Personal Safety Checklist         

• Be observant of activity around you.

• Do not display valuables in public.

• Always carry coins in your wallet or pockets for an emergency phone call to the police, a friend or relative.

• In the office or at home, note the date and time of any unusual calls, i.e. excessive wrong numbers; hang up calls or other unwanted calls.

• Decline unsolicited telephone surveys.

• Keep a business associate or family member reasonably informed of your destination when leaving the office or home and what time you intend to return.

• Keep travel plans restricted to those who have a need to know.

• Remember: An area is not safe simply because you are familiar with it.

If you are Confronted by a Potential Attacker         

• There is no self-defense technique that can be used in every case.

• How fiercely you defend yourself must depend upon how much danger there is. Strong self-defense measures are not usually needed.

• Remember: A thief is most interested in money.

• A kidnapper will try to force you into his vehicle.

• If you are attacked on the street, resist or run.

• Be prepared to fight for your life.

• Many everyday things may be used as effective defensive weapons, but any weapon is worthless if it is not there when you need it. Make a habit of keeping certain items in your purse or vehicle: Whistle - loud blasts will frighten off all but the must-determined attacker. Pen or pencil, keys etc.…

• Don't run blindly. Trying to escape by running into an alley, a darkened side street, or an unlighted park may only make you less safe.

• If you realize you cannot reach a safe place before the attacker catches up, stop. Turn and face your attacker. Don't give him the advantage of grabbing you from behind.

• If you are caught by a dangerous but unarmed assailant and can't get away don't beg or plead with him. If you seem helpless, it will just make him more determined. Stall for time by talking to him; try to interrupt his thoughts.

Safety for Children         

• Know how and where to reach your child at all times.

• Have your child know how and where to reach you at all times.

• Know your children's friends' names, addresses and telephone numbers.

• Know your child's favorite place to play. Have you ever been there? Have you ever asked him/her where it is?

• Be aware of routes your children take to school, the park, a friend's house, etc. Have you ever walked these routes?

• In your neighborhood, do you know if there are any:

  • Abandoned buildings?

  • Vacant lots?

  • Unlighted walkways?

  • Creeks subject to flooding?

• Do you play the "What if..." game with your children regularly and on different subjects?

• Does your child know what to do if lost?

• In the presence of your child, do you display a positive attitude towards the police?

• Have you discussed when your child should get into a friend's car?

• Have you physically checked out the facilities that your child attends, i.e.: daycare, Sports, Social?

• Have your child carry personal identification and medical information.

• Do you know if your child is a follower?

• Discuss with your child who might be the best people to approach if he or she needs help.

• Discuss peer pressure with your child.

• Is your home a gathering place for kids?

• Have you thought of why?

• Do you know whose house is a gathering place for kids?

• Listen to your child!

• Do you know if the police patrol your neighborhood on a regular basis?

• Train your children so they know how to use the public transit system.

• Discuss emergency procedures with your child.

• Do you know specifically how much money your child has to spend?

Safety in the Home         

• Have a security / fire alarm system installed. They are your best source of protection. Consider one that is monitored by a UL Approved Central Station 24 hours a day.

• If you have a security alarm system…. Use it.

• Have good deadbolt locks on all points of entry. Inspect doors and windows for loose locks, deadbolts, latches, and hinges. Promptly make any necessary repairs. Windows in exterior doors can be a problem unless the glass is burglar-resistant.

• Change the door locks after moving into a new house or apartment.

• Keep doors and windows locked at all times.

• If you return home to find windows and doors tampered with, avoid entering. Go to a neighbor's house and call the police.

• Avoid leaving large amounts of cash in your home.

• Leave lights / radio on when you go out.

• If traveling arrange to have someone pick up mail and circulars on a regular basis.

• Leave a house key and a contact phone number with someone you trust.

• Have lights set with timers to come on after dark, and turn off around normal bedtime hour.

• If you use an automatic garage door opener, carry it with you when you leave your vehicle.

• Basement windows should be locked at all times.

• Your exterior doors should be a minimum of 1 ¾" thick, and made of solid material.

• Keeps drapes and window shades closed after dark.

• Police officers wanting into your home will show you their ID whenever asked. Check it carefully.

