1. FIELD SAFETY AWARENESS
BEFORE LEAVING THE OFFICE:
Obtain all available pertinent information about the client: home, neighborhood, health status &
behaviors.
Dress practically and sensibly, suited to the expected surroundings. Avoid wearing jewelry or
other items that appear expensive or could draw unnecessary or unwarranted attention.
Notify client or other contact of your expected arrival (e.g., landlord, building manager, or etc.)
and obtain any additional pertinent information (e.g., recommended parking area, access to
premises, etc.).
Make preliminary assessment of personal protective equipment (PPE) that will be appropriate.
Consider whether expert assistance may be needed (e.g., police, animal control, pest control,
etc.).
Place any valuables in the trunk of the vehicle; avoid placing anything in vehicle visible to
passersby.
Plan your travel route to the residence.
Arrange to be accompanied by coworker where appropriate or where determined by policy. In
some situations, police escort may be indicated.
Notify supervisor when leaving the office and provide anticipated time of return.
Arrange for a cell phone to communicate with the office or for emergency use.
UPON ARRIVAL AT RESIDENCE:
Park in well-traffic’d, well-lit area close to residence entrance; avoid isolated parking areas.
Close car windows, lock doors.
Keep one hand free for car keys; avoid carrying so much that both arms are full.
Be alert to persons, their activities and possible intent in the immediate vicinity.
Be alert to presence of others when entering doorways, elevators, stairwells.
In elevator stand next to control buttons to access ‘Alarm’ button quickly if needed.
ENTERING RESIDENCE:
Look, listen and smell at entrance to dwelling (e.g., dog barking, other inhabitants, noxious
odors, etc.).
From doorway assess condition of dwelling in view; determine need for any additional PPE or
accessing expert assistance before proceeding further.
Reassess need for outside expertise (e.g., police if firearms or other weapons encountered).
LEAVING RESIDENCE:
Place items/documents to be transported into clear or other plastic bags as appropriate.
Remove PPE – gloves last – bag and dispose as ordinary trash.
Cleanse hands with anti-microbial hand cleanser.
With car keys in hand walk to car; keep windows and doors locked.