Personal Safety for the Traveling Professional Wednesday, Jan 15 3:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. PRESENTED BY: Charlie LeBlanc, FrontierMEDEX Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference New Orleans, LA January 14-17, 2014
Personal Safety For the Traveling Professional
3 Basic Concepts Preparedness Prevention Premeditation
Before you go Packing Small flashlight Carry in bags, in case of power outages or traveling (avoid this if possible!) on dark streets Lighter Candles, general utility Clothing Conservative male & female Wedding ring ruse (single females) but only use minimal value (don t draw thieves attention)
Before you go Rubber door stop Food/water Go Bag ID Meds Passport Important phone numbers Pen Paper Batteries & Cell Phone Chargers
For Women - Before you go Personal hygiene products Bring enough for entire trip Unavailable, expensive Birth control (or any timed medication) Remember time change
Before you go Notable recommendations 3 copies of important documents (itinerary, passport, identification, credit cards, etc.) 1 set with you (itinerary, passport, prescriptions) 1 set at home (including credit card info) 1 set at the office (including credit card info)
Before you go Notable recommendations Credit cards Know your credit card pin Set limits (bring only one) Muggings/Express kidnappings Prescriptions Original containers Doctor s note
On the move Airplanes Never check anything you can t afford to lose TSA Luggage Locks http://www.safeskieslocks.com http://www.travelsentry.org *both approved by US & UK governments
On the move Airplanes Luggage tags covered last name, first initial address of office if possible NO business card
On the move Street smarts Asking for directions Approach families or women w/ children Where is? I m meeting my husband there. Money Fake wallet Money in different pockets
On the move Street smarts Purses, Briefcases strap: cross body vs. shoulder side opposite the street Walk a path furthest from the street minimizes grab & runs
On the move Public Transportation (Bus, Subway, Rail) Full car vs. empty car Have exact change ready Avoid dozing off Know the routes in advance Taxis Do not let anyone share a taxi ride with you Don t exit a taxi until you ve paid & received change
On the move Driving Consider the parking garage of your hotel Keep items in the trunk while driving All windows should be closed
On the move Driving Keep your car in gear at red lights & stop signs Leave room between your car & the car in front of you Don t be afraid to use your car as a weapon IT S JUST A CAR!
Upon arrival Hotel Checking in Do not let anyone overhear your room number Request a room (if possible): Away from stairwell Between 2nd-7th floors Near the elevators Noisier less isolated Safer
Upon arrival Hotel Business cards/matchbooks address of hotel Rubber door stop Hotel Safes pros & cons Other suggestions Hang Do Not Disturb sign on door Use luggage to prop door open while checking room/closets
An expert s view Security assessment questions Is security visible? Is it well lit inside & out? Accessibility of first aid & trauma kits? Do the security cameras work? How long are recordings kept Location of fire exits?
What if? Mumbai Scenario 5 star hotels Standard security precautions Despite all precautions What do you do? Charge batteries (laptop, cellphone) Fill tub with water Close curtains Barricade door
Criminal behavior Vulnerabilities Distracted (on the phone, searching bags, checking maps) Early morning targeting Common areas of attack Parking lots Parking garages Public restrooms
Defense I - What works Public embarrassment Yell loudly Make a scene Distraction Throw your purse/bag Pocket money separate into pockets in advance & throw one toward the attacker before running
Defense II - What works Fight dirty Groin Knee cap Foot Eyes Nose Underside of the chin *fight dirty, cheat, win*
Recognition of the female business traveler Employer initiatives Training Hotel Initiatives Separate floors Dining areas Increased security
Thank you