1. SAFETY AND SECURITY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

2. Practice Holiday “OPSEC!” Why Do We Need “OPSEC?”
OVERVIEW
Practice Holiday “OPSEC!”
Why Do We Need “OPSEC?”
Vehicle Security ~ Riding in Vehicles
Shopping and Identity Theft
Cellular Telephones
Parking Lot Scams
Inclement Weather Driving
Child Safety Instructions
Security At Home
Security And Presents
Home Security While Away
Travel (Planes, Trains & Automobiles)
Security At Hotels

3. Practice Holiday “OPSEC”
Operations Security, or “OPSEC” is a process we use to identify and protect sensitive information from our adversaries. Just as we use OPSEC at work, we can also employ OPSEC to protect our family, finances and homes during the holidays!
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays we are more prone to forget about those common sense security practices that can keep us safe. Here is a reminder to help keep you, and your family, safe and secure during the holiday season!

4. Why Do We Need OPSEC?
First, realize that you and your family are always potential criminal targets; especially during the holidays when we tend to be more distracted and enjoying ourselves. As we enjoy the holidays we often overlook “indicators” that go on around us. We also tend to carry more cash, credit and debit cards. This gives criminals abundant opportunity to target us for robbery, identity theft or worse.
Situational awareness and good old common sense are the key to a safe and secure holiday.

5. Why Do We Need OPSEC
OPSEC and “Street Smarts” are synonymous. When you apply OPSEC, you are taking a “Common Sense” approach to staying safe.
The steps you will take in applying OPSEC are: (1) Identify Critical Information that a criminal might use against you, (2) Analyze The Threat, then (3) Analyze Your Vulnerabilities, (4) Assess The Risks, and then (5) Apply The Appropriate Countermeasures to counter the threat!

6. Every day criminals look for their opportunity. Don’t give it to them!
Why Do We Need OPSEC!
Criminals are predatory animals. Predators only target an animal when their success in ensured.
If a criminal thinks you are aware of their intent, they will pass you up, and seek an easier target.
This also applies to home security. Criminals will always go for the easy target! Make yours difficult!
Every day criminals look for their opportunity. Don’t give it to them!

7. Criminals will decide if they see you as a TARGET!
ALWAYS REMEMBER!
Criminals will decide if they see you as a TARGET!
However, the countermeasures that YOU implement determine if you will become a VICTIM!

8. Park only in well lit areas. Thieves love the dark!
Vehicle Security
Secure all valuables. Do not leave easily stolen or high-value items visible from outside the vehicle.
Secure your car keys. Never leave car running, or leave keys in the car. Lock and close windows.
Park in high-traffic areas. Do not park in remote areas of parking lots, if possible.
Park only in well lit areas. Thieves love the dark!

9. Riding In Vehicles
Always be aware of vehicles around you. Look at the occupants in nearby vehicles to determine if they display undue interest in you or your vehicle. Criminals often pull up to or behind a vehicle to size you up as a target for criminal activity!
Make note of vehicles that take the same actions as you (i.e., speed up, slow down, turn with you, etc.) If it appears you are being followed, call the police on a cell phone, and go directly to nearest police station. If approached, blow your horn!

10. Riding In Vehicles
When parking, make note if anyone follows you in the parking lot. If this happens, do not park ~ continue riding. If the vehicle follows you, call the police, and go to a police station.
If you are parking, and a car pulls up next to, or behind you; do not get out of your car. Lock all doors and stay in the vehicle. If approached, do not roll down the window. If the person does not leave, blow you horn and try to pull out. Never, under any circumstances, get out of your vehicle.

11. Holiday Shopping
Protect your credit card and ATM numbers. Be wary of “Shoulder Surfers” as you use ATMs or make purchases. Secure all your receipts.
If you must carry a large amount of cash, keep some separate in case of theft/loss of your wallet.
When loading purchases in your car, place items in the trunk or out-of-sight. It’s also advisable to relocate your car to another area of the parking lot space after loading purchases.

12. Identity Theft At The Mall
Shoppers should take extra care to protect their identities from thieves as the holidays provide multiple opportunities for criminals.
When shopping, carry the minimum of personal information. Avoid carrying more credit/debit cards, and identity documents than needed.
Shield passwords or PIN numbers from view when entering them at ATM or point-of-purchase terminals. Always take your receipts.

13. Record and Store Emergency Phone Numbers:
Cellular Telephones
A Cell-Phone can be a most important security tool. (But only if it is charged, and with you!)
Record and Store Emergency Phone Numbers:
Insurance Companies
Automobile, Rental & Emergency Services
Home Contacts (Sitter, Family or Co-Worker)
Credit Reporting Agencies (Equifax, Experion & Trans-Union)
Credit Card & Bank Theft/Fraud Numbers

14. “IN CASE OF EMERGENCY” CONTACTS (ICE)
Cellular Telephones
“IN CASE OF EMERGENCY” CONTACTS (ICE)
Users enter emergency contact numbers such as next of kin in their phone list, providing contacts in case the person is incapacitated. (i.e., ICE-Mom, ICE-Dad) Not all areas are “ICE Partners,” but the concept of “ICE” is so universally understood, it is very likely that your cell phone will be checked for an “ICE” contact if you are incapacitated!
(Read About ICE At:

15. Parking Lot Scams
Parking Lot Peddlers: Persons sell inexpensive but supposedly high quality stereos, jewelry, etc. with a complete “Satisfaction Guarantee,” but then turn out to be of inferior quality, defective or counterfeit. Good luck finding the sellers after your purchase!
Good Samaritans: Individuals help you back out of a parking space by waving you out, then runs into your car or has a partner who runs into you. An easy set up for robbery or to obtain personal information. Call the police immediately!

