This one is a
little long. We should probably redo it into
a PDF file, but we haven't found the time to
do it yet, so here it is...
Many of the
guidelines below were given to military
personnel serving overseas, but they have
been modified to fit in to a more domestic
lifestyle. Some of them are directly related
to terrorism while other guidelines are
based on security measures in general. All
of the tips here are designed with your
safety in mind.
When I first started researching this topic,
I quickly realized that the amount of
information was truly overwhelming. After
editing and then re-editing this page, I
narrowed it down to just the basic
information you see here. So if this page
seems a little long winded, try to remember
that when I started, it was about 10 times
longer than this final copy.
The main topic headlines have been
highlighted for easy
identification while scrolling.
Terrorism is an indiscriminate act that
strikes in varying forms of threats and
violence.
Terrorists generate fear through
intimidation, coercion and acts of violence
such as hijackings, bombings or kidnappings.
As more recent events have shown, however,
terrorists have reached new levels of
organization, sophistication and violence.
Accordingly, we must remain diligent in
applying the proper protective measures.
You and your family are an important part of
this country.
This guide will not ensure immunity from
terrorism, but by practicing these
techniques and proven security habits,
the possibility of becoming a target will be
reduced.
Awareness can help protect all members of
your family from acts of terrorism.
What Can You Do?
There are many countries and organizations
that would like to harm Americans and
degrade US influence in the world. It is
possible and not unprecedented for spouses
and family members of US military personnel
to be targeted for intelligence collection.
This is true in the United States, and
especially true overseas!
What can you do? Be Alert. Foreign
Governments and organizations can collect
significant amounts of useful information by
using spies. A foreign agent may use a
variety of approaches to befriend someone
and get sensitive information. This
sensitive information can be critical to the
success of a terrorist or spy, and
consequently deadly to Americans.
Be careful. There may be times when your
military spouse cannot talk about the
specifics of his or her job. It is very
important to conceal and protect certain
information such as flight schedules, ship
movements, temporary duty locations and
installation activities, just to name a few.
Something as simple as a phone discussion
concerning where your spouse is going on
temporary duty or deploying to can be very
useful to US adversaries.
Protecting Critical Information. Even though
this information may not be secret, it is
what the Department of Defense calls
critical information. Critical information
deals with specific facts about military
intentions, capabilities, operations or
activities. If an adversary knew this
detailed information, US mission
accomplishment and personnel safety could be
jeopardized. It must be protected to ensure
an adversary doesn’t gain a significant
advantage. By being a member of the military
family, you will often know some bits of
critical information. Do not discuss them
outside of your immediate family and
especially not over the telephone.
Examples of Critical Information are
detailed information about mission of
assigned units. Details concerning locations
and times of unit deployments. Personnel
transactions that occur in large numbers.
References to trend in unit morale or
personnel problems. Details concerning
security procedures.
These bits of information may seem
insignificant. However, to a trained
adversary, they are small pieces of a puzzle
that highlight what US forces are doing and
planning. Remember, the elements of security
and surprise are vital to the accomplishment
of US goals and collective DOD personnel
protection.
Where and how you discuss this information
is just as important as with whom you
discuss it.
Adversary agents tasked with collecting
information frequently visit some of the
same stores, clubs, recreational areas or
places of worship as you do. Determined
individuals can easily collect data from
cordless and Cellular phones and even baby
monitors using inexpensive receivers
available from local electronics stores.
If anyone, especially a foreign national,
persistently seeks information, notify your
military sponsor, local law enforcement or
F.B.I. immediately.
Ground Transportation Security Criminal and
terrorist acts against individuals usually
occur outside the home and after the
victim's habits have been established. Your
most predictable habit is the route of
travel from home to place of work or to
commonly frequented local facilities. So
vary your routine from time to time and try
to avoid taking the same route every day.
TIPS FOR THE FAMILY AT HOME
· Instruct your family and associates not to
provide strangers with information about you
or your family.
· Avoid giving unnecessary personal details
to anyone in person or over the phone unless
identity can be verified.
· Be alert to strangers who are acting in a
suspicious manner. Report all suspicious
persons loitering near your office or in
unauthorized areas. Attempt to provide a
complete description of the person and/or
vehicle to police or security personnel. For
authorities, a photograph is more useful
than even a good description. For this
reason individuals should take a photograph
of suspicious persons or vehicles if
possible.