• Always ask salesmen and repair men to show you their ID. Before letting them in, call their business to make sure they are supposed to be there. Use the phone book, not a number they give you. (It could be phony.)

• Don't trust a stranger just because he looks like he is who he says he is.

• If you think a prowler is outside your home stay inside. Turn on your lights. Do not call out to him. Phone the police right away. Tell them about the problem firmly, slowly and clearly.

• If a prowler gets into your home, get out through another door or window if possible. Call the police right away, from a safe place.

• If an intruder traps you inside your home and he wants to steal something, let him. Do whatever you need to do to defend yourself if you are physically attacked.

• Have a peephole installed in the door. Chain locks are unreliable.

• Do not advertise that you live alone. Use initials on mailboxes. When the doorbell rings, pretend someone else is home. Yell, "I'll get it!" before answering.

• Home phone numbers should be unlisted whenever practical to do so. If your number needs to be listed use initials and not your full name(s).

• Emergency telephone numbers of police, fire, medical and ambulance service should be available at each telephone.

• Don't give out your identity or address in response to 'wrong number" calls. If the caller asks, "who is this?" or "What number did I reach?" counter with "What number are you calling?"

• If someone knocks and says he or she needs to call for a tow truck or other assistance, offer to make the call yourself without opening the door.

• Provide bright lighting around the exterior of your home. Pay special attention to entrances and garages.

• Trim overgrown landscaping, such as bushes and shrubbery. This makes it difficult for burglars to hide.

• If your family is comfortable with pets, a barking dog can be an excellent deterrent to burglars or other person(s) out to do you harm?

• Develop a rapport with a neighbor to watch out for each other's homes, especially during trips, vacations etc.

• Children should be trained in good security procedures.

• Likewise, cleaning persons or other domestic workers should be instructed in proper security processes.

Safety in the Car         

• Choose bright, visible parking areas.

• Notice people and vehicles in the parking lot before you exit a building.

• Whenever possible, walk with others to your car.

• Have your car key in your hand before you get to your vehicle.

• Check under your vehicle and the back seat before entering.

• Vary your routes to and from work and other frequently visited locations. Do not be predictable. When possible use different vehicles every few days.

• Observe the cars around you. Notice if you are being followed. If so, go directly to the nearest Police station. Note the license number of the other vehicle.

• Avoid traveling in remote areas after dark and keep to established well-traveled roads.

• Plan in advance to use the safest route to your destination.

• Keep your car in good running order to avoid breakdowns in dangerous areas.

• Avoid picking up hitchhikers.

• Keep the car in gear while stopped at traffic lights. If you are threatened, hold down the horn and drive away as soon as possible.

• When you are stopped in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow you to go around that car if something suspicious should occur.

• When leaving your vehicle, roll up the windows and lock all doors.

• If you are involved in an accident, especially one from behind you should be alert. Often these intentional bumps are used to get people out of their cars.

• If you are pulled over by the police. Do not step out of the car unless explicitly instructed to do so by a police officer, after he / she has shown you their identification. Always keep your hands where the police officer can see them, if you need to get you license out of the glove box inform the officer before reaching for the glove box.

• Also see Safety While Driving Abroad

Safety in the Streets         

• Avoid dark, desolate, or high crime areas.

• Refuse to meet with strangers at secluded or remote locations.

• Wait for transportation in well-lit areas.

• When you walk past, or into an area with others, look directly at them. Do not give the impression that you are a victim.

• Seek refuge in a store or private residence.

• Notify police if someone bothers you.

• If you have a cellular phone, insure your cellular phone battery is always charged.

• Scream if you must. It can attract attention or even frighten off an assailant.

• Women should carry their purse under their arm. It can be used to ward off an attacker.

• Plan in advance to use the safest route to your destination.

• Avoid routes that pass by high-risk areas, i.e. vacant lots, alleys.

• Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.

• Walk near the curb to avoid the element of surprise or someone hiding between shrubs or in a doorway.

• When walking never assume parked cars are empty.

• Stay out of reach if someone in a vehicle stops to ask directions.

• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.

• If you know you are being followed by try cross the street. Don't try to figure out who or why someone is following you by turning down an alley or dark side street. Go directly to the nearest well-lighted business and call the police. Remember in most areas to phone 911 for any emergency. You do not need any money at a pay phone to call 911.

