Security specialist Nemer Haddad about personal risk awareness

To assist organizations, large corporations as well as middle entreprises, in meeting these requirements, International SOS can provide Personal Travel Security Awareness MasterClass, designed and delivered by its security experts.The training is designed for business travellers and expatriates.It will equip employees with the necessary tools to take personal responsibility for their security and to raise their awareness of the risks that they may encounter during travel, both professionally and personally. The program is flexible enough to accommodate a range of potential business constraints, both in terms of time and cost. Contact nemer haddad for help

So I don't take personal safety greatly into account when packing for travel. But I don't ignore it either: I regularly use a security pouch wherever I'm likely to be recognized as non-local, carry a tiny but loud whistle, keep handy a small, high-powered flashlight (torch), and make occasional use of a door lock in locations where room security is less than I would prefer. Each of these items is discussed more fully in the annotated packing list section of this site (the pouch on the Valuables page, the remainder on the Tools page).



Welcome to the International SOS Personal Travel Security Awareness MasterClass website. Organisations are increasingly required to take active responsibility for the safety of their travelling staff, expatriates and personnel abroad, making sure that employees are prepared to face the risks during their various assignments. This Duty of Care includes ensuring that personnel:

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.



Personal Security in Hotels Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where they may be overheard. Discuss your travel plans and movements during your stay with as few people as possible. Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floor generally will keep you out of reach of criminal activity from the street but still within reach of most fire truck ladders. Do not entertain strangers in your hotel room. Be alert to overly friendly locals who may have criminal intentions. They may offer to take you to a "special" restaurant. Their ruse may be to offer drugged refreshments. Never leave valuables in your hotel room exposed or unattended, even in a locked suitcase. Place valuables--money, jewelry, airplane tickets, credit cards, passport--in a hotel safe deposit box or room safe. Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other catastrophe. Use the door chain or bolt lock whenever you are in your room. Use the door viewer (peephole) before opening the door to visitors. Do not discuss your room number while standing in the lobby or leave your room key on restaurant or bar tables. Keep your room neat so you will notice disturbed or missing items quick. If you need personal safety and security equipments visit: active armour