Geographical, physical and technical components

COMPONENTS OF VULNERABILITIES AND CAPACITIES

INFORMATION NEEDED TO ASSESS THE VULNERABILITIES OR CAPACITIES OF THOSE COMPONENTS

NOTE: Generally speaking, the information from the heading may show that a given component -explanation underneath- is either a vulnerability or a capacity of a given defender or group of defenders

Exposure

The need to be in, or to pass through, dangerous areas to carry out normal daily or occasional activities.Threatening actors in those areas.

Physical structures

The characteristics of housing (offices, homes, shelters); building materials, doors, windows, cupboards.Protective barriers. Night lights.

Offices and places open to public

Are your offices open to visitors from the general public? Are there areas reserved only for personnel? Do you have to deal with unknown people that come to your place?

Hiding places, escape routes

Are there any hiding places? How accessible are they (physical distance) and to whom (for specific individuals or the whole group)? Can you leave the area for a while if necessary?

Access to the area

How difficult is it for outside visitors (government officials, NGOs, etc,) to access the area, for example in a dangerous neighbourhood? How difficult is access for threatening actors?

Transport and accommodation

Do defenders have access to safe transportation (public or private)? Do these have particular advantages or disadvantages? Do defenders have access to safe accommodation when travelling?

Communication

Are telecommunications systems in place (radio, telephone)? Do defenders have easy access to them? Do they work properly at all times? Can they be cut by threatening actors before an attack?