• If you are being followed by a vehicle turn and walk in the opposite direction. The driver will have to turn around and drive on the other side of the street to keep following you. Get the license number and write it down. If necessary, write it on the sidewalk. Never try to outrun a vehicle. Change directions whenever necessary. Remember: you can make a U-turn faster than a vehicle can. Seek help at a place of business or residence.

• Also see Safety While Walking Abroad.

Safety with Telephones         

• Remember that your telephone is for your use.

• Teach family members not to give personal or family information to strangers over the phone.

• Family members should not tell callers if their parents are not home, or when they will be available to return a call.

• Record only non-specific messages on your answering machine and avoid messages like "we'll be back at 7 o'clock on Sunday".

• If you receive an obscene or crank call, hang up immediately, saying nothing.

• Refuse to give personal details to telephone surveys.

Safety Travel Precautions

• In almost all cases, traveling in the United States or abroad for a short unannounced or closely held trip is an unlikely target for any preplanned criminal activity. The key is maintaining a low profile.

• Avoid advance publicity concerning the trip and ensure that the location to be visited controls distribution of your schedule and agenda.

• Before leaving home disconnect the power to automatic garage doors.

• Stay at large relatively busy hotels; avoid out-of-the-way accommodations.

• Whenever possible, use the transportation services provided by the hotel.

• Avoid providing any more information than is absolutely necessary to hotel personnel, including receptionist, bell boys, etc.

• Avoid using employment identification on your luggage tags.

• Restrict social activities to well-frequented secure facilities and avoid off-the beaten-track areas.

• Avoid carrying large sums of money on your person or wearing conspicuous valuables.

• Avoid traveling, sightseeing or shopping trips unless accompanied by someone who knows the area.

• Be alert to any sign of surveillance, or to anyone expressing undue or inappropriate interest in you, your company, or your activities.

Safety Travel Abroad Checklist         

Safety While Driving Abroad

• Driving in a vehicle can give you an inflated sense of security. The reality is that you may face threats, particularly when you drive an unfamiliar car in an unknown location with unfamiliar rules of the road. Do not be complacent; you may be vulnerable to attack by those who want you, your vehicle, and/or your belongings.
   

• Selecting a Car

  • When you rent a car, choose one that is in good repair, is a type commonly available locally, and not ostentatious in style or color. You want to blend in.

  • Sport utility vehicles (SUVs or 4X4 vehicles) and luxury cars are prime targets of car thieves and carjackers.

  • If available, select a car with: an alarm system, preferably one with a "panic" feature; and a steering wheel or brake locking bar or similar device; lockable gas cap, spare tire and engine compartment; air conditioning; universal door locks and power windows; a spare tire in good condition; both right and left side rear-view mirrors; and emergency gear such as a flashlight, flares, fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

  • Ask that any rental car markings be removed.
     

• In the Car

  • Carry the registration documents with you. Never leave them in the vehicle.

  • Carry a 3 x 5 card with useful motorist assistance phrases written by a local.

  • Lock all doors and keep windows rolled up all of the time, even when stopped or parked. Thieves can snatch purses through open windows of slowly moving or stopped cars. Keep your valuables and any packages on the floor or in the trunk, but never in sight on the seat or dashboard.

  • Never let anyone place a package inside the car or enter it unless you are present.

  • On trips to isolated areas, keep extra water and oil in the trunk. Fuel should only be stored in approved metal containers.

  • If possible, keep a communications device, such as a two-way radio or cellular phone, in your car, turned on at all times.
     

• While Driving

  • Avoid driving at night or during inclement weather, and never drive alone.

  • Before leaving, let someone know your itinerary and your expected time of return.

  • As you approach your car, scan the surrounding area for anyone loitering. Look under the car. Before opening the door, glance in the back seat.

  • Consistently vary your routes from your lodgings to repeat destinations.

  • Always drive with at least half a tank of fuel.

  • On streets with more than one lane, try to drive in the lane away from the curb.

  • If you see any indication that a street you are on has a work zone or other possible congestion ahead, try to avoid it.

  • Be wary of anyone who hails you on the road or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car. Never pick up hitchhikers.

