This checklist is a baseline self-assessment instrument for individuals to evaluate their daily habits and practices to improve their own security awareness.
Daily Security Habits and Practices:
- Do you vary your times and routes to and from work?
- Do you keep your doors and windows properly secured (residence and vehicle)?
- Do you activate your alarm system when you leave your house and at night?
- Do you ensure that you do not leave items that may be tempting to steal unsecured in your front or back yards?
- When running errands, do you park in a well-lit, conspicuous space?
- Do you check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle and look for things that are irregular or abnormal?
- Do you maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself?
- Do you leave expensive jewelry and handbags at home when visiting public places or tourist venues?
- Do you identify and immediately report to the police vehicles or persons possibly involved in surveillance of your activities?
- Are you alert to what is going on around you?
- Are your colleagues and family aware of your daily plans, and do they know how to reach you?
Security Best Practices:
Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable. Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Report all suspicious activity to your local police station.
In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit. Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.
Avoid choke points in travel. Be wary of diversions.
If you are being followed or harassed by another driver find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility and call the police. Never lead the person back to your home, and never ever stop or get out.
Whenever possible, do not have a set day for shopping, errands and personal needs. Be unpredictable.
Never give out your personal information, such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers in an open setting. Brief your household staff not to discuss your personal business outside of your home.