Information for Travelers

Residential Security

1. Hire a guard to protect your property 24 hours per day! This guard should stand post adjacent to your primary gate and should conduct routine foot patrols along the perimeter of your property. 
    
2. Install security features at your residence: Ensure that you have a 9-12 foot perimeter wall w/ boundary spikes; install adequate lighting around your entire perimeter and property interior; install quality deadbolt locks (and solid wood-core or iron doors) at all points-of-entry/exit; install a quality electronic alarm system (w/ alarm siren to the exterior); install shatter resistant window film on all forward-facing windows/glass; design a safe-haven room (i.e. an area inside in which you can “hunker down”) complete with food, water, medical supplies, communication and robust door/window protection; install iron window grilles on all windows (install a break-away window grille section in all occupied bedrooms); install peep-holes on all doors leading to the outside. 
   
   
3. Make sure that you have an operational fire extinguisher and smoke alarms in all areas of the house. 
   
   
4. Don’t disseminate copies of your keys! If you lose your residential keys, have your locks changed immediately. 
   
   
5. Do not allow unauthorized persons entry into your house. Only allow individuals that you are thoroughly familiar with onto your property. 
   
   
6. Trim any overhanging limbs or branches that someone could use as an access point onto your property. 
   
   
7. Keep all of your valuables secured in an interior safe or locked container.
   
   
8. Register with the Embassy – keep the Embassy advised of your current residential address!