Five things to know about staying safe under threat abroad

Paris shouldn't be considered off limits for travellers afterFriday's attacks, a Halifax defence and security expert says.

Tim Dunne isa consultant for the 7th Annual Halifax InternationalSecurityForum happening Nov. 20-22.

"I would go. The police and security are dealing with it. It wouldn't stop me from going,"Dunne said Saturday

"If you take a few precautions, you can still go and enjoy yourself."

Here are five things to know to keep safe while traveling abroad during a security threat.

1. Let people know where you are

Dunne recommends travellers register with the Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate when they reach their destination.

"Register there first thing," Dunne said.Make sure others know your travel plans.

"Let family know where you are, get a contact number, perhaps even get a local cell phone you can get them now in Europe very inexpensively, and make sure the embassy and your family have that number."

2. Be vigilant

Dunne travelled extensively as a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He said vigilance is important no matter thedestination.

"Just be aware of where you are. If you see trouble somewhere, head the other way. Where there is obviously trouble, don't be drawn to it as a sightseer," he said.

3. If violence does break out, protect yourself.

If violence occurs, such as in a restaurant or concert hall, move away from the scene immediately.

Don't even stick around on the periphery, advisedDunne, who is a consultant to the Halifax Security International Security Forum being held next week.

"If you can't leave the building, find a safest place you can, as far away as you can ...a corner, somewhere where you can tip a table over to make yourself less visible, for protection," said Dunne.

"Assoon as there is shooting, hit the floor right away. When the police or security forces come in, lie on the floor, face down and do not move."

4. Protect your passport

Losing your passport can have long-term ramifications.It can cause a lot of problems if a criminal or terrorist uses it to do other things.

"I am anal about my passport,"Dunnesaid.

"Those things end up on your record and they don't go away. You get red flagged by the country you are visiting and you are red flagged by Canada."

He carries his passport, credit card and larger amounts of cash in a"hidden pocket",a separate pouch,which loops over his belt and is placed inside of his trousers.

5. Be patient.

Dunne warnedtravel going in and out of the country will be slower after France's borders re-open.

Tourists will also encounter more police and security in popular Paris tourist areas.

"Those sites will be under observation by security, as well, so it may be slower.It may not be possible to get there until things smooth out. Once they are open ... police andsecurity will have removed any threat," Dunne said.

All those tips make a traveller "situationally aware,"important no matter what the destination, hesaid.

"These are things you should be thinking about all the time not just where trouble brews. Canadians have a default setting: 'Nothing is going to happen to me because I amCanadian. Everyone loves Canadians'," Dunne said.

"People in those situations don't care what nationality you are."