When traveling you will be in an environment where you do not have the same skills you have locally for sensing what/who is normal versus out of place, who is genuine versus suspect, or what places are safe zones versus more unsafe locales. This calls for more concentration on your surroundings and a measured approach to daily activity.
Steps that travelers can take to help them maintain the situational awareness and bolster their personal security preparedness include:
- Reading the U.S. Department of State safety and security information for your destination(s).
- Enrolling your travel itinerary in the U.S. Department of State STEP program.
- Routinely monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities. This includes following the pages for local security/police and news organizations on Twitter and other social media feeds.
- Do not give out any personal information to anyone you do not know or have just met, and be cautious about posting personal details, a group’s location or group plans on social media.
- If traveling to a country where English is not the primary language spoken, know key words for assistance and warning indicators in the local language (e.g. help, careful, look out, run, stop).
- When going through locations with security (e.g. transportation, large events), it is safest to move through security versus remaining outside a venue or in public areas.
- Where possible, use public transportation at off peak times and be efficient; do not linger in terminals or boarding areas longer than necessary.
- Lower your profile. It can be assumed that any major tourist zone, be it Plaza del Sol in Madrid or Times Square in New York, has someone looking to pick a pocket or snatch a bag of an unsuspecting traveler.
- Thieves target those who call attention to themselves or are aloof or distracted. Seek to blend in, speak the local language and keep your awareness high when gathering for a classic O-H-I-O photo op.
- Thieves also target people they perceive to be wealthy. Seek to minimize displays of cash, jewelry, phones or other indicators of wealth.
- Establish a strong communication plan and protocol. Locally let others know where you are going and when you will return. If traveling outside of your city or country, notify your program leader or local staff of your itinerary and contact information.
- Carry key contact information including telephone numbers for your resident director or program staff, the nearest U.S. (or your country of citizenship) Embassy or Consulate, the Crisis24 insurance and the local versions of 911 with you at all times.
- In a foreign context, you should assume an assailant is irrational and potentially carrying a weapon, thus do not resist and comply with demands to hand over a wallet or purse. Dollars, Euros, Pesos can be replaced and credit cards can be canceled; they are not worth risking violence over.
- If planning to sleep in hostels, overnight trains or other shared spaces, you should travel with luggage locks and other resources to securely store your valuables.
- Avoid or moderate the use of alcohol. Do not accept drinks from people you do not know or trust; do not leave a drink unattended; stop drinking if there are sudden changes to the way your body feels.
- Break down your funds. It is advisable to carry larger amounts of cash, credit cards, passport and phones in an internal pocket or money belt. Money belts can be cumbersome, so it advisable to have a separate wallet in a front pocket or purse with spending cash, transit cards, etc. This is easily accessible, and if targeted by a pick-pocket or mugger it provides a resource to give without losing all valuables.
- Know your international contact numbers for banks and credit cards, in order to immediately cancel lost or stolen debit and credit cards. Maintain separate copies of all of your important documents including passport, insurance card, and prescriptions in order to expedite the replacement process.
- Know where the appropriate medical facilities are located nearest to you at all of your destinations.
- Report anything or person that seems suspicious to local authorities and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Keep in routine touch with family and friends back home.
In order to be prepared if a major security incident occurs in your local environment, you will want to:
- Make sure to keep your cell phone fully charged at all times and consider carrying a portable backup charger.
- Carry some small amounts of food and water with you in case you are momentarily delayed. Also keep food and water in your accommodation if there is a shelter in place order that keeps you or your group indoors for an extended period (24-48 hours).
- Follow the directives of local authorities.
- Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions from local authorities. Carry ID (copy of passport) with you at all times.
- Communicate with, and expect communication from, your program leader or local staff as well from the Ohio State international risk manager.