Warden Notice / Security Self-Assessment

American Embassy Belgrade
June 24, 2004

The past month in Saudi Arabia was marked by successful terrorist attacks in which assailants directly targeted Western individuals. The attacks were well planned and were carried out after extensive surveillance. The assaults were carried out by small groups of loosely coordinated militants difficult for security forces to detain. The State Department believes these recent attacks, characterized by small arms assaults against individuals, could embolden other extremist groups in other regions to employ this tactic.

At this time, the Embassy has no specific information regarding threats directed at American interests in Serbia and Montenegro. However, we are not immune to the possibility of such attacks taking place. With this in mind, the Embassy advises the American community members to take a closer look at their personal security profiles. Below is a Security Self-Assessment Checklist that will help you evaluate your daily habits and practices to improve your own security awareness. Take a look and see if you need to alter your actions to strengthen your security profile.

American Embassy Belgrade
50 Kneza Milosa
11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
Tel: +381-11-306-4655
Duty Officer (emergencies only, please): +381-11-368-138
Website: http://belgrade.usembassy.gov

Personal Security Self-Assessment Checklist

- Daily Security Habits and Practices -

- 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?

- Do you identify and report to your company's security office or local 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?

- Have emergency phone numbers programmed into your cell phone, and carry it with you at all times.

- 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 company's security officer or local police.

- 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 or your company's security officer. 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.