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Travel Security
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Travel Security
Most of the security resources you can depend on at
the office and at home are nonexistent when you travel.
Your greatest security asset is yourself - take
precautions, vary your routines, keep a low profile, and
be alert to suspicious people and circumstances.
Risks of Vehicle Travel
Passenger vehicle travel has many inherent security
risks. Vehicles are easily recognized by year, make, and
model. The criminal knows specifics about how to gain
entry as well as operation of security devices. Cars can
be followed discreetly, with a very low risk of
detection. You may not know you were targeted until its
too late. Vehicles are often parked in public areas with
no control or protection, affording easy access to
intruders. Criminals who assault a vehicle rely heavily
on the element of surprise. They aim to catch the victim
off balance and scare them into acting
irrationally. The shock of a car jacking attack is
greatest at points of changing surroundings, such as
entering or exiting.
Daily Travel Precautions
- Travel in a group whenever possible.
- Never overload a vehicle, all persons should use
seat belts.
- Keep the vehicle in good mechanical repair.
- Dont let the gas tank get too low.
- Install a vehicle alarm to discourage tampering,
or use a steering wheel club.
- Keep the ignition key separate from other keys,
never leave the trunk key or other keys with the
parking attendant.
- Do not hide a spare key under the floor mat or
under the hood.
- Always park in areas that are locked or attended,
avoid parking on the street overnight.
- Inspect the vehicle carefully before entering,
look for evidence of tampering, but do not touch
any suspicious items. Check the hood latch,
exhaust pipe, trunk latch, fender wells, tires,
gas cap, and finally the underside of the car.
- Do not leave windows down, or doors unlocked.
- If the car breaks down, raise the hood and tie a
white cloth to the door handle. Remain inside
with doors locked, if someone stops to offer
assistance ask them to call for help.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Know your route and the locations of secure
places along that route.
- Have a car phone or CB-radio. Communicate
frequently, let others know your location and
destination and when you are expected to arrive.
- Use public transportation where available. When
taking taxis, make sure the driver uses the most
direct route, yet follows any directions you
give.
Emergency Procedures When in
a Vehicle
- Review mental preparations of what you would do
were an attack to take place.
- Be alert to possible surveillance, if you suspect
you are being followed, go to the nearest secure
public place.
- Avoid driving in the far right-hand lane when
possible to prevent being forced over.
- Be aware of minor incidents that could block
traffic along your route. If you see a suspicious
road block or detour, take an alternate route.
- Try to carry a portable phone, and have it
accessible for emergency calls.
- Inform another person of your travel plans, so
they will expect you at a certain time.
Going Out of Town
- Restrict travel plans to a need to know basis.
- Keep your itinerary and travel documents locked
in a safe place until needed.
- Provide a copy of your itinerary to your family
and your office. Call in from time to time.
- When traveling abroad, carry a civilian passport
as well as an official one. Keep the official one
in checked luggage, memorize the passport number,
use the civilian one at hotels, or other places
that request identification.
- Never leave your luggage unattended if possible.
- Know who to contact if you should lose any
official documents, or credit cards or if they
are stolen. Report such losses immediately.
- After using a credit card, make sure you get it
back, your receipt, and the carbons.
Staying in Hotels
- Make your choice of hotels and rental cars low
key.
- Keep your room key or card on your person when
you leave. Inside the room always put it in the
same place.
- Do not give your room number to anyone you do not
know well.
- Keep your room and personal items neat and
orderly so youll recognize if something is
out of place when you come back.
- Check the locations of emergency exits and fire
extinguishers.
- Dont admit strangers to your room. If you
must call room service, confirm when they will be
arriving and ask for identification.
- Know the number and location of hotel security
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