· Refuse to meet with strangers outside your
work place.
· Always advise associates or family members
of your destination and anticipated time of
arrival when leaving the office or home.
· Do not open doors to strangers, and report
unsolicited contacts to authorities.
· Memorize key phone numbers -- office,
home, police, security, etc.
· Restrict the possession of house keys.
Change locks if keys are lost or stolen and
when moving into a previously occupied
residence.
· Lock all entrances at night, including the
garage. Keep the house locked, even if you
are at home.
· Destroy all envelopes or other items that
show your name, or other personal
information.
· Develop friendly relations with your
neighbors.
· Be cautious about giving out information
regarding family travel plans or security
measures and procedures.
TELEPHONE SECURITY
· Post emergency numbers on the telephone
and pre-program phone numbers where
possible.
Local Police: Fire Department: Hospital:
Ambulance:
· Report all threatening phone calls to
security officials and the telephone
company.
Attempt to ascertain any pertinent
information about the caller. For example,
background noise, accent, nationality or
location.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR CHILDREN
· Know where your children are all the time.
· Never leave young children alone or
unattended. Be certain they are in the care
of a trustworthy person.
· If it is necessary to leave children at
home, keep the house well lighted and notify
a trusted neighbor.
· Instruct children to keep doors and
windows locked, and to never admit
strangers.
· Teach children how to contact the police
or neighbor in an emergency.
· Advise your children to:
Ø Never leave home without telling you where
they will be and who will accompany them.
Ø Travel in pairs or small groups
Ø Avoid isolated areas.
Ø Use locally approved play areas where
recreational activities are supervised by
responsible adults and where police
protection is readily available.
Ø Refuse automobile rides from strangers and
refuse to accompany strangers anywhere on
foot even if the strangers say mom or dad
sent them, or said it was "okay."
Ø Never give information about family
members over the phone, i.e., parent’s
occupation, names or future family plans and
dates.
Ø Report immediately to the nearest person
of authority (parent, teacher or police)
anyone who attempts to molest or annoy them.
WHEN TRAVELING OVERSEAS (or domestically)
· Do not discuss military affiliation, job
titles or responsibilities with anyone.
· Have proper identification to show airline
and immigration officials.
If you carry your official passport,
military ID, travel orders and related
documents, select a hiding place onboard the
aircraft to "ditch" them in case of a
hijacking. (The inner part of window may be
a quick and effective place)
CLOTHING
· Travel in conservative civilian clothing
when using commercial transportation in a
high-risk area.
· Do not wear distinct military items such
as organizational shirts, caps or military
issue shoes or glasses.
· Do not wear US identified items such as
American logo T-shirts, jackets or
sweatshirts.
· Wear a long-sleeved shirt if you have a
visible US-affiliated tattoo.
PRECAUTIONS AT THE AIRPORT
· Arrive early; watch for suspicious
activity.
· Look for nervous passengers who maintain
eye contact with others from a distance.
· Observe what people are carrying.
· Note behavior not consistent with that of
others in the area.
· No matter where you are in the terminal,
identify objects suitable for cover in the
event of attack. (Pillars, trashcans,
luggage, large planters, counters and
furniture can provide protection.)
· Do not linger near open public areas.
· Proceed through security checkpoints as
soon as possible in order to be in a more
secure area.
· Avoid secluded areas that provide
concealment for attackers.
· Be aware of unattended baggage anywhere in
the terminal.
· Be extremely observant of your personal
carry-on luggage. (Thefts of briefcases
designed for laptop computers are increasing
at airports worldwide.) Likewise, luggage
not properly guarded provides an opportunity
for a terrorist to place an unwanted object
or device in your carry-on bag.
· As much as possible, do not pack anything
you cannot afford to lose; if the documents
are important, make a copy and carry the
copy.
· Report suspicious activity to the airport
security personnel.
ACTIONS IF ATTACKED IN AN AIRPORT
· Dive for cover. Do not run; running
increases the probability of shrapnel
hitting vital organs or the head. If you
must move, crawl and stay low to the ground,
using available cover. If threat is from
weapons fire, avoid lying on floors or
standing along walls as ricocheting bullets
and projectiles tend to hug floors and
walls.
· If you see grenades, seek immediate cover;
lay flat on the floor, feet and knees
tightly together, with soles toward the
grenade. In this position, your shoes, feet
and legs protect the rest of your body.
