By Gunna Dickson
NEW YORK, July 22 (Reuters) - Don't travel alone. Steer clear of crowds. Be inconspicuous. Stay in touch. Locate hotel room air vents. Report suspicious activity. Know which way the wind blows. Carry a handkerchief and gloves.
Business travelers need to know a lot to survive in today's world.
Iraq, economic instability and homeland security remain in the headlines: New York to use 15,000-pound metal barriers to guard political convention site; Business magazine editor murdered in Moscow; London Heathrow airport anti-terror documents found at the roadside.
"Always anticipate the unexpected," said former New York City Police Commissioner Howard Safir. "Our adversaries are innovative and well trained. We need to be alert to all possibilities, and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
"If traveling in a country where there is anti-American feeling, go about your business but be as inconspicuous as possible," said Safir, chairman and CEO of New York-based SafirRosetti security consulting, investigative and intelligence firm (http://www.safirrosetti.com) with offices in seven U.S. cities, London and Hong Kong. "We teach people how to take evasive action, depending on what they're confronted with."
Americans -- perceived as being rich and guaranteeing headlines -- are targets of many organizations, and in areas such as Asia or the Middle East, they stand out, said Dan Braccia, founder and managing partner of Crisis Team Training, (http://www.crisisteamtraining.com) based in Orange County, New York. With 15 years of law enforcement experience, Braccia, a former NYPD Academy instructor, took early retirement to join the federal air marshall program after Sept. 11, 2001.
"Corporate travelers must be proactive," said Braccia, who has written The Emergency Preparedness Handbook, a step-by-step process for dealing with a crisis, and hosts a talk radio show for Clear Channel on crisis management.
"Find out your company's current emergency management plan. When was it last updated? What if you are injured and lying in a hospital. Where does the bill go? Confirm there's a plan in place to get you back home," Braccia said.
"Give your spouse a detailed itinerary and phone regularly. Create sources of contact who will be concerned if they don't hear from you and put the wheels in motion to provide direction on your whereabouts," he said.
HOTEL ROOM ADVICE
Braccia recommends staying in a brand-name hotel -- an American chain. In a country where a threat exists, he says, their management will be more U.S.-friendly and have a plan as well as a solid connection back home.
"Try to get a room on the second or third floors. In case of fire, first responders can still get to you. Stay away from ground floors, in case of demonstrations or attacks," says environmental counterterrorism expert Elsa Lee, who has 22 years of experience in anti-terrorism, counterespionage, threat and vulnerability assessments in the United States, Asia, Central America and Europe.
In a high-rise building, "make sure someone knows how to shut off the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system in case of suspicious vapors, mist or smoke," said Lee, CEO of Advantage SCI (http://www.advantagesci.com) based in Redondo Beach, California.
In case of a bioterror attack, you will see dead animals or people getting sick, she said. "Make your direction of escape against the wind. Use any clothing available to cover your mouth and filter your breathing. Get in the habit of carrying a clean handkerchief and plastic gloves."
Listen to your instincts, Lee says, and always be on the lookout for things out of the ordinary.
"Look for someone leaving a briefcase or a package. Or people dressed inappropriately for the weather -- wearing an overcoat on a 90-degree (32 C) day," said Safir. "Report it and remove yourself from the area."
Do not take things into your own hands, Braccia concurs.
"I strongly urge people not to interfere. Make a visual picture of the suspicious activity. Do not be afraid to pick up the phone. The worst thing that can happen is that you're wrong. So what? Think of the alternative," he said.
A business traveler's mode of transportation -- whether public transport or rental car -- should be dictated by the country. In Israel, for example, it's best to avoid public transport, which is commonly targeted by suicide bombers.
If driving, "veer away from street jams and crowds whenever possible," advises Lee. "Abandon the car if necessary."
"Get clear directions. Jessica Lynch got lost and drove into an ambush," said Braccia, referring to an incident involving a U.S. Army supply convoy that took a wrong turn in Iraq. "If getting from Point A to Point B involves driving through an unstable area, find out how to get around it." (Away on Business is a weekly column. Any questions or comments regarding this one may be sent to [email protected])