SAFETY TIPS DURING DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS: (In case Violence Erupts)

Once violence has erupted things in most cases get out of hand and anything can happen at that point. Be aware that just being in the wrong place at the wrong time could lead to trouble. Authorities may consider you a protester just for being nearby, watching or taking photos. Even if you didn’t participate. 

 ·    Incase chemicals are dispersed; please know which way the wind is                     blowing and quickly move up wind if possible. 

·      In case of gunfire, get low and be prepared to move quickly for cover. If you can’t get cover move to concealment until you can safely move.

 ·      In case of an explosion, get out quickly via the safest and fastest route.

·      Avoid confrontations.

·      Avoid small spaces; avoid spaces like hallways as you may be trapped with no way out of the crowd.

·      Avoid law enforcement; if protests have turned violent it is likely that the law enforcement will react in case confronted

·      If confronted by Police, please stay calm.

I hope these will be useful and at least save someone's life.

SAFETY TIPS DURING DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS: (During the Protests)

While some protests remain peaceful, even a peaceful event can turn violent and confrontational so you should be prepared for  any eventuality.

·        ·  Stay hydrated.
·      Stay focused and beware of your surroundings all the time.
·      If your eyes are exposed to tear gas or pepper spray, do not rub them but use water to clean.
·      Beware of what other people near you are carrying, if the items seem dangerous, used to escalate, or instigate violence and if you sense danger, then move away.
·      Don’t stand near objects that could fall from above.
·      Don’t stand against immovable objects.
·      Stay on the outside edges of the crowd and maintain your options to exit quickly and safely.
·      Memorize or keep on your body emergency contact numbers.
·      Don’t say anything or give personal information.
·      Avoid public containers, e.g. dumpsters, cans, newspaper stands. etc..

I   I believe the above tips will help you during protests or even when caught up in protests unaware. If you feel there's more to it please let the conversation continue.

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SAFETY TIPS DURING DEMONSTRATIONS AND PROTESTS: (Before the Protests)

If you are planning to participate or caught up in protests/demonstrations, please follow these tips and always stay safe. Use the below tips even if you are not planning to participate because you may be caught up in the protests unaware. Therefore, if you hear of any planned demonstration near your area please beware of the below tips.

·      Beware of the environment where the protests will be held, identify multiple routes to and from the area. 

·      Go with someone you know and agree on where to meet in case you get separated. 

·      Let someone you trust who is not involved in the protests know where you are going and if possible, let them know how you are doing.

·  Carry water, mask, snacks, tissue, hat, sunglasses, first aid kit, any emergency medications, if you have a medical condition etc.

·      Wear comfortable protective shoes/clothes.

·      Fully charge your phone and consider bringing an extra battery pack and charger.

·      Do not go if you are unwell.

Protests are full of uncertainties' thus, be alert all the time and if you feel unsafe kindly do not go to such areas and if you are already there then find a way of leaving immediately.

ASSOCIATED DISEASES DURING THE RAINY SEASON

 We are in May and the heavy rains are still poring in most areas in Kenya. Beware that the rain is still heavy, and you should be keen whenever travelling or even the surrounding.

We should always be keen on the garbage disposal as these may cause waterborne diseases and even cholera. Let us keep o
ur surrounding clean for the sake of children and even adults.

THE EFFECTS OF THE LONG RAINS ON FARM PRODUCE

The long rains that have rendered some roads impassable have caused farmers to huge losses as their farm produce cannot be reached or taken to the market on time.

The most affected are the rural areas where farmers helplessly see their farm produce getting damaged.

In some areas farming has now become difficult as the rains are non-stop thus hindering people to do anything on their farms.

THE LONG RAINS CAUSE MORE HAVOC AT MAI MAHIU

The long rains in Kenya are experienced from March to May as the short rains are from October to December, this year the long rains have cause more disaster that in the recent years.   

