Travel Safety, Security & Cultural Awareness

1. Presented by – Jeff Starck, CPD, CHS-II
PART ONE

3. Part One
 Identifying risks
 Types of risks
 Security Awareness
 Avoiding Trouble
 Personal Security
Checklists

4. Negligence & Liability – not an issue in most countries, therefore
warning & traffic signage is more of a courtesy or suggestion than a rule.
 Traffic laws & Confusing signage – What sign?
 Crossing roads – Are you looking in the right direction?
Develop your street smarts
YOU are responsible for your own protection

5.  Food handling and sanitation – Don’t drink the water…
 Health & Safety regulations and inspections -are lax
or non-existent (fire exits, elevator inspections, building codes, etc.)

6.  Prostitution
 Inappropriate public behavior/dress
 Driving - Traffic laws, accidents, licensing issues, insurance
 Taking pictures of government facilities – military,
airports, infrastructure, government officials or activity, police
activity, etc.
 Drinking - possession of alcohol, drinking in public, public
intoxication, DUI, drinks getting spiked, etc.
 Money - Stepping on or defacing money, unintentional passing
or possessing counterfeit money, illegal money exchange
 Drugs – Keep prescription drugs in original bottle
 Smoking - China, Singapore, England to name a few have
really cracked down hard on smoking in public places – heavy
fines and/or imprisonment

7.  Demonstrations, political gatherings, large,
loud crowds
 Large gatherings of police or military, road
blocks, check points, convoys
 Previously busy streets that are suddenly quite
and empty
 Election polling Stations, Campaign Offices
 Government offices, military or police facilities,
sub stations, outpost, etc.

8.  Pick pocket
Purse snatching, Stealing
 backpacks, brief cases, suitcases,
shopping bags, cell phones,
cameras, laptops, passports
 Carjacking
 Confidence Schemes, Cons
 Robbery at ATMs
 Robbery of money, passport,
credit cards, jewelry,
electronics
 Burglary of hotel rooms-
Hawaii balcony jumpers, Filippino hotel ninjas

9. Petty thieves prey on travelers, especially on those who appear lost,
confused, or alone in unfamiliar environments. These tips can help protect
you from petty crime.
 Know your surroundings – Don’t look lost (even if you are)
 Thieves frequent transportation centers, historical sites and tourist
attractions. This is where you need to keep your guard up
 Common ploys used by thieves to distract you include jostling in a
crowd, spilling something on you or asking you to hold an infant.
 Do not become isolated in downtown areas of large cities,
especially after dark.
 Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use traveler’s checks and
change them only as you need currency. Countersign traveler’s
checks in front of the person who will cash them, not beforehand.
 Avoid carrying a purse or wallet. You will often be in crowded
areas that are prime hunting grounds for pickpockets and purse-
snatchers.
 If you must carry a wallet, wrap it with a rubber band to make it
hard to pull from your pocket, or use a chain to attach your wallet
to a belt loop. Keep wallet in your front pants pocket.

10.  If you must carry a purse, keep it closed, place the strap over one
shoulder (not around your neck), keep the purse to your front and keep
your hand on it.
 Do not use waist or tummy packs. These advertise the location of your
valuables.
 Consider carrying a wallet with some money and expired or cancelled
credit cards, ID etc. Give thieves this one during a robbery.
 Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. If paying in
cash, give the vendor an amount close to the purchase price.
 Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline
tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not exchange money with unauthorized
individuals. Keep copies of all exchange transactions and receipts.

11.  Try to keep credit cards in sight during entire transactions and ensure
they are returned to you before you sign the voucher. Write the amount
of the transaction, in your own handwriting, in the signature block; this
helps protect you against merchants who might alter the amount on your
credit slip after you leave. Insist on a copy of the voucher and all carbons.
 Leave jewelry, passports, tickets and personal papers in a secure place,
such as a hotel safe.
 Never leave valuables in open view in a car, parked or not. Lock items in
your trunk or take them with you.
 Drive-by bag snatching at traffic lights by motorcyclist is common in
many countries.
 Password protect your laptop computer and cell phone. Back up
important files on thumb drives or in the cloud.
 Report lost or stolen possessions to the local police immediately.

12.  Targeted– Surveillance, research, planning
 Motivation – monetary gain, political gain,
ideological, bargaining chip
 Assassinations
- Politically motivated, sending a message, human sacrifice,
eliminating the competition
 Kidnapping
 Short term – usually monetary reasons
 Long term – usually political or bargaining chip
 Extortion
 Catching you/putting you in a compromising position –
drugs, antiques, prostitutes, child porn

13. • Carry photocopy of your passport with you while in
country.
• Travel in large groups rather than alone.
• Remember to leave contact information (i.e., email address
or phone number) with family and friends so they can get in
touch with you abroad.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid social distractions
(e.g., cell phones and mp3 players)
• Be extra careful when using public transportation abroad. If
possible avoid using crowded buses, trains or subways.
• Get sound security advice by contacting your embassy or
consulate and speaking with someone in the security office.

14. • Choose a safe and secure hotel rather than a cheap one.
Make sure the hotel has a generator that works – power
outages are common in many developing countries
• Refrain from carrying large amounts of cash or numerous
ATM cards and credit cards with you.
• Vary your routine. Don’t be predictable.
• You should also try to blend in with others around you. This
includes wearing appropriate travel clothing and refraining
from wearing flashy jewelry.
• If your passport is lost or stolen, go to your nearest embassy
or consulate and get a certified copy of your passport as
soon as possible.

15. • In the event that you are confronted by a robber, the best
advice is to surrender your property immediately. Any
hesitation may cause the criminal to escalate the level of
violence.
• It’s best to travel in groups. Use the buddy system when
going around town. Never go alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Notice landmarks or street signs around you. You’re not
expected to be familiar with an area that you are visiting;
however, you should familiarize yourself somewhat with
the city.
• Purchase a map before you visit so that you can get a
general layout of the city and locate hospitals, fire stations,
and police departments.

16. • When walking around, note the cross-streets that you are
walking on.
• If you come upon a situation where things just don’t feel
right, you should seek a safe haven. Listen to your instincts
(6th sense). Duck into a populated store, restaurant, or bar.
Try to remember the location of the nearest police station
and get there if it is safe
• Don’t be time and place predictable. Vary your patterns and
times. Take a different route each time to a location that you
frequent.
• Sometimes you are in more danger from your own
countrymen than the locals. Expats living abroad can
accumulate enormous debts and will sometimes rob or steal
from tourists.

17.  Vary time and routes
 Advise others of plans
 Leave valuables at home in a secure place
 Avoid carrying large bags
 Refrain from carrying passport
 Travel with others; not alone
 Situational awareness
 Carry minimal amounts of cash
 Know the location of the embassy/consulate
 Watch drinks in bars

18.  About the author
 Jeff Starck is a leading provider of
integrated Risk, Security, Emergency, and
Crisis Management Advisory Services
 Mr. Starck is passionate about helping
organizations build and maintain their
security programs. He believes that in
order for an organization to achieve the
maximum level of protection, you must
take an integrated approach to managing
your security program. Mr. Starck’s
approach is to bridge the main areas of
security including Risk, Security,
Emergency, and Crisis Management
because they are undeniably
interdependent.
 For more information contact :
 Jeff Starck at + 1 206-861-2219 (USA)