Racially Motivated Assaults and Personal Security - US Embassy Kyiv Warden Message - March 23, 2007

Dear friends and Wardens,

Due to recent racially and ethnically motivated assaults in downtown Kyiv, the U.S. Embassy is providing the below personal security guidance to enable American citizens to take steps to increase their personal security profile. Please take a few minutes to review these tips and how you might best implement them into your personal security plan.

We can influence what happens to us by exercising good judgment in our daily activities, such as avoiding dangerous situations, changing our routines, and maintaining a low profile. Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Avoid Large Public Gatherings or Demonstrations. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations, as well as assess their impact on traffic and transportation.
• Be sensitive to surveillance. Criminals almost always conduct some type of surveillance. To the extent possible, avoid establishing a pattern in the routes or times of your movements. Unpredictability is one of your best weapons. Before leaving your home or office, check up and down the street for suspicious cars or people. Try to notice if you are being watched or followed. If you feel that you are in imminent danger, move quickly to a safe area, and call for assistance.
• Be alert while in public. By simply looking around in a natural way and walking with an upright and determined stride, you present the image that you are aware of your surroundings and are probably a "hard target." In most cases, the criminal will look for an easier target. Criminals tend to prey on those who appear preoccupied or timid.
• Be proactive in your approach to personal security. Think about safe places not only within your home, but also along common routes of travel where you know you can go to during an emergency. Some examples of safe places are a friend’s house, a police or fire station etc. Avoid remote or isolated locations.
• Be mentally prepared to react. Have a sound and realistic plan in mind ahead of time when you notice suspicious people or potential problems. Whether your plan is to leave the area quickly, to call for help, to cooperate, or to fight off the attacker when you believe that you have no other safe option, deciding beforehand about how you will react to an attack will help to reduce panic and focus your reaction. Always carry your cell phone with you and ensure that emergency contact names and numbers are current.

Please be sure to speak to your children, family, and friends about these and similar security precautions. If you are in an emergency situation call the local police at 02 and the Embassy Duty Officer at 490-4000.

American citizens are encouraged to report any security incidents or problems to the Embassy. American Citizens Services unit can be reached during working hours by calling at (38-044) 490-4445 or 490-4422. The Embassy’s duty officer can be reached after hours at (38-044) 490-4000 or by contacting (38-050) 311-1796.