Shrapnel will rise in a cone from the point
of detonation, passing over your body. Place
arms and elbows next to your ribcage to
protect your lungs, heart and chest. Cover
your ears and head with your hands to
protect neck, arteries, ears and skull.
· Responding security personnel will not be
able to distinguish you from attackers. Do
not attempt to assist them in any way. Lie
still until told to get up.
ACTIONS IF HIJACKED
Determining the best response in a hostage
situation is a critical judgment call.
Passengers need to remain extremely alert
and rational to try to understand the
intentions of the hijackers. Sitting quietly
may be prudent in most circumstances, but it
is conceivable the situation may require
actions to not allow hijackers to take
control of the aircraft.
As we saw with the
September 11 attacks on the USA, If your
plane has been hijacked and it's obvious
that it will be used as a weapon to kill
many people, then you gotta do what you
gotta do. In all situations, it is important
for individuals to remain alert to
unexpected events, think clearly and act
responsibly.
Be aware that all hijackers may not reveal
themselves at the same time. A lone hijacker
may be used to draw out security personnel
for neutralization by other hijackers.
Surrender your tourist passport in response
to a general demand for identification.
Do not offer any information; confirm your
military status if directly confronted with
the fact. Be prepared to explain that you
always travel on your personal passport and
that no deceit was intended.
Discreetly dispose of any military or
US-affiliated documents. Do not draw
attention to yourself with sudden body
movements, verbal remarks or hostile looks.
Prepare yourself for possible verbal and
physical abuse and deprivation of food,
drink and sanitary conditions. Discreetly
observe your captors and memorize their
physical descriptions. Include voice
patterns and language distinctions, as well
as clothing and unique physical
characteristics. Observe how they are armed.
If possible, observe if the pilots remain in
control of the aircraft. Be aware that there
could be Federal authorities, such as Air
Marshals, on the aircraft who may be better
suited to take action.
During rescue attempts, lie on the floor and
remain still until told to rise and
cooperate with all instructions from the
rescuers. Taken Hostage - You Can Survive!
The chances of you being taken hostage are
truly remote. Even better news is that
survival rates are high. But should it
happen, remember, your personal conduct can
influence treatment in captivity.
If
kidnapped and taken hostage, the hostage has
three very important rules to follow:
1. Analyze the problem so as not to
aggravate the situation.
2. Make decisions to keep the situation from
worsening.
3. Maintain discipline to remain on the best
terms with the captors.
Tips for Defensive Air travel, particularly
through high-risk airports or countries,
poses security problems different from those
of ground transportation. Simple precautions
can reduce your vulnerability to a terrorist
assault.
WHEN OVERSEAS
· Learn and practice a few key phrases in
the local language, such as "I need a
policeman, doctor," etc.
· Familiarize your family with the local
terrorist threat and regularly review the
protective measures and techniques listed in
this guide.
· Ensure everyone in the family knows what
to do in any type of emergency.
· Do not draw attention to yourself; be
considerate of neighbors
· Avoid frequent exposure on balconies and
near windows.
· BE SUSPICIOUS; Be alert to public works
crews and other foreign nationals requesting
access to residence; check their identities
through a peephole or contact the parent
company to verify employee status before
allowing entry.
· Be cautious about peddlers and strangers.
Do not admit sales persons or polltakers
into your home.
· Watch for unfamiliar vehicles cruising or
parked frequently in the area, particularly
if one or more occupants remain in the
vehicle for extended periods. Write down
license numbers, make, model and color of
suspicious vehicles. Note descriptions of
occupants and take a photograph if possible.
· Treat with suspicion any inquiries from
strangers concerning the whereabouts or
activities of family members. Report all
suspicious activity to military police
and/or security forces or local law
enforcement.
WHEN GOING OUT OVERSEAS (Good advice here in
America as well)
· Travel in small groups as much as possible
and vary movements so as not to be
predictable.
· Try to be inconspicuous when using public
transportation and facilities. Dress,
conduct and mannerisms should not attract
attention.
· Do not be curious about spontaneous
gatherings or demonstrations. Avoid them.
· Stay away from known trouble, disreputable
places or other high-risk areas; visit only
reputable establishments.
· Know emergency numbers and how to use the
local telephone system.
