Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/711198
possibly can without drawing attention to yourself. You know to be cautious when strangers come to your home, but there are 101 reasons why people ring your doorbell. On any given day you may open your door for a pizza delivery boy, appliance repairman, parcel delivery service, door to door salesman or the kid from next door whose ball landed in your backyard. Before you unlock the door, take a minute to think about if you're expecting anyone. Use your peephole or window to help identify the person at your door, and don't be afraid to ask the individual to identify him or herself before deciding whether or not to open the door. With all the scams around these days, you should never give out personal information over the phone. As good OPSEC practice, always give the impression that you are not home alone and never reveal that your service member is deployed. Don't be afraid of seeming rude. Any stranger, over the phone or in person, who genuinely has good intentions, should understand your desire to protect your family. SAFETY AWAY FROM HOME While away from home, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of getting from point A to point B. Unfortunately, criminals can use your distraction against you, so no matter how hectic things are, remember that you're never too busy to be conscious of what you say and where you are. • Never discuss details of a deployment in public. This includes volunteering information through your cell phone while in a public place. Just because you aren't talking directly to someone else in the store or parking lot, it doesn't mean that no one is listening. • Stay alert. Be extra careful when traveling alone, and try to avoid doing so as often as possible. Exercise caution when returning to your car. Always have your keys in hand to avoid lingering while you sift through your purse or pockets. Don't attempt to enter your vehicle if you ever notice someone lingering near your car or peering in the windows, and get in the habit of locking your car doors and taking a quick glance through the windows of your car before climbing in. • Watch for suspicious activity. If you ever get the feeling that you're being followed while on foot, turn around and begin walking in the other direction. Try to walk back towards people or a well-lit area. If you're in your car and discover that you're being followed, never drive home. Instead, drive to a populated area or a police station.