| Here are some suggestions on how to protect yourself and your family from terrorist or criminal acts, at home and during travel. Yes, terrorism is a CRIME. 1. Be alert for surveillance attempts. suspicious persons, or activities and report them to your local law enforcement agency. 2. Encourage security awareness in all family members. Discuss personal actions to take in case of a threat. 3. Vary your personal routines when possible. 4. Make it a habit to check in with family and friends and let them know where you are and if you are planning a visit; when you will be arriving. Have local law enforcement make checks of your home when you leave for an extended time. 5. Carry telephone change or a cellular phone. Keep a current listing of emergency numbers. Make sure your children can contact emergency services. 6. Know the quickest and safest route to your local law enforcement agency, fire station, hospital or a safe place of refuge. 7. Avoid public disputes or confrontation situations. Report them to local authorities. 8. Set up a simple duress system known only to your family or friends that will indicate there is a danger or threat. 9. Carry identification showing; your blood type, medication you may need, or any special medical problems people should be aware of in the event of an emergency. when your traveling away from home have at least a weeks supply of medication with you. 10. keep a low profile, shun publicity (especially if it shows how important your job or position may be.) do not flash money around. 11. Do not unnecessarily divulge your address, phone number, or any family information. 12. Insure your personal affairs are in good order. This includes wills, power of attorney, and family finances. 13. Install strong doors and locks on your house or apartment. Replace locks if keys are lost. 14. Secure windows to prevent easy uninvited access to your home. 15. When you put your car in the repair shop for servicing, only give them the car keys. Do not leave them the keys to your home, office or other areas. 16. Create the appearance that someone is home when you are away. Leaving a light or radio on may indicate your home is occupied. 17. Have a means to see who is outside your house prior to opening your door. 18. Never hide keys or give them to small children. 19. Never allow someone into your home without proper identification. 20. Never leave young children home alone. 21. Always park your car in a well lit area. Look for areas with a lot of activity or where other cars are parked. 22. Keep emergency numbers by all phones. Make sure your children know how to contact emergency services. 23. Keep your drapes closed at night or darkness. 24. Make friends with your neighbors so they will be alerted if any suspicious activity occurs around your home. 25. Keep the entrance ways to your home lit and free of hiding places. While traveling here are a few additional tips. 1. Vary your route and travel times. 2. Be alert for suspicious vehicles and persons. 3. Check for suspicious activity or objects around your vehicle before getting inside. 4. Use a locking gas cap and if you can use locking hood latches. 5. Drive with your windows rolled up and your doors locked. 6. Travel busy or well traveled roads. 7. Use buses over taxi?s. 8. If you think you are being followed pull into the local police station, fire department, or other safe location. 9. Do not pick up hitch hikers. 10. Drive on well lit streets. 11. Keep your gas tank half full. The following items concern personal bomb threat safety: Do not accept any letter or package if you can not identify who sent them to you. Inspect all mail and packages for: 1. Unusual addresses. 2. Bumps or bulges. 3. No return address. 4. Unnecessary or extra postage or no postage on the item. 5. Items marked personal. 6. Protruding wires or strings. 7. Unusually light or heavy articles. 8. Unevenly balanced or lopsided articles. |