· Ensure family members have a sanitized
list of phone numbers they can carry with
them at all times. (List should not be too
specific but should be usable during an
emergency).
Do not discuss travel plans, detailed family
issues, or office plans over the telephone.
VEHICLE INSPECTION AND DRIVING TIPS
· When driving, select a plain car; avoid
the "rich American" look.
· Always lock your car. Do not leave your
car on the street overnight, if possible.
· Park your car in well-lighted areas and
never get out without checking for
suspicious persons. If in doubt, drive away
· Every time you use your automobile, you
should conduct a precautionary inspection.
· Make a habit of checking the vehicle and
the surrounding area before entering and
starting the vehicle.
· Before entering your vehicle, check the
exterior for fingerprints, smudges,
scratches or other signs of tampering.
· Ensure wheel lug nuts are tight.
· Examine tires for stress marks and any
evidence of tampering.
· Check electronic tampering device (alarm
system) if installed.
· An inexpensive option is to place
transparent tape on the doors, hood and
trunk of your vehicle to alert you to
tampering.
· Always look inside the vehicle before you
move inside. Check the interior of the
vehicle for things out place. Look for
suspicious or unfamiliar items.
· If you find something out of the ordinary,
DO NOT TOUCH IT. Contact the local
authorities to report your findings.
· Know how to react if you are being
followed: Check during turns for
confirmation of surveillance.
Do not stop or take other actions that could
lead to confrontation. Do not drive home. If
necessary, go to the nearest military base
or police station. Get the best possible
description of the car and its occupants,
and then report the incident to military
police and/or security forces.
· Recognize events that can signal the start
of an attack. When one of these events
occurs, start mentally preparing a course of
action in case an attack develops. These
events may include, but are not limited to:
Cyclist falling in front of your car.
Flagman or workman stopping your car.
Unusual or false police or government
checkpoint. Disabled vehicle and/or accident
victims on the road. Unusual detours. An
accident in which your car is struck. Cars
or pedestrian traffic that box you in.
Sudden activity or gunfire.
· Know what to do if under attack in a
vehicle: Without subjecting yourself,
passengers, or pedestrians to harm, try to
draw attention to your car by sounding the
horn. Put another vehicle between you and
your pursuer. Execute immediate turn and
escape; jump the curb at 30-45 degree angle,
35 mph maximum. Ram blocking vehicle if
necessary. (If you must ram a vehicle,
always strike fender area in front of front
tire or behind rear tire). Go to closest
safe haven. Report incident to military
police and/or security forces.
COMMERCIAL BUSES, TRAINS AND TAXIS
· Vary mode of commercial transportation.
· Select busy stops.
· Do not always use the same taxi company.
· Do not let someone you do not know direct
you to a specific cab.
· Ensure taxi is licensed and has safety
equipment (seatbelts at a minimum).
· Ensure face of driver and picture on
license are the same.
· Try to travel with a companion.
· If possible, specify the route you want
the taxi to follow.
IF YOU ARE KIDNAPPED
· Your captors are probably as apprehensive
as you are, so your actions are important.
· Take mental notes of directions, times of
transit, noises and other factors to
identify your location.
· Note the number, physical description,
accents, habits and rank structure of your
captors.
· Anticipate isolation and efforts to
disorient and confuse you.
· To the extent possible, try to mentally
prepare yourself for the situation ahead.
Stay mentally
active.
DEALING WITH YOUR CAPTORS
· Do not aggravate them.
· Do not get into political or ideological
discussions.
· Comply with instructions, but always
maintain your dignity. Obedience to orders
or commands need not be swift, cheerful or
overtly enthusiastic, but it should be
sufficient to maintain a balanced
relationship between the hostages and their
captors.
· Talk in a normal voice. Avoid whispering
when talking to other hostages, or raising
your voice when talking to a terrorist.
· Attempt to develop a positive relationship
with them. Identify those captors with whom
you can communicate and attempt to establish
a relationship with one or more of them.
· Be proud of your heritage, government and
military association, but use discretion.
· Establish a slow, methodical routine for
every task.
BEING INTERROGATED
· If you need to avoid answering questions
to protect sensitive information, take a
simple, tenable position you will be able to
remember and maintain.
· Be polite and keep your temper.
· Give short answers. Talk freely about
nonessential matters, but be guarded when
conversations turn to matters of substance.
· Do not be lulled by a friendly approach.
