The 1st and finest protective cover is to stay away from travel to areas where there has been a persistent record of terrorist attacks or kidnappings.
Most terrorist attacks are the outcome of meticulous planning. Just as a automobile thief will first be attracted to an unlocked vehicle with the cornerstone in the ignition, terrorists are attempting to discover the most accessible targets. The chances that a tourist, traveling with an unpublished program or itinerary, would be the victim of terrorist act are slight. In addition, several terrorist groups, seeking publicity for political causes within their own country or region, might not be trying to find American targets.
Nonetheless, the following pointers may aid you prevent turning into a target of chance. These safeguards may well provide some degree of protective cover, and can serve as practical and psychological deterrents to would-be terrorists.
* Schedule direct flights if achievable, and avoid stops in high-risk airports or areas.
* Be particular what you seek advice from strangers or what others may well overhear.
* Attempt to minimize the time spent within the public area of an airport, which can sometimes be a far less protected region. Move quickly from the check-in counter to the secured areas. Upon arrival, leave the airport as soon as achievable.
* As a lot as achievable, stay away from luggage tags, dress and behavior that may well draw attention to yourself.
* Maintain an eye out for abandoned packages or briefcases, or other shady items. Report them to airport authorities and leave the area promptly.
* Avoid obvious terrorist targets, like places where Westerners are known to congregate.
* Watch for men and women following you or loiterers observing your comings and goings.
* Report any suspicious activity to local police, together with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
* Keep a mental note of safe havens, such as police headquarters, hotels, and hospitals. Formulate a plan of action for what you’ll do if a bomb explodes or there’s gunfire nearby.
* Select your own taxicabs at random. Do not take a motor vehicle which is not clearly identified as a taxi. Compare the face of the driver with the one on their posted license.
* If possible, travel with other people.
* Be positive of the identity of visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don’t meet strangers at your hotel room, or at unknown or remote locations.
* Refuse unexpected packages.
* Check for loose wires or other suspicious activity around your vehicle.
* Be positive your vehicle is in good operating condition.
* Drive with automobile windows closed in crowded streets. Bombs maybe thrown by means of open windows.
* If you are ever in a scenario where somebody starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down as little as possible. Don’t move until you’re sure the danger has passed. Don’t attempt to assist rescuers and do not collect a weapon. If feasible, shield yourself behind a solid object. In case you should move, crawl on your stomach.
Hijacking/Hostage Instances
Although every single hostage scenario is diverse, you will find some general considerations to maintain in mind.
* U.S. Government policy is firm: we don’t make concessions to terrorists. When U.S citizens are abducted overseas, we look to the host government to exercise its responsibility under international law to look after all persons within its territories and to bring about the safe release of hostages. We work closely with these governments from the beginning of a hostage-taking incident to make sure that our citizens together with other victims are let go of as speedily and safely as feasible.
* At the outset of a terrorist incident, the terrorists usually are tense, temperamental and may well behave irrationally. It is extremely important that you remain calm and alert, and control your own behavior.
* Avoid resistance and sudden or threatening movements. Do not struggle or try to escape unless you’re certain of being effective. Don’t try to be a hero, endangering your self and others.
* Consciously put yourself in a mode of passive cooperation. Talk normally. Don’t complain, avoid belligerency, and comply with all orders and instructions.
* If questioned, keep your answers short. Do not volunteer details or make unnecessary overtures.
* Make a concerted effort to relax. Prepare your self mentally, physically and emotionally for the chance of a long ordeal.
* Attempt to remain inconspicuous, prevent direct eye contact as well as the appearance of observing your captors’ actions.
* Steer away from alcoholic drinks. Eat what they give you, even if it doesn’t look or taste appetizing, but maintain ingestion of food and drink at a moderate level. A loss of appetite and weight is typical.
* If you’re involved in a lengthier, drawn-out scenario, try to establish a rapport with your captors, averting political discussions or other confrontational subjects.
* Establish a daily program of mental and physical activity.
* Think positively and steer away from a sense of despair. You are a valuable commodity to your captors, and it’s critical to them to keep you alive and well.