16. Inclement Weather Driving
Drive Defensively: Look out for drunken drivers; and others that are distracted by holiday lights, talking on cell phones, etc.
Do Not Drink & Drive: Like spending holidays in jail, court, emergency room or the morgue?
Plan Ahead/Watch The Weather: Don’t get stuck out in an unexpected storm or blizzard.
Verify Tow Trucks: Insure the tow truck is the one you called, or your auto club dispatched.

17. Child Safety Instructions
If separated from your parents, don’t go looking for them. Go to a security office or lost & found.
Never get into a car or go with strangers. Never!
Beware of strangers asking for directions, help finding a pet, or saying your parents need help, and they will take you to them.
If someone tries to take you yell: “They are trying to take me away” or “They are not my parents!”

18. Child Safety Instructions
Never go places by yourself. Always take friends.
Always ask for permission to go anywhere, to see something, or to go to someone’s home.
Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
If you have a cell phone, have your “emergency” numbers stored in the phone and know how to call for assistance. 911

19. Practice basic common sense security measures.
Security At Home
Practice basic common sense security measures.
Quickly unload holiday purchases from your car when returning home from shopping.
Keep garage doors closed to thieves who can drive up, steal visible items from the garage or car and be gone in a matter of seconds
Keep all doors and windows closed and locked.
If you have a home security system, always use it.

20. Security At Home
Be alert to service, utility or other persons who request to access your home. Positively verify their identities, or call the service company or utility before opening your door.
Keep purchases or gifts out-of-sight, especially when service, delivery or other workers may be inside your home.
Note license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles in your neighborhood, and note descriptions of the occupants.

21. Security At Home
When socializing, don’t disclose personal info to persons you don’t know, or if your conversations can be overheard by others.
Be wary of elicitation. Never provide information about your home, security systems, or when it is unoccupied, etc.
Regularly re-acquaint your family with home security procedures, particularly your children; and conduct security “refresher” exercises.

22. Report suspicious incidents and activities to the police.
Security At Home
Insure family members know emergency contact numbers, and how to get help in emergencies
Make sure all family members know how to get out of the house in an emergency.
Remind family members that safety and security is everybody’s individual responsibility.
Report suspicious incidents and activities to the police.

23. Security And Presents
Keep holiday gifts and purchases out of sight, especially when they can be seen from outside of your house. It is preferable to keep presents stored in a closet, or other area that is out of sight to others.
If you do display gifts, such as under a tree, keep nearby windows closed, and pull drapes, curtains or blinds shut; especially at night, or when no one is at home.

24. Security And Presents
Don’t let holiday trash make you a target. Boxes from televisions, computers, electronics, jewelry, firearms, etc. provide indicators that expensive or high desirable items can be found in the house. Trash helps thieves to determine which houses they will target.
Break down boxes, put them in bags (preferably in a trash container also), and place them outside just prior to scheduled trash collection times.

25. Home Security While Away
Use only “trusted” persons as your house-sitter. Your home is your most valuable possession, so insure the person watching it is trustworthy!
Insure your house-sitter, or neighbor watching your home, is listed with the alarm company as point of contact for alarms when you are away.
Alarms are an effective deterrent. Burglars will avoid an alarmed home in favor of easier targets. Alarm signs/decals are also effective deterrents.

26. Home Security While Away
Secure all valuables when you are away. If you do not have secure storage, ask a friend to secure valuables while you are gone.
Have someone mow the lawn, rake leaves and/or clear snow while you are away. Instruct them to pick up all papers and flyers from your yard.
Also, ask your house-sitter or a neighbor to park a vehicle in your driveway, and to move it on a regular basis so the house appears occupied.

27. Home Security While Away
Utilize timers throughout your house, so lights go on and off during hours of darkness. Set timers around the house to turn on and off at varying times. Timers capable of turning lights on & off randomly work best.
Don’t leave house lights either on or off all of the time, and make sure they go off around bedtime.
Have a neighbor insure that all the timers work, particularly after power outages; and ask them to change timer settings periodically.

28. Home Security While Away
If you don’t already have one, install a perimeter lighting system. Connect outside lights to timers, so they do not stay on constantly. Motion sensors are excellent options. Better yet is a combination of the two. For example, have garage lights turn on at dusk and off at bedtime, with the additional lights (front & back) on motion sensors.
You can also purchase motion detectors that turn on a barking dog recording, or give indications that the house is occupied.

