Warden Message ( 02/24/2008 )

WARDENS: Transmission of the following announcement by telephone is not mandatory.

In a recent incident still under investigation, a Western expatriate woman was accosted by a man in a stairwell. While the Embassy has few details at this time, we would like to take this opportunity to remind the American community of basic personal security practices.

While the overall rate of crime in Syria is low compared to other countries around the world sound residential security practices are a must in any environment. The success of these measures largely depends on the consistent and active commitment of every family member to maintaining a secure home.

 Building Lobbies: Make it a habit to close your lobby door upon entering your building, and encourage others to do so.

 Checking for Vulnerable Points: Survey your residence from a burglar's point of view, particularly if you live in a garden apartment or on a lower floor potentially accessible from street level. Are there sections of your garden wall where climb-over or forced entry would be relatively easy? Do any trees or overgrown brush provide exceptionally good hiding places? If your apartment has a secondary access point (like a garden gate), is the lock substantial?

 Security Lighting: Ensure that your stairwell lights remain in working order.

 Lock all doors at all times. Lock up as you enter the house, and take a moment to verify that all doors and locks—including gate grills -- are secured before turning in for the evening.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Syria are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Damascus through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Syria. Americans in Syria without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Damascus.