Traveling Soon? Be Alert and Prepared
September 2005
In the wake of recent terrorist attacks in
England, Egypt, and Turkey, several clients have asked if they should cancel
family vacations to Europe. I think it is important to put the threat of terrorism
into perspective. Statistically, it is still much safer to fly to London and
vacation abroad than it is to hop in the family RV and drive to Yellowstone.
Undoubtedly, you are much more likely to be injured in an automobile accident
than injured by a suicide bomber.
by David
Nicastro
Secure Source,
Inc.
Having that said, I am not advocating throwing caution to the wind and letting
your guard down. I advised these clients to go ahead with their plans so long
as they are mentally prepared to deal with the terrorist threat. I put the threat
of terrorism in the same category as the threat of earthquake when traveling
to California. I don't think anyone would be surprised to turn on the news tomorrow
and learn that a massive earthquake has hit San Francisco causing multiple causalities.
Does that mean that you shouldn't ever travel to California?
Like earthquakes, a terrorist attack is totally unpredictable, often taking
place when least expected. The terrorist picks the time, method, and mode of
attack. Most security experts agree that it is only a matter of time before
we see more terrorist attacks in the United States. It is a matter of when and
where … not if.
Since the terrorist objective is to seek mass casualties, causing fear and
panic in society and disrupting confidence in law and order, it is anyone's
guess whether the next attack will be from the air, on a train, boat, ferry,
shopping mall, or at a sporting event in small town America. This is not an
indictment on our national security agencies or the effectiveness of law enforcement.
The problem is they have to be right 100 percent of the time, while the terrorist
only has to be cunning and lucky once.
For most Americans—the average citizen, business person, taxpayer, and parent,
the horror of September 11 and the more recent attacks should serve as a wake
up call that terrorism is another risk that we all face in a wider portfolio
of random risks that we encounter every day (i.e., being injured in an automobile
accident, robbed, carjacked, stalked, assaulted, becoming a victim of identity
theft, being struck by lightening, or getting caught in the wrong place and
wrong time when some fanatic decides to blow himself up in the middle of a public
place).
Caution, Not Paranoia
I personally don't think we should allow the criminal actions of a few to
change our way of life. We need to take responsibility for our own security
and be alert and aware of dangers in our society today. My advice—live life;
just be alert and prepared to deal with these new age threats by getting into
the habit of reducing risk.
There is a fine line between caution and paranoia. I'm not talking about
being paranoid about personal security. What continues to grip us, though often
hidden away in the background, is the unprecedented and probably permanent level
of concern for our personal safety we all now feel.
Recently, a neighbor and I were talking about the situation in London and
the broader terrorist threat. She said she had a mind to just pick-up and move
to a ranch in rural West Texas. At first I thought it was an absurd idea. Then
I thought, "Can we really criticize someone who considers taking this approach?"
After all, we need to do what we think is best for our family and what gives
us peace of mind. Of the many great privileges we have in this country, it is
our freedom to make such choices that we cherish the most.
But what about the rest of us? We all can't just pick up and move in an effort
to seek some safe haven, real or imagined. How then should we pursue our goals
and live our lives in this new world of global terrorism?
Be Prepared
There are practical measures you can take to protect your loved ones and
yourself. When the Office of Homeland Security says we are under an elevated
or higher alert status, cooperate and be patient with security officials at
airports, train stations, sporting events, and the like. Be vigilant and more
aware of your surroundings at all times. Note the locations of exits at restaurants,
office buildings, and stadiums. Always have a personal or family safety plan
and explain it to your kids.
Here are five practical guidelines for the leisure traveler to follow in
mitigating risk when traveling abroad this summer:
-
Trust your instincts and report unusual
incidents. In other words, if something doesn't look right, it probably
isn't. After you leave the area, do not hesitate to notify law enforcement
or the appropriate security personnel. Don't assume that authorities are
aware of unattended luggage, backpacks, or briefcases. Walk the other way
if you see abandoned items on the street.
-
Think tactically. Avoid lingering
near ticket counters, check-in areas, baggage claim, and public areas outside
security checkpoints. In major cities such as New York, London, Paris, and
Istanbul, ask for seating away from windows that face the street.
-
Be alert and prepared to act. Whether you're at a grocery store, a hotel, subway, shopping mall, restaurant,
or major sporting event, take a moment to think about the unexpected and
find out where the nearest exits are and how to exit in a hurry.
-
Be aware of your surroundings. Check Department of State travel advisories and security-related information
circulars before you travel. Travel advisories should include terrorist-related
risks such as significant anniversary dates, planned labor demonstrations
and political rallies. Stay informed and keep clear of large gatherings.
-
Careful what you say in public. When in public, keep a low profile in Islam-related discussions.
And remember…
Conclusion
Needless to say, the affect of terrorism on civilized society and for individuals
is substantial. Terrorism instills fear, disrupts our lives, creates conflict
between people and countries, and causes both the private and public sector
to expend untold amounts of money and resources on preventive and reactive measures.
For those of us who deal with security issues on a daily basis, we must remember
that the terrorists have all the advantages when planning an attack: Time, place,
and mode. Religious fanaticism ensures an almost limitless supply of operatives,
many of them prepared to die for their "cause." The venues for such acts are
virtually limitless—shopping malls, movie theaters, restaurants, nightclubs,
etc. While some venues have become safer, such as commercial airports, we simply
don't have the manpower nor the financial resources to protect all possible
locations.
Yet, the probability of any of us becoming direct victims of terrorism is
extremely small, even if we do nothing. In relation to the fears and concerns
experienced by most people following a terrorist attack, there are practical
countermeasures that we use to stay safe. Remember don't live in fear, just
be alert and prepared!
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