Resources

Security Resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA provides emergency preparedness guides for business and home.

Business & Industry Emergency Management Guide – FEMA guide to emergency planning, response and recovery for companies of all sizes (Acrobat required)

US Secret Service Threat Center - The Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) was created to provide leadership and guidance to the emerging field of threat assessment.

CIA World Fact Book - Provides summaries on countries worldwide with respect to governments, economic conditions and other general demographic type information. The site also includes maps of each country listed

U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Dealing with Workplace Violence – A guide to preparing for and dealing with violence in the workplace

Travel Resources

Travel Advisories - U.S. State Dept. – Provides worldwide travel warnings and consular information sheets.

U.S. Department of State – Offers international travel tips and security precautions for

Overseas Security Advisory Council – Administered by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the OSAC was developed to exchange business travel security information between the U.S. Government and the private sector

Personal Safety

When Traveling

• Try to travel in groups of two or more.
• Dress inconspicuously to blend into the international environment.
• Memorize your passport number so you do not have to reveal your passport when filling out landing cards
• In subways or train stations, avoid empty carriages and stand close to the exit. Never stand at the far end of the platform. Do not let anyone stand behind you on the platform.
• Always secure the door lock for the carriage or cabin.
• On trains with sleeping cars, keep valuables under or in your pillow. Place luggage under or on the bed with you.
• Never leave valuables or baggage in rental cars or taxis. Try to use guarded parking lots or a garage.
• At night, use only official taxis. Never get in a taxi with two or more strangers. Have the address of your destination written out in local language and carry it with you.

In Public Areas

• Be wary of accepting food and alcohol. Drink only in moderation or not at all.
• Avoid alleys, shortcuts, and pedestrian underpasses late at night.
• Maintain a low profile. Loud or joking behavior attracts unwanted attention.
• Always walk with a purpose and steady pace. Criminals target those who look nervous or unsure.
• Carry mace or pepper spray against mugging or rape, and check local laws; some items must be registered with local police or militia. (You cannot travel with mace on most major air carriers.)
• Don't respond if you are asked for a light or the time. Keep moving.

Hotels or Apartments

• Locate an apartment or hotel through a reputable travel agency, real estate agency, bed & breakfast agency, trusted friends, or even English-language newspapers.
• Do not accept packages or open the door to workmen without verification from the front desk.
• Specify an apartment with a metal door. Avoid ground floor rooms without burglar alarms, fire extinguishers, and barred windows.
• Maintain strict control of who knows where you live and who visits you. Refrain from invitations to or from people you do not know well.
• Do not have mail or newspapers sent to your hotel or apartment. Hallway or entrance mailboxes are unsafe.
Handling Money
• Change your money at official currency exchanges or banks, never with taxi drivers or street-corner moneychangers. The rates are never worth the risk.
• Never handle money in open, public areas. Be aware of people around you when changing money.
• Distribute your money in money belts or several pockets.
• Carry emergency numbers on a note card separate from your wallet


Terrorist Surveillance

• Do not be predictable. Eat at different times and places. Stagger professional and social activities.
• Be particularly observant whenever you leave your home or office. Look up and down the street for suspicious vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, etc. Note people near your home who appear to be repair personnel, utility crew teams, even peddlers.
• Know what is normal in your neighborhood and along your commute routes, especially at choke points. If you know what is ordinary, you will notice anything extraordinary, people who are in the wrong place or dressed inappropriately, or cars parked in strange locations.
• Know the choke points on your routes and be aware of other vehicles, vans, or motorcycles as you enter those bottleneck areas. Search out safe havens that you can pull into along the route.
• Drive with windows rolled up to within 2 inches of the top and lock all doors.
• Always speak guardedly and caution children to do the same. Never discuss travel or business plans within hearing of servants. Surveillants consider children and servants to be a prime source of information. Always assume that your telephone is tapped.
• If you become aware of surveillance, do not let those watching you know you are aware of them. And certainly never confront them. Immediately notify your appropriate company representative.