warden message

February 20, 2008

WARDEN MESSAGE

In light of recent world events, including the death of a senior Hizballah’s terrorist and military leader as well as the reprinting of cartoons perceived to be offensive to Islam in several European countries, the U.S. Embassy would like to remind American citizens resident in Bangladesh of the need to follow prudent security practices. Below is a Personal Security Awareness Checklist to assist you with improving your personal security posture. We encourage you to share this with family members.
Be sure to keep your cell phones charged and with you at all times.

Personal Security Awareness Checklist

* Do you vary your times and routes to and from work?

* Do you keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle)?

* Do you check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your
vehicle? Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.

* Do you maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to
yourself?

* 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?

*  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.

♦ 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, try to find the nearest police
station, hotel, or other public facility to call the Police. Never lead the person
back to your home or stop and 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.

* Ensure all of your family members are briefed on security measures.
The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka can be reached at (880-2) 885-5500 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies. Our website address is dhaka.usembassy.gov. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Country Specific Information, Current Travel Warning, Current Travel Alerts, Worldwide Caution, and other Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada; or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh