PERSONAL SECURITY

IN TIMES LIKE THIS TAKE YOUR PERSONAL SECURITY SERIOUSLY--At Home, On the Street, While Traveling

---

Introduction

Crime is on the increase throughout Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent assault, armed robbery, banditry, rape, and carjacking are prevalent across Nigeria. You should pay more serious attention to your personal safety and security at all times.

Our attitude of complacency or fatalism is the most serious obstacle to personal safety. "It can't happen to me" and "if it's going to happen, it's going to happen" these are dangerous and careless thinking. You made to rule and dominate the earth, which includes bad situations like crime.

The only guarantee for safety is the Lord. Psalm. 4:8 says “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone o! Lord will keep me safe”(NLT)  Psalm 33:17-18 says “ A horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver any by his great strength; but the Lord watches over those who fear Him; those who rely on His unfailing love”. The more intimate you are with the Lord the higher your confidence in His provision of  total protection. You do not have to deliberately or carelessly walk into danger.

A criminal attack against you or your family can take place at any place, as can a fire or other disaster. However, you can influence what happens to you by assuming more responsibility for your own security.

Crime increases at night in most areas, particularly on highways. I strongly advise you not to travel after dark. The number of authorized and unauthorized checkpoints in city centers also increases at night and requests to pay on-the-spot (unofficial) fines are not uncommon.

The information presented here is general. Not all the information applies to all places or people. I will take them is sections like Residential Security, Personal Security while travelling. While in a hotel; Home Security while you are away, Internet security and any other area we can touch.

    Security awareness is the knowledge and attitude people possess regarding the protection of their physical, material, people and information assets.

    Recognizing what types of security issues and incidents may arise

    Knowing what to do in the event of a security breach.

}  You need to be prepared to:  Detect     Protect     React

Residential Security

Review your residential security along the following lines: 

·        All entrances, including service doors and gates, should have quality locks--preferably deadbolt. Check your: Front Door, Rear Door, Garage Door(s),Service Door(s).Sliding Glass Door and Gate

·        PLEASE DO NOT leave keys "hidden" outside the home or Leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor or colleague.  

·        Always keep your gate closed and bolted.

·        Keep doors locked even when you or family members are at home.

·        Have window locks installed on all windows. Use them.

·        Lock louvered windows--especially on the ground floor.

·        Have locks installed on your fuse boxes and external power sources. 

·        If you have window grilles and bars, review fire safety. Don't block bedroom windows with permanent grilles if the windows may be used for emergency escape.. 

·        If you have burglar or intrusion alarms, check and use them. 

·        Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor, and be sure to keep one in the kitchen. Show family members and household help how to use them. 

·        Periodically check smoke detectors and replace batteries when necessary. 

·        Keep flashlights in several areas in the house. There are rechargeable lamps these days, just keep them connected to electricity. Check the batteries often, especially if you have children in your home. (They love to play with flashlights!) 

·        A family dog can be a deterrent to criminals. Get a trained dog. But remember, even the best watch-dog can be controlled by food or poison.

·        Do not install separate "doggy doors" or entrances. They also can admit small intruders. 

·        A good door chain is essential and full use must be made of this             simple but important item.

·        Consider the use of CCTV cameras. This is probably the best way of viewing your front door and approaches. (Fear not, they are not as expensive as you think.)

·        The installation of an alarm system linked to the doors and windows is worthy of consideration. This has the added advantage of guarding against intruder who may wish to gain entrance to await your return home.

·        Know your neighbors. Develop a rapport with them and offer to keep an eye on each other's homes, especially during trips. 

·        Establish a good rapport with the nearest Police station

·        If you observe any unusual activity, report it immediately  

·        While at home, you and your family should rehearse safety drills and be aware of procedures to escape danger and get help. 

·        Educate family members and domestic help in the proper way to answer the telephone at home. 

·        Vary daily routines; avoid predictable patterns. 

·        Know where all family members are at all times. 

·        Choose a location that offers the most security. The less remote, the safer your home will be, particularly in a neighborhood close to police and fire protection. 

·        If you can, avoid living in a new area of the town where there are many ongoing and unfinished buildings