The world has changed in many ways. Fear and uncertainty are continuing to grip the country and world as a result of terror attacks worldwide, heightened security alerts in major cities, shootings on college campuses, violence in stores, malls and offices, and the global economic crisis. Front page headlines, TV and radio news reports and Internet videos laden with crime and heartbreak are bombarding people and making us increasingly afraid about what to do if violence crosses our path.

In making a decision we have to control ourselves.One of the most significant psychological factors affecting people’s decisions to travel during times of crisis is control ability. While the powerful forces that drive the world’s financial markets, and the radical actions of terrorists are beyond our immediate control, our personal safety is not. Safety should be an overriding concern among business travelers. When a dangerous situation unfolds, many people feel powerless. Adjusting your own thoughts and behaviors is the place to start making your world safer and less fearful.
Responsibility and safety are related closely. Your safety is a shared responsibility between you, law enforcement, and security professionals. Pay attention to your surroundings including fire exits, bottlenecks in crowds, announcements and general conditions. Don’t run from danger, run toward safety. Running toward safety requires advance planning and awareness. Mentally rehearse escape routes or survival behaviors before something actually happens. Create a communications plan to share your flight plan ahead of time.
You have to be aware at anytime. Civil unrest, military conflicts and health risks such as disease outbreaks can surface suddenly and turn a business trip into a nightmare. If you feel uncomfortable in your travels, give yourself permission to leave. Don’t ignore your internal security system. Take a look at the local newspaper online to learn about their recent local current events.