We skimmed 5 manuals to remind you of these take-anywhere security tips

Most of the answers to your security questions can be found in your organization’s security manual — but that would require you to read it. And that, Simon Brady told Devex, doesn’t always happen. Brady, the U.N. World Food Program’s head of security based in Khartoum, said most people pass the U.N. Department for Safety and Security’s basic and advanced security assessments without digesting the modules. “It’s a well-recognized fact that people tend to whiz through it, which rather defeats the objective,” he said. Feeling guilty? Brady suggested the problem may not be so one-sided and have to do with how the manual is presented. “... It’s the modality of the way the courses are designed that may need looking at,” he said. Brady is referring to the UNDSS tool, but with most security manuals prepared by different aid organizations that Devex came across containing close to or more than 100 pages of text, the idea should be considered across the board. Honestly, would you read them in your spare time? Most of the items in the manuals you’ll already know by heart and require no reiteration: dress accordingly, avoid staying out late at night, and keep a low profile, especially in high-risk areas where aid workers are targeted or kidnapping is rampant. In addition, you probably know the manual can only be useful to a certain extent. For example, the International Committee of the Red Cross’ security manual may provide information on the differences of weapons being used in an armed conflict (for example, mortars vs. rocket launchers). The idea is that by understanding how each weapon works, an aid worker can better calculate or reduce his or her risks. But in real-life situations, your mind can be a blur, and you may not even have the composure to assess the accuracy rate of the shots being fired. What often follows is natural instinct — take cover — which manuals can’t teach you. In general, the best security tips are still those that are context-specific. For example, in Nyala in South Darfur, given the risk of kidnapping and hijacking, some U.N. agencies are currently using sedans over 4x4s, and have stripped away their logos to keep a low profile. Some pieces of advice in these manuals, however, are still very useful no matter the context. Here are a few items that stood out for me while reading them during my reporting in Sudan: 1. Location, location, location. Nonsmoking, quiet and with a nice city view. These are normally your criteria when choosing your hotel room — but they may not exactly be the most security proof. Instead, you should look for rooms that are not easily accessible from the outside, but are not too high that it can’t be reached in case of an emergency, like fire. Some of the manuals I read suggest rooms between the second and eighth floors. An added extra: Choose rooms located in midrange – not beside but also not too far from the elevators. This reduces your chances of being attacked in what is often a long, quiet corridor. 2. Let’s take a seat, shall we? You already know — and have been warned — not to stay out late. If night travel cannot be avoided, and you don’t have a car to drive, at least make sure you’re not boarding a deserted bus or train. In a bus, sit near the driver. If train travel is more apt, go for the mid-compartment and sit by the window. The idea, according to World Vision’s security manual, is to have a quick exit way in case of an emergency. But a word of caution: These may not always be the ideal approach. In the case of trains for instance, sitting near a window could expose you to shattered glass in the event of a collision or derailment. 3. Cry for “help”? When under threat of being attacked, yell “fire!” instead of “help!” as the former “often attracts more attention,” according to CARE’s security manual. The problem is that in such stressful situation, will you actually be able to choose your words carefully? And even if you do, not everyone around you may understand English. This is where having knowledge of a few local words could prove useful. 4. You can never go wrong with duct tape — or 3M paper You probably know by now how useful 3M tape is, from keeping those paintings on your apartment wall to hanging whatever you wish on the no-drill hooks in your bathroom. But did you know this sticky paper can literally be a lifesaver? In ICRC’s security manual, the author recommends in certain instances using 3M paper to cover glass windows and doors as a means of protection in the event of an explosion. The sticky paper helps reduce a blast’s impact, preventing major injuries that could result from shattered glasses. Additional tip from ICRC’s security manual: Apply it on wet glass with “weak soapy solution” to avoid bubble formation upon application. This would also allow you to properly position it. Scotch tapes or sticky papers can act as alternatives, though with reduced effect. Heavy net curtains are another option. 5. Put a ring on it. You’re familiar with the advice to avoid wearing clothes that could attract unwanted attention, as well as expensive jewelry, both for your own safety and to avoid possible resentment that could arise from the communities you serve. But consider wearing a ring if you’re a single woman, according to World Vision’s security manual. Not much explanation was given for this advice, but in a number of travel hacks given to lone women travelers online, this is recommended to discourage or put off “unwanted” advances from the opposite sex. 6. Be unpredictable. Most of the manuals advise varying your routes and time, such as when going to and back from the office, and reporting back from field sites. This is to keep anyone with bad intentions from keeping track of your whereabouts at a given time of the day. And this should extend to where you are having lunch or dinner, according to Save the Children’s Safety First manual. Makes sense. So if you are a fair trade loving, gluten sensitive vegetarian whose only option is the salad bar across from your office compound, you may want to try preparing your own meals every other day. 7. Ditch those devices. Explosives pose real and present danger to humanitarians. In October 2015, a U.S. airstrike in Kunduz, Afghanistan led to the death of 14 Médecins Sans Frontières staff members and 24 patients. But not all explosives are triggered in mid-air. Some bombs come in suspicious packages, delivered to unsuspecting individuals who could end up setting the trigger. Don’t touch any suspicious-looking packages, and refrain from using your radio or mobile phone near it, as advised in Save the Children’s Safety First manual. What pieces of security advice from your organization have you found useful, and which ones do you think need rethinking? Share us your thoughts below. Our mission is to do more good for more people. If you think the right information can make a difference, we invite you to join us by making a small investment in Professional Membership.