Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
countries or regions with good relations with the United States, they
should be considered safe havens in the event you are in danger of assault
or are being followed.
SECURING YOUR RESIDENCE
What type of dwelling are you considering? A private home offers some-
what more privacy than an apartment building but, depending on the sur-
rounding area, may offer less security. Often foreign nationals reside in
apartment complexes with private security guards and limited access. This
may be a more desirable option. A private home may be made secure by
the use of fences and other devices to establish a secure perimeter.
It is extremely important to remember that physical security comes
first. Alarms and monitors are excellent tools that can greatly enhance
security. (See Chapter 13 for a discussion of technical security.) But the fact
remains that these measures are a second consideration after you have
made sure that your residence is physically secure. This does not mean
that you live in a fortress. A determined method of attack can breach any
fortifications. Your goal is to make it as difficult as possible for a criminal
or terrorist to gain entry. For example, an open window is one of the most
inviting signs for a would-be intruder. The best security designs and alarm
systems are rendered completely useless if you leave a window open or if
the system is not activated. The late former Beatle George Harrison was
stabbed by an intruder in his home several years before his death. It was
widely reported that although Harrison's home was equipped with an
extremely sophisticated alarm system, it was not turned on at the time of
the attack. Limit access. If someone is intent on breaking in, he or she
probably will be able to do so. The task is to make it difficult for intrud-
ers. Force them to make a lot of noise and spend a great deal of time, and
you have drastically reduced the likelihood that you will be selected as a
target.
ENTRY POINTS
When looking for a residence or while assessing the current level of secu-
rity at the home you live in, assess the physical entry points first. Check
the windows. Always keep in mind that windows are an intruder's favorite
