"Safety Sense"
should follow you wherever you go. There are several basic precepts of safe
travel which apply to all destinations. These general safety and security tips
are offered whether you are traveling for business or pleasure.
Pre-Trip Planning
Make sure you have 2
forms of identification that are an identical match to your ticket
documentation
Pay for tickets with
a credit card and carry it with you for confirmation
If a packing list
will help, put one together
Review your baggage
and be familiar with the contents
Plan your trip to
allow for delays. Arrive at the airport early to avoid the rush, unforeseen
parking challenges, and security backlogs
Call your air carrier
several hours prior to departure to confirm status, determine any restricted
items, and learn their security requirements
Consider being
dropped off at the airport, using a shuttle service or taxi
Know how to use your
text messaging cell phone option, if you have it
Remember to bring
your adaptors, ie. car and re-charger - regardless of whether you think you
will need them
Always trust your
instincts. If something doesn't feel right, avoid it
Consider a pre-paid
calling card
Planning For Your
Safety and Security Begins at Home
For the flights,
dress in tightly knit natural fibers, such as cotton, denim, leather or wool
Avoid restrictive
clothing and synthetic fibers. Cover as much of your body as possible
When in doubt, pack
black. It's easy to match and hides dirt
Reduce to a bare
minimum the amount of metal on your person so you aren't held up at the
metal detector. Things to consider: belts, key chains, etc.
Shoes should be
low-heeled, laced, leather or canvas. No nylons, high heels or slip-ons
Wear a safety strap
for glasses and always have a back- up pair of glasses or contact lenses as
well as medication in your carry-on luggage
Carry a small
flashlight with you on your person
Bring an essentials
kit, moist towelettes, reading material, snacks, flight schedule as well as
a CD/tape player
Take a copy of
prescriptions should you need to have glasses or medication replaced
Carry with you a list
with your blood type, allergies, medical conditions and special needs
Do not pack sensitive
or proprietary information in your checked luggage. Double envelope the
material and hand carry it
Tag your bags, inside
and out, with your business address and telephone number
Consider shipping
heavy items ahead of you to your destination
Seek out
pre-departure briefing and determine what special security precautions
should be taken during your trip
Do research on
the country you will be visiting. Check with the U.S. State Department,
Bureau of Consular Affairs and U.S. Customs regarding any special
requirements
Request from the
Embassy of the country you plan on visiting, a list describing customs
restrictions or banned materials
Learn the basics
about the destination country's history, culture, laws, norms, and language.
The OK sign (making a circle with the thumb and forefinger) is considered
terribly obscene in Spain and Brazil. In Japan, it tells the cashier you
want your change in coins. Get educated.
Carry your
international shot record, just in case
Do not publicize your
travel plans. Leave an itinerary at the office and with a family member or
friend
Advise all parties of
changes to your travel plans when they occur
Make photocopies of
your passport, visa, and other important documents. Put copies in your
carry-on and checked luggage and leave one at home and at the office
When traveling with
someone, always use the buddy system, from the start of your trip to the
end. Help each other, whenever possible
At The Airport
Never leave bags
unattended or carry any article given to you by a stranger
Only ticketed
passengers are allowed past security, so say your goodbye's before you reach
the security checkpoint on your way to the gate. Arriving passengers should
arrange a meeting point in the main terminal building, not in the gate area
Report anything
unusual to officials immediately and cooperate fully with security
Follow bags through
all security checkpoints and don't let them out of your sight
Always familiarize
yourself with emergency equipment and exits, wherever you are
Be aware of your
surroundings at all times. Look for safe areas to move if there is trouble,
look for people paying too much attention to you, and watch for traffic.
Remain alert and focused
On Board The Aircraft
Safely secure all
carry-on items. Place heavier items under the seat in front of you
Use overhead stowage
across the aisle so your bags are in view at all times
Keep your seat belt
fastened at all times while seated
Young children should
be seated and belted in an airline-approved safety seat
On overseas flights,
make sure you check under your seat for a life vest
Locate and count the
rows to the nearest emergency exists and alternates
Be familiar with ALL
exists. Mentally plan your escape
The safest seat might
just be the one where you have the most options. For emergency evacuations,
the word to remember is "speed"
Review the safety
information card and pay close attention to the demonstration regardless of
how many miles you have under your belt
Remember the "10
minute rule". For 10 minutes after take-off and 10 minutes before
landing be alert. Be seated flat-footed with no distractions such as books
or CD/tape players
Drink plenty of
fluids to stay hydrated (at least 8 oz. of water for every hour of flight)
Bring bottled water
and snacks that are appealing at any time
Eliminate the intake
of caffeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills
If you take your
shoes off, put them on again before landing
If you sit in an
emergency exit, you must be physically capable, aware of your
responsibilities, and willing to perform all emergency functions. If not,
request another seat
Ask questions if
instructions are not clear and report anything unusual
Follow crew's
instructions in case of turbulence and for any and all emergencies
Upon Arrival
Invest in a good map
of the city. Mark your hotel, office, embassies, police and fire stations
Make mental notes of
alternative routes to your hotel, office, or other significant locations
Select a secure
hotel. The crew layover facility's security is usually consistent with U.S.
standards
If you stay at the
same hotel on every visit, this can be identified as a routine, so avoid
this if possible. Consider changing hotels if you are on a protracted
visit
Use the bellman.
Luggage in the "control" of the hotel causes the hotel to be
liable for your property
Ground floor rooms,
rooms close to the elevator core or the stairwells should be avoided
Check fire exits and
instructions carefully, and if in an earthquake zone, check what to do if
one occurs
Use the double-lock
and identify visitors visually before admitting them
If people claiming to
be officials ask you to accompany them, ask the hotel management to assist
you in verifying their credentials
Keep sensitive
documents, such as travel plans, with you or in the hotel safe
In unfamiliar
locations, avoid walking or jogging. If you must walk or jog, vary your schedule
Follow local advice
on areas to avoid
Don't go anywhere
near local demonstrations
For in-country and
international phoning, find out how to make a local call, what types of
coins to use and the procedures for getting a call through
Always keep a low
profile. Do not wear flashy clothing, company logos, or jewelry
Avoid using
unofficial or unmarked taxis. Arrange for taxis through your hotel. Have the
address of your destination written down in the native language, and carry a
hotel card to show the driver for your return trip. Agree on a fare before
getting in. If possible, have the hotel negotiate the fare
Be careful about what
you photograph. Don't photograph police, military, bridges, or communication
facilities
Consider a GSM phone
to simplify calling in and out of the country
In general, be
careful about getting into a taxi with other passengers you do not know. If
possible, keep your luggage with you. Try to have exact change or small
bills
If you plan to rent a
car, check to see if you must obtain an international driver's permit
Park in a well-lit
area and as close to a hotel access point as possible
Remove all property
from the car interior and place it in the trunk
Be aware and beware.
Safety and security risks exist, not only in unfamiliar locations, such as on
the airplane, but even in familiar locales. Preparing for a trip means more than
packing your clothes. This trip list will help you to keep some important items
in mind while you are on the road and in the air.
Flights