Remember that one terrorist may play "Good
Guy" and one "Bad Guy." This is the most
common interrogation technique.
· Avoid emotionally charged topics of
religion, economics and politics.
· If forced to present terrorist demands to
authorities, in writing or on tape, state
clearly that the demands are from your
captors.
DURING RESCUE
· Drop to the floor and be still. Avoid
sudden moves. Wait for instruction.
· Hostages should not attempt to "help"
rescue forces and jump up or point out the
terrorists. Sudden movements could have
deadly consequences. Instructions by the
rescuers must be followed and rough handling
can be expected until authentication is
accomplished. Only then should information
about the terrorists and other hostages be
relayed to the rescue party.
Once released, avoid derogatory comments
about your captors; such remarks will only
make things harder for those still held
captive.
RESPONDING TO CHEMICAL THREATS
Chemical agents are generally liquids, often
aerosolized, and although some effects are
delayed most induce an immediate response.
There are many different potential chemical
agents that a terrorist could use as a
weapon. Nonetheless, the following broad
generalizations can be made:
Although food or water contamination is
possible, inhalation is the most likely
method of delivery. Protection of the
breathing airway is the single most
important factor of defense. Many likely
agents are heavier than air and will tend to
stay close to the ground. This dictates an
upward safety area strategy. Generally,
chemical agents tend to present an immediate
noticeable effect. Medical attention should
be sought immediately, even if exposure is
thought to be limited. Most chemical agents
that present an inhalation hazard will break
down fairly rapidly when exposed to sun,
diluted with water or dissipated in high
winds.
No matter what the agent or particular
concentration, evacuation (preferably upwind
from the area of attack) is always advisable
unless you are properly equipped with
appropriate breathing device and protective
clothing.
DETECTION
A chemical attack or incident will not
always be immediately apparent because many
agents are odorless and colorless. Be alert
to the possible presence of an agent.
Indicators of such an attack include:
· Droplets of oily film on surfaces.
· Unusual dead or dying animals in the area.
· Unusual liquid sprays or vapors.
· Unexplained odors (smell of bitter
almonds, peach kernels, newly mowed hay or
green grass).
· Unusual or unauthorized spraying in the
area.
· Low-lying clouds of fog unrelated to
weather; clouds of dust; or suspended,
possibly colored particles.
· People dressed unusually (long-sleeved
shirts or overcoats in the summertime) or
wearing breathing protection, particularly
in areas where large numbers of people tend
to congregate, such as subways or stadiums.
· Victims displaying symptoms of nausea,
difficulty breathing, convulsions,
disorientation or patterns of illness
inconsistent with natural disease.
DEFENSE IN CASE OF CHEMICAL ATTACK
\Protection of breathing airways is the
single most important thing a person can do
in the event of a chemical attack. In most
cases, absent a gas mask, the only sure way
to protect an airway is to put distance
between you and the source of the agent.
While evacuating the area, cover your mouth
and nose with a handkerchief, coat sleeve or
any piece of cloth to provide some moderate
means of protection.
Other steps are:
· Stay alert. Early detection enhances
survival.
· Move upwind from the source of attack. If
evacuation from the immediate area is
impossible, move outdoors or to an interior
room on a higher floor. Remember many agents
are heavier than air and will tend to stay
close to the ground.
· If indoors and no escape outside is
possible, close all windows and exterior
doors while also shutting down the air
conditioning or heating systems to prevent
circulation of air. Notify responders as
soon as possible of your location.
· Cover your mouth and nose. If gas masks
are not available, use a surgical mask or
handkerchief. An improvised mask can be made
by soaking a clean cloth in a solution of
one tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of
water. Although not highly effective, it may
provide some protection.
· Cover bare arms and legs and make sure any
cuts or abrasions are covered and bandaged.
· If splashed with an agent, immediately
wipe it off using generous amounts of warm
soapy water or a diluted 10:1 bleach
solution. If water is not available, talcum
powder or flour are also excellent means of
decontamination of liquid agents. Sprinkle
the flour or powder liberally over the
affected skin area and wait 30 seconds, then
gently wipe off with a rag or gauze pad.
No matter what the agent or concentration,
medical attention should be sought
immediately, even if the exposure is thought
to be limited.
For more tips on staying prepared visit the
Department of Homelands Security page at
www.ready.gov/america/