  • Avoid being boxed in by other cars.

  • When coming to a stop, make sure you leave enough room to pull around the car in front of you in case someone attempts to enter your vehicle. When you stop, leave your car in gear (if it is a stick shift) so that you can start off quickly if needed. Be prepared to drive onto the sidewalk or over a curb to get away quickly.

  • If you have a flat tire, drive on it to a safe location to change it.

  • If you are threatened at or approaching a red light, drive through it carefully.

  • Trips to isolated areas can be dangerous. If possible, travel in a convoy of two or more cars. Carry extra water, fuel and a second set of keys.
     

• Carjackers and Thieves

  • Carjackers and thieves operate in city traffic, at gas stations, parking lots, along the highway, and at roadblocks and checkpoints.

  • They may masquerade as good Samaritans, offering help with flat tires, or may flag you down, ask for help, and then steal your luggage, your car or both.

  • They may work in groups, with one person creating a diversion while the others rob you or steal your vehicle.

  • They may drive you off the road, or create a staged accident.

  • In some countries, they may be dressed in police or military uniforms.

  • If they are armed, follow their instructions and keep your hands in full view. Try to avoid eye contact.

  • Attempt an escape only if the carjackers are not armed, and you are positive you can make a safe getaway.

  • Be particularly vigilant when stopped in traffic. Thieves can smash car windows, grab valuables and escape quickly.
     

• At the End of Your Trip

  • If there is two-way traffic where you intend to park, make your turns so that you can drive directly to the spot. Do not come to a full stop in traffic in order to turn.

  • A lit, locked and manned garage is the most secure place to park a car. Carports and driveways within fenced or guarded areas are more secure than street parking.

  • If there are no secure parking areas, select a well-lit and non-isolated spot as close to your lodging as possible and away from sound and vision masking features such as trucks or buses, dense shrubbery or small buildings that might conceal thieves.

  • Do not get out of your car if you feel uncomfortable; if there are suspicious looking individuals nearby; continue driving to a safer area.

  • Always lock the car and do not leave valuables behind.

• Also See Safety in the Car

Safety While Walking Abroad

• Travelers overseas are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of crime while walking. It is very difficult for a foreigner to blend in with the local populace. Many things can give you away as a tourist, including, your physical appearance, habits, clothing, manner of walk or speech, even your smell. In most countries worldwide, tourists are assumed to be wealthier than the average local citizen and not savvy to local threats. This makes them attractive to thieves and other criminals.
   

• Before Venturing on Foot

  • Buy a good map. Mark key points on the map, such as embassies, police stations and your hotel. Study the map and make a mental note of alternative routes to your hotel or other local lodging.

  • Learn how to use the local telephone system and keep the proper change, token or telephone card on hand. Carry the emergency telephone numbers you might need, such as police, firefighters, your hotel, a local contact and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

  • Learn a few key expressions in the local language so that you can signal your need for help and be clearly understood. Alternatively, carry such phrases with you, written by a local person.

  • Every morning, before departing your hotel, check the local situation with televised international and local networks, the hotel's concierge, and local newspapers.

  • Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. If planning a tour, hire a reputable guide recommended to you by the hotel.

  • Try not to go out alone. Let someone at your home base know where you are going and when you plan to return.

  • Dress conservatively and comfortably: Leave expensive jewelry at home or in the hotel safe; avoid wearing imitation expensive jewelry (a thief may assume it is authentic); do not wear logo apparel marking you as an American, such as college T-shirts or ball caps; avoid using identifiable luggage, such as a backpack with an embroidered U.S. flag.

  • Place all necessary loose items, such as a purse, camera, map and snacks in a sturdy and non-descript bag.

  • Bring along a personal alarm or whistle, but never active protective devices such as weapons, mace or pepper spray. These devices, if not used properly, may further antagonize a criminal and increase your risk of harm.

  • Leave the fanny pack or tummy pack behind; those only advertise that you have something of value to protect. Disperse your cash and documents among various pockets.

  • Know where you are going before you leave the hotel.
     

• While Out Walking

  • Be constantly aware of your surroundings and of those around you throughout the day.

  • Look up and down the street before exiting a building. At intersections and when preparing to cross a street, use the opportunity to scan your surroundings.

