By W/Bro Francis Bernard Kwegyir-Afful, Assistant Supreme Guard
What is Security? Security is defined as the state of being free from danger or threat or the Protection of a person, property, building organization or country against threat.
It can also be defined as keeping the integrity of a person, property or environment safe and secured from danger.
The definitions all point to one issue, safety. This means your Personal Security is your responsibility at any point in time.
Here are few things you need to do to increase your Personal Security.
Make situational awareness is part of your daily routine. It is prudent to be always alert and aware of your surroundings and of the people around you. Maintain a 360 degree mindset constantly.
When you walk, make casual eye contacts with people. This informs them that you are aware of their presence and aware of where you are. It also indicates your preparedness to act in case of any emergency situation.
If you are an avid walker, always make sure your head and shoulders are kept up and back to exude confidence. Your confidence alone can disarm a criminal. Avoiding being distracted by your mobile phone.
Whenever its possible walk in groups especially in dark parking lots for better personal security. Also keep a key chain LED Light (torchlight).
Whenever you take a taxi, make sure you take the number, make and colour and relay it to a friend or a relative. It can be relayed to the hearing of the driver and/or other passengers in the car. If they are criminals it discourages them. Inform family and friends about your travel plans, itinerary and locations you will be visiting.
Stay away from brushes and trees whilst walking or jogging. Be prepared to run away from an attacker and always shout when such a situation arises. Drawing attention to a situation is good. Do not be shy it is your safety net.
If a stranger approaches and offers you a ride, the best thing to do is to turn and go the opposite direction of the vehicle being driven by the stranger. Make a mental note to take the registration number and description of the vehicle.
In spite of our nature of being kind and helpful as Ghanaians, do not be drawn into unnecessary conversations by strangers especially on the street.
Always walk at a steady pace, confidently and with your keys in your hand, be confident, don’t be a victim.
Avoiding being on your mobile phone whilst walking or driving in public. If you must use the phone try to maintain awareness around you.
Whenever you are jogging or walking, avoid having ear buds in your ears listening to music. This dulls the awareness around you as your sense of hearing any approaching danger. And listening to music with ear buds whilst jogging or walking makes you an easy target.
Avoid dangerous places at night and only visit such places during the day, and always stop and look around when entering a place. If you are not sure of your safety do not enter, leave quickly and visit another time. Always trust your instincts.
Keep flashy jewelry out of sight. Do not flash money in public. When boarding the bus or taxi, make your fare available in your hand. Do not board whilst opening your purse or wallet. During off hours, sit as close as possible to the driver.
Avoid isolated bus stops or taxi ranks. Do not stay in the same spot when at a lonely bus stop; it makes you an easy target.
When you realize in a crowd or not if you are being jostled always check on your wallet/purse or hand bag.
Do not leave your purse or bag in plain view. Even in your office lock it away in a safe place.
Keep your door locked if you stay in the office to work after normal business hours.
When you enter a place make sure you can identify alternative escape routes in case of emergency.
Avoid walking pass stationary cars with engine running with people in it. Do not walk with your hands in your pocket unless for a tactical reason, it reduces your reaction time.
Be extra cautious when using the ATM. Check the surroundings for people loitering around.
Trust your instincts and take action if you think you are being followed. As confidently as you can, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area and tell people what is happening.
Keep a dog; they tend to bark to warn of impending danger. Do not honk at your gate. Make an effort to call someone in the house to open you when you are near. This way your honking is not used to indicate when you have arrived and when you are not available.
Try to keep your wallet in your front pocket whenever possible. Be extra careful with vans with sliding doors parked close to your car.
Always make it a habit to lock your vehicle doors immediately you enter. Always be sure to look around first before unlocking your car when parking.
When driving and you stop either in traffic or at the traffic light, always make sure you can see the tyres of the vehicle in front of you. This enables quick maneuver in case of an emergency.
Keep a whistle always. Blow it and attract help when in danger.
NB: The writer is the Chief Executive Officer of Bernsharpe Security Company Limited and a Close Protection Specialist.