How to Act Safely: Tips and Tricks! Corporate Security

Safety 101 At the Office Ask your visitors to come to the main entrance at an appointed time. Pay particular attention to unfamiliar people in your area: ask whom they’ve come to visit. Save any phone messages, s, and SMSs Texts containing threats against you (inform your manager). When you leave your workstation, always lock your workstation session. Password-protect your cellphone or BlackBerry. Don’t talk publicly about sensitive work matters. Wear your ID card in plain view. When you work evenings, ask to be escorted to your car by calling your local security. In case of emergency, dial Outside the Office Always inform your manager of your itinerary and frequently report your location. Be aware of your environment: Are you being followed? Is there anything suspicious? Don’t be an easy target. Avoid routines. Vary the times and routes you take to get to work. Don’t always do the same thing. Don’t take public transit late at night. Take a taxi or get a lift with a co-worker. Have an easy way to call for help (e.g., an emergency button on your BlackBerry). Always lock your doors when at home; the same goes for your car. Avoid places that could be dangerous (alleys, parking garages late at night, dead ends, etc.). If you have to meet a contact, do so in a public place wherever possible.

Know How to Identify an Aggressive Person Aggressive people exhibit three different levels of anger. 1.Anxiety Flushed face Minimal eye contact Nervous behaviour, such as pacing or fidgeting 2.Verbal Aggression Red face, loud voice Finger pointing or clenched fists Direct, prolonged eye contact Rapid breathing Invasion of your personal space (closer than three feet)

Aggressive Person (cont’d) 3.Aggression, Assault, Imminent Danger Face turns white All verbalization stops Breaks eye contact and begins to focus on a target Very deep and rapid breathing Person changes their stance (stands still).

Aggressive Person (cont’d) What do you do? Let the person vent. Stay calm and composed. Be assertive in your verbal communication (don’t stammer). Be empathetic: “Yes, Mr. X”, “Please sit down, Mr. X, so that we can discuss it calmly”, “I understand what you’re saying Mr./Ms. X.” Don’t turn your back on the person. If the situation persists: Find a way to leave the premises. Make sure the person isn’t following you. If your life is in danger, call 911. Inform your manager of the situation.

Additional Precautions and Recommendations (If the Threat Rises): First, depending on the threat level, it’s recommended that you start taking “defensive” measures regarding the following: Travel and transportation Work schedule Behaviour at work Behaviour outside work (in the street, in public places) Entrance to home Telephone and Internet (social networks)

Travel and Transportation If you can park your car indoors, do so. If you have to park it in the street, leave it in different places, ideally in a place you can see it. Rent a car and change it often. This allows you to blend into the surroundings. When you’re outside the vehicle, get into the habit of looking around for unusual things, suspicious people, or even parked cars with occupants inside. Never park your vehicle in an isolated place, behind a building, in an alley, or any other location where you’ll be alone and out of sight. If you’re parked in a parking garage, go to your vehicle accompanied by one or more people. Keep your keys between your fingers; they can help you defend yourself more effectively.

Behaviour at Work and Schedule Work a flexible rather than regular schedule. This can throw off people who might want to actively monitor your movements. Never publicize your work schedule. Be alert at the reception desk, especially when people ask to meet the threatened person. Keep a visitors’ log. Ask visitors to show recognized ID (driver’s licence, etc.).

Behaviour Outside Work Before leaving your home or a building, get into the habit of looking around you; take note of anything unusual: a parked car, a pedestrian, someone walking very slowly looking toward the house, etc. In the street, walk briskly and observe the people you pass. Something in their behaviour may catch your eye. Before entering a public building, restaurant or other place, look around inside: are people expecting you? At places you frequent often, such as your favourite restaurants, note who the regulars are and those you’ve never seen before. Before entering your home, during the day or at night, check to see if anyone is following you, walking in your direction, or running toward you. Your observations will give you precious time to react in the event of an attack. At home: – Make sure your entrance is well lit. – Be sure to check for signs of forced entry. – Make sure the lights are on before you walk in. – Learn to listen for unusual sounds. – Learn to detect unfamiliar odours (perfume, body or animal odours, gas). – Take a look around for objects or clothing that may have been moved. – Ensure that your phone line is working.

Telephone and Internet Telephone Having a second phone line (cell) can come in handy in a pinch. Have important numbers on speed dial (e.g., 911, parents, friends). Make sure you always have a working (charged) cellphone. If you receive threatening phone calls, the authorities can tap your line with your consent. Internet and social networks Many people reveal too much information on social networks. The comments they post and how they behave on these sites can easily give away the fact that precautions have been taken to protect them. So exercise caution with s, comments, and blogs. Their content can easily put you in a vulnerable position.

Corporate Security