Residential Security
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 deadbolt. Check your:
Front Door
Rear Door
Garage Door(s)
Service Door(s)
Patio Door
Sliding Glass Door
Gate
Swimming Pool Gate
Guest House Door(s).
Don't leave keys "hidden" outside the home. Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor or colleague.
Keep doors locked even when you or 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. Don't block bedroom windows with permanent grilles if the windows may be used for emergency egress.
If you have burglar or intrusion alarms, check 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 also can admit small intruders.
Choose a location that offers the most security. The less remote, the safer your home will be, particularly in a neighborhood close to police and fire protection.
Know your neighbors. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other's homes, especially during trips.
If you observe any unusual activity, report it immediately to your RSO.
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
Follow three basic steps in setting up a safe-haven in your home:
Designate an internal room;
Install a two-way communications system 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. Your security officer can tell you more about how to select and secure your safehaven.
The following is a checklist of possible safehaven supplies.
Fire extinguisher
Fresh water
5-day supply of food
Candles, matches, flashlight
Extra batteries
Bedding
Toilet facilities
Sterno stove, fuel
Shortwave or other radio
Medical/first aid kit
Other items for your comfort and leisure--a change of clothing, books, games
Home Security While You Are Away
Notify your RSO or PSO of your departure and return dates but don't otherwise publicize your travel or vacation plans. Leave contact numbers with appropriate mission personnel.
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 furnace or 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 officer 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 if it snows. At a minimum, have a neighbor walk from the street to your door several times.
If possible, ask a neighbor 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.
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 Traveling
Notify your RSO or PSO of your departure and return dates, but don't otherwise publicize your travel or vacation plans. Leave contact numbers with appropriate mission personnel.
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 travelers checks 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 officer or consular colleagues regarding travel advisories or warnings.
When traveling, dress casually; dress down where appropriate. Be aware of local customs.
Don't wear excess jewelry. 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 are 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.
