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How to Act If You're Kidnapped

Strategies for trying to stay safe and recognize opportunities to escape from a kidnapping; advice from Kroll's Kelly McCann

While in captivity, adhere to some kind of sanitary schedule. "There's dignity when you attempt to stay clean. Find comfort in having your circadian rhythms in tune. Make yourself aware when it's morning, afternoon and night," McCann says, though he notes that can be difficult if you're fed or let out for relief infrequently.

Mining your captors for information also can be helpful. You may be able to discern whether you were abducted for political or religious reasons, for ransom or for all of the above. McCann advises finding some kind of resonant chord with abductors to try to get them to show more empathy toward you.

"The fact that you have children, family, go to church, are a compassionate person, anything that strikes to the heart of humanness, are important so they cant diminish who you are. You don't want them to make you a sack of potatoes, to look at you like an inanimate object," he says.

Some captors may try to convert you to their religion. McCann doesnt think captives should go along. "I would say, 'I appreciate and recognize your religion, but the way I was brought up was to believe [in my religion].' At least theyd recognize this person has a set of beliefs," he says, and they may respect that fact. But he doesn't advise engaging in religious or political discussions.

You should also stay alert. "Always keep your eyes open for situations advantageous to you, small suggestions for captors that will increase your health and improve your living circumstance," says McCann. Things like a pillow or blanket can go a long way toward making you more comfortable in an otherwise difficult situation.

If there's a rescue attempt, McCann says not to help the rescue force or attack the captors. "When a force comes into a situation, they're looking for violent or nonviolent behavior. They're looking at hands, because hands carry weapons. If you make an aggressive movement, depending on the lighting, you could be seen as being violent toward them. Stop moving and hit the ground. Do exactly as you are told," he says.

You may be handled roughly. Rescuers dont want you hugging or backslapping them during the raid. They need to make sure you dont have any weapons and havent become sympathetic with the captors, and they cant divine that immediately. Expect to be bound and removed from the scene. (Any backslapping can be done later.)