefore, your chances of becoming a victim.

Sexual Assault Prevention

• Be alert. Don't assume that you are always safe. Think about your safety everywhere. Your best protection is avoiding dangerous situations.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave. 
• Always walk, drive, and park your car in well-lit areas.
• Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
• Wear clothes and shoes that allow freedom of movement.
• Walk to your car with keys in your hand.
• If you have car trouble, raise the hood and stay inside your car. If a stranger wants to help, have him or her call for help. Don't leave your car.
• Keep your car doors locked and never pick up hitchhikers.
• Make sure all windows and doors in your home are locked, especially if you are home alone.
• Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door. 
• If a stranger asks to use your phone, have him wait outside while you make the call. 
• If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Go to the nearest phone and call your security company or the local police. Better safe than sorry.
• Your local police will not think badly of you for practicing safety first.

If you are attacked

• Do not resist or struggle. If someone tries to take your bag or other personal belongings, let them. These can be replaced - you can not.
• Scream, make lots of noise and attract attention. If you have a personal alarm, use it.
• Try to get a good description of offenders and report all incidents to the police as soon as possible.
• If the offender is still nearby, run away, get to a safe place and call the police, using 000.
• Get away as quickly as you can. Head towards a busy street, a shop, service station or police station if there is one nearby.
• Give the police as much information as possible - including for example, a full description of what has been stolen, a description of offender(s), when and where it happened, where the offender is now, what direction they ran.

General Safety Hints.

Defense against dogs

When confronted by a threatening dog, our impulse is often to turn and run - the worst response, since movement triggers the chase instinct in dogs.
(Not all dogs are threatening, some dogs just look threatening. A dog moving towards you growling, moving slowly, staring at your eyes or in an agressive manner should be considered a threat)

• Stand very still and try to be calm.
• Dont scream at the dog and run.
• Be aware of where the dog is. Look in its general direction, but dont stare into its eyes. This is considered an aggressive challenge.
• Let the dog sniff you.
• In a low voice say, "No! Go home!"
• Stay still until the dog leaves.
• Back away slowly until the animal out of sight.
• If a dog does attack, try to "feed" it your jacket, bike equipment (briefcase, purse), anything other than skin to distract the dog while you back slowly away towards safety.
• If you are knocked down or fall, curl into a ball and keep your hands over your ears, face, and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.

Passport Security

Protect your passport

Your passport is the most valuable document you will carry abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies or consulates.

When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for travelling. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local police authorities and the nearest embassy or consulate.

Passport fraud

Law enforcement records show that passports are sometimes used for illegal entry to countries or by criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. This can cause embarrassment to innocent citizens whose names become associated with illegal activities. To protect the integrity of your passport and the security of the person bearing it, consular officers overseas have found it necessary to take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These precautions may involve some delay before a new passport is issued.

Safeguard your passport

Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or having it stolen. You may find that you have to carry your passport with you because either you need to show it when you cash travellers checks or the country you are in requires you to carry it as an identity document. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely on your person. Do not leave it in a handbag or an exposed pocket. Whenever possible, leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room or packed in your luggage. One family member should NOT carry all the passports for the entire family.

Telephone and Mobile tips.

Using the phone

• do not advertise in the phone book that you live alone (initials and surname only).
• be cautious about information you divulge to strangers on the phone.
• if you own an answering machine do not leave a message that you are out and not able to answer the phone. Consider what you are telling the caller!
• do not tell callers information that you live alone or you will be away.
• do not divulge private family or financial information.
• if you receive an obscene call, hang up. If the calls persist, contact your telephone company. If the obscene calls still persist, contact police.

If you own a touch phone, key in the following emergency numbers:

• Relations, neighbours or close friends
• 000
• Local Police
• Ambulance
• Local Fire Department
• Local Hospital

Mobile phones

• Always activate the PIN access and Auto Lock features.
• Do not leave notes or calendar entries about times you will be away, especially if your phone has Blue Tooth.
• Never enter your home or work address into your mobile.
• Do not use first names in your contacts list, this tells anyone who finds or steals your phone a lot about you. Use initials and surnames only.
• Do not store your ATM or Credit Card PIN numbers in your mobile.
• Program your 9 key to call police when pressed and held. (Program this key to call your home number first and use it several times, get used to doing it with your eyes closed or with your phone in your pocket/handbag before programming the police number)
• Never leave your phone unattended, especially in cafes and restaurants.

What To Do If You Are Arrested

Foreign police and intelligence agencies detain persons for many reasons, often for no other reason than suspicion or curiosity. The best advice is to exercise good judgement, be professional in your manner and remember the suggestions and hints in this section. If you are detained or arrested for some reason, here are some points to remember:

• DO ask to contact the nearest embassy or consulate representing your country. As a citizen of another country, you have this right; but that does not mean that your hosts will allow you to exercise that right. If you are refused or just ignored, continue to make a request periodically until they allow you to contact your embassy or consulate.
• DO stay calm, maintain your dignity and do not do anything to provoke the arresting officer(s).
• DO NOT admit anything or volunteer any information.
• DO NOT sign anything. Often, part of the detention procedure is to ask or tell the detainee to sign a written report. Decline politely until such time as the document is examined by an attorney or an embassy/consulate representative.
• DO NOT accept anyone on face value. When the representative from the embassy or consulate arrives, request some identification before discussing your situation.
• DO NOT fall for the ruse of helping the ones who are detaining you in return for your release. They can be very imaginative in their proposals on how you can be of assistance to them. Do not sell yourself out by agreeing to anything. If they will not take no for an answer, do not make a firm commitment or sign anything. Tell them that you will think it over and let them know. Once out of their hands, contact the affiliate or your embassy for protection and assistance in getting out of the country.
• NEVER offer a bribe of any kind and do not 'GIVE' a bribe if asked. This rule is particularly important if you are stopped by police or authorities in your car, or while travelling in any other form. If you ARE stopped in this way and you feel you have been treated fairly and with courtesy, offering a gift is not considered offensive in most countries and will be looked on with favour, however, use your descretion at all times and remember;

  "IF IN DOUBT - DON'T".

Your security and personal safety, especially overseas, is "YOUR RESPONSIBILITY" not the responsibility of others. Never assume that somebody else is looking after you, even consular and embassy staff. Always double check everything and remember if you are overseas, laws there may not be what you expect.

Always KNOW the laws of the country you are going to - and the consequences of breaking them.