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Personal guide to anti-terrorism

 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 in yellow 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).

 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.

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/