The rains are expected to continue in several parts of the country with heavy downpour likely to occur as well as flooding in low lying areas and landslides in the steep slopes.

The rains hit hard in Mai Mahiu (Northwest of Nairobi) as it displaced and killed so many people while others are missing. The residents say the disaster was caused by water blowing through a clogged tunnel under a railway bridge.

FLOODS! FLOODS! ALL OVER: Beware of your Surrounding/Destination

 

Days of torrential rains have pound parts of Kenya, killing many people and animals as well as displacing many people from their homes. The rains began in March which was assumed as the long rains but have turned into disaster in the past weeks.

Always be careful and don’t underestimate the floods, some roads have been rendered impassible making it difficult for the transport sector to conduct its businesses.

WHAT PISSES YOU OFF WHILE IN A MATATU?

Matatus are public service vehicles, so please let’s try to be sensitive and accommodate one another. Here are some of the annoying habits that passengers have experienced while traveling using matatus.

WHAT PISSES YOU OFF ABOUT BODA BODAS?

It is high time Boda Boda riders got some training about road safety; with the rate at which this sector is growing something has to be done really fast.  These habits by motorcycle riders not only annoy they could also cost a life.

TRICKS CRIMINALS USE TO CARJACK AND ROB MOTORISTS IN NAIROBI

Criminals use different tricks each time to carjack and rob motorists in Nairobi.  It is good to try and unmask their tricks before many motorist become their prey.  From our continuing segment of how criminals operate, http://www.arrivesafekenya.com/2015/02/tricks-thugs-use-to-carjack-and-rob.html below are more of the tricks they use to carjack and rob motorists in Nairobi.

TRICKS CRIMINALS USE TO ROB PEOPLE OF THEIR BELONGINGS ON THE STREETS OF NAIROBI

These criminals don’t care whether their tactics would even land you in hospital; all they are interested about is what they could get from you. In addition to what was shared, here are more of the tricks criminals use to rob in Nairobi.

BE WARY OF THIS EMERGING TREND BY ROBBERS

The phenomenon of motorcycle taxis has become popular around the world recently.  Although in other countries it looks organized and secure, in others they are the biggest cause of accidents and crime.  Motorcycles are swift, reliable in times of emergencies. They slither their way through the traffic jam with ease and this is what makes them the best option for robbers.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING A TERRORIST ATTACK

No one would wish to be caught in a terrorist attack, in case it occurs at a place where you are.  If possible get up-to-date news.  Follow instructions as quickly as possible, if it occurs at a residential area and you are asked by local authorities to leave your home.   Protect yourself by wearing clothing that covers your entire body and don’t forget to take along your emergency supplies kit. Shut off water and electricity before leaving. Call your family contact; do not use the telephone again unless it is a life-threatening emergency. Below are the safety precautions in the event of a terrorist attack;

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR TERROR THREATS - Residential Areas

Safety Recommendations for Residential Areas

All they want is to instill fear in you, so do not satisfy their ego.  Continue with normal activities but be watchful for suspicious activities.  Enjoy individual freedom and participate freely in travel, work and recreational activities. Below are the safety recommendations if the terror threats involve residential areas.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR TERROR THREATS - Offices and other Buildings

Safety Recommendations while at Offices and other Buildings

The terrorist attacks at West Gate Mall in Nairobi Kenya and the recent one at Garissa University College were terrible, it is so sad that criminals can use religion to kill innocent victims.  At the time of the siege things are literally brought to a stand still with a lot of anxiety.  I believe recommendation number one has appeared in all the articles because it is very crucial.  Check this

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR TERROR THREATS - Public Places

Safety Recommendations while at Public Places

Public areas are more prone to terrorist attacks because it is an easy target for them. In most cases there is little control or restrictions at these places.  These areas could be at matatu/bus termini, recreational sites, stadiums etc.   Below are some of the safety recommendations while at public places when you have heard news/rumors of a possible terrorist attack.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR TERROR THREATS - Traveling