29. Home Security While Away
Put delivery holds on newspapers until you return (to verify the paper is stopped, consider having it stopped a day prior to your departure), or have a house-sitter or neighbor pick papers up daily.
Stop mail. Call, or go online to and have delivery stopped until you return.
Never record a telephone answering machine message indicating you are not at home. If possible, check messages while you are away.

30. Security While Traveling
Take only required cash, credit and debit cards.
Do not use bags or suitcases displaying outward signs of value. Use concealed/covered name tags.
Always keep a low profile in dress and demeanor.
Don’t reveal personal information or travel plans to anyone without a “need-to-know.”
Keep documents and valuables close to you, and do not set down purses or bags in public places.

31. Security While Traveling
Keep copies of travel documents separate from originals and insure someone else has copies in case of an emergency.
Maintain a separate list of contact numbers to report lost and stolen credit and debit cards.
Be aware of the people around you, and anything that appears suspicious or out-of-place. Maintain a safe “distance” from other “travelers.”

32. Security At The Airport
Stay especially alert while in the airport. Watch your bags, laptops and other high-value items at all times. Do not put valuables in checked bags.
Keep bags with you when using airport restrooms.
Be aware of criminal teams at airport security. While one member of the team gets in front of you at the magnetometer to set off the alarm, the other steals your valuables that have already gone through the security checkpoint scanner.

33. Security At The Airport
Don’t let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle your bags. Watch out for staged mishaps that divert your attention from your possessions.
Keep a separate record of the contents of all your checked baggage.
Carry purses or bags close to your body. Keep a wallet in your front pocket or other place that is inaccessible to thieves. Also consider wearing a money pouch under your clothes.

34. Security On Airplanes
While flying on aircraft, keep valuables under the seat in front of you, rather than in overhead bins. When going to the bathroom, take valuables with you, rather than leaving them unattended.
Secure possessions if you sleep on the airplane. Keep them so that you will be awoke if they are disturbed.
Do not take any actions that might draw attention to you, or display wealth.

35. Traveling By Road
Familiarize yourself with your travel route prior to departure. Have a good trip map and study it.
Many GPS Systems Have Database Information on Gas Stations, Lodging, and Other Valuable Contact/Emergency Information for Travelers.
If You Do Not Have a GPS, Obtain Travel Books Containing Information on Services Available Along Your Route. (Such As: “The Next Exit”)

36. Traveling By Road
Keep doors locked while in the car. Store luggage and valuables in the trunk or out of sight.
At rest stops, park near building entrances or in lighted areas of the parking lot. If using highway rest areas, make note of persons in the area prior to exiting your car. If things appears suspicious, immediately depart, and go to another rest stop area or service station.
Have your car keys out when approaching your car. Check the back seat and the floor prior to getting back into your car.

37. Traveling By Road
Insure the car is in good operating condition. If using a rental, insure it is in good condition, and familiarize yourself with all controls.
Keep registrations, rental agreements, maps and other paperwork out-of-sight in vehicle.
If in an accident, think before exiting your car. If suspicious or concerned, call the police or have the other driver follow you to a police station or another area where it will be safe to get out.

38. Traveling By Road
If you have a cell phone, take it with you. If you do not, consider inexpensive cell phone service, such as a “pay-per-minute” phone for the trip.
As an alternative, get an old cell phone without a service plan. The cell phone will still make “911” calls. You will not be able to use it to make calls, but you will be able to get help in an emergency.
Also, consider buying or borrowing a “CB” Radio for use during your road trip.

39. Never leave your luggage unattended in a lobby.
At The Hotel
Make sure your room is not immediately adjacent to a stairwell, where someone could wait for you to open your door and then attack you.
Do not allow anyone to see your room key, or to see your personal information when registering.
Never leave your luggage unattended in a lobby.
Make sure your room has a door viewer, lock, and a sturdy chain or dead bolt installed.

40. At The Hotel
Keep your room door and windows locked, and use all installed door locks, dead bolts, etc.
Learn location of fire exits, stairwells, elevators and public phones in case of an emergency.
Keep valuables in the hotel safe, if available, and don’t take valuables with you if not needed.
Do not display your room key in public areas, or leave it where it can be stolen by someone else.

41. At The Hotel
If you lose the plastic “room key,” insist on the replacement being keyed to a new code.
Insure the telephone works, or make sure you have the front desk number for your cell phone.
Ask hotel staff about the safety of surrounding areas, and what areas to avoid.
Before taking a cab, ask the hotel staff about directions and estimated taxi costs.

42. At The Hotel
Don’t allow children to go to the hotel swimming pool, recreational areas, or to walk a pet outside by themselves.
Instruct children not to open the hotel room door to anyone they don’t know.
Don’t leave young children alone in hotel rooms, even for short periods of time. Insure that they are always accompanied by an adult.

43. Wishing The Best To You &Yours. Enjoy The Holidays!
Happy Holidays!
Wishing The Best To You &Yours.
Enjoy The Holidays!
Come Back Home Happy, Healthy & Well!