  • Avoid bringing unwanted official attention to yourself. Follow all local rules and regulations. Keep as low a profile as possible and avoid loud conversations or arguments.

  • Avoid reviewing your map in public places; it marks you as a disoriented tourist.

  • When walking, try to remain on wide, well-lighted streets and try to walk against the normal flow of vehicular traffic so that you can observe cars, motor cycles, scooters and bicycles approaching you.

  • Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you are more likely to be victimized. These areas include crowded subways, train and bus stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, packed bars, sports stadiums, festivals and marginal areas of cities.

  • Do not use short cuts or walk in narrow alleys or on poorly lit streets. Avoid passing close to shrubbery, dark doorways or through construction sites. Do not walk alone at night and never walk in isolated or deserted area such as lonely beaches or empty parks.

  • Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances; leave the area immediately.

  • Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. Enter a hotel, public building, bank, or police station to be redirected. Walk confidently and with your eyes off the ground. Know where you are going before you begin the next segment of your walk.

  • Stay alert for signs denoting restricted areas and change direction to avoid them.

  • Avoid scam artists. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of strangers who approach you offering bargains, to be your guide, or to bring you to special places that most tourists do not have access to.

  • Beware of pickpockets. They frequently have an accomplice who will jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, accuse you of inappropriate or illegal behavior or distract you by creating a disturbance.

  • Beware of groups of vagrant children who create a distraction or surround you in order to immobilize you and pick your pocket. Try to keep walking or walk through them. If you stop, you will probably be victimized.

  • If you are confronted and feel threatened, do not fight back. Give up your valuables one small portion at a time until the thief is satisfied. Often, a little for you is a lot to the thief. Your money, jewelry, valuables and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.

  • Use your personal alarm or whistle, especially if the assailant does not exhibit a firearm and you are not in a deserted spot but within earshot of others.

  • Wear the shoulder strap of any bag or purse over a shoulder, but never around your neck. Walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.

  • When you stop for a meal or drink, keep your purse or bag on your lap, or near you with the strap around your chair leg. Do not place it unsecured on the floor, on another seat or on the back of a chair.

  • Avoid using ATMs except for those in banks, hotels or exchange facilities. Never count your money at an ATM or leave with your wallet or cash exposed.

• Also See Safety in the Streets

Travel to High-Threat Areas

• Trips to high-threat areas may pose special security concerns and often require additional precautionary measures. The key is to maintain a high level of security awareness, and a low profile.

• Review existing travel advisories before undertaking any international travel.

• Limit information concerning the trip to only persons with a need to know.

• Ensure that the location to be visited closely controls distribution of your schedule and agenda. When possible, request that the host location make arrangements for all local transportation needs.

• If your stay is longer than a week, vary departure times to and from meeting places.

• Ensure that your main contact at the host location is kept aware of your whereabouts and schedule, both during and after business hours.

• Avoid leaving business-related documents or personal papers unattended in your hotel room.

• Report any suspicious incidents to your main contact at the host location.

Kidnap/Hostage Situations

• Kidnappings by terrorists usually represents a serious and prolonged effort requiring the skills of numerous persons, the use of several vehicles, the acquisition of a safe house, a ransom plan, and advanced knowledge or extensive surveillance of the target. Consequently, if appropriate precautions are taken, the likelihood of a successful kidnapping attempt against you is minimal.

• Avoid resistance if it is likely to cause you or the persons accompanying you injury.

• Attempt to manage both the initial incident and the outcome of the incident.

• Attempt to remain as calm as possible.

• If held as a hostage, avoid engaging in any political or business-related dialogue with your captors.

• Be as cooperative as possible and avoid any signs of belligerence.

• Avoid attempts to escape unless the chances of success are extraordinarily high.

• Observe your surroundings as best you can and commit as much to memory as possible.

• Attempt to develop some sense of rapport with your captors.

• In every possible way, attempt to maintain your human dignity and gradually increase your requests for personal comforts.

• Think in terms of the future, your family, and the prospect of a successful resolution of the incident; at all cost avoid despair.

The preceding information has been provided by:
Computer Forensics Network Security Group (CFNSG)
as strictly informational only.

"CFNSG provides this information for informational purposes only"

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