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Warden Message: Ashgabat Personal Security Reminders
Consular Affairs Bulletins
South / Central Asia - Turkmenistan
15 Aug 2007

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U.S. Embassy Ashgabat issued the following Warden Message on August 15, 2007:

Personal Security Reminders

The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Turkmenistan brings the following personal security reminders to the attention of American Citizens resident in or visiting Turkmenistan.

In light of the recent release of an Al-Qaeda video that mentions U.S. embassies and consulates abroad as possible terrorist targets, the American Embassy in Ashgabat reminds American citizens to remain vigilant about their personal safety and to report any suspicious activity to the Embassy.

Attached is a copy of a personal security checklist that gives daily habits and reminders to improve your own security awareness. American citizens are encouraged to share these tips with their family members.

Daily Security Habits and Practices

Do you vary your times and routes to and from work?

Do you keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle)?

Do you check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle? Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.

Do you maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself?

Do you identify and report to the Embassy any vehicles or persons possibly involved in surveillance of your activities?

Are you alert to what is going on around you?

Are your colleagues and family aware of your daily plans and do they know how to reach you?

Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable. Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Report all suspicious activity to the Embassy.

In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit. Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.

Avoid choke points in travel. Be wary of diversions.

If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the police. Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.

Whenever possible, do not have a set day and time for shopping, errands and personal needs. Be unpredictable.

Never give out your personal information, such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers, in an open setting.

Ensure all of your family members are aware of the prudent security practices outlined above.

The Consular Section reminds an American citizen that, as the U.S. government develops information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov . Updated information on travel and security in Turkmenistan may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet for Turkmenistan, Public Announcement for Turkmenistan, Public Announcement for Central Asia, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and the travel publication “A Safe Trip Abroad”. All of these documents are available at http://travel.state.gov .

U.S. citizens are urged to register and update their contact information through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ . The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat is located at 9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street) Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The phone number is 993-12-35-00-45, fax: 993-12-39-26-14, and website: http://turkmenistan.usembassy.gov .

Elizabeth W. Webster
Consul
U.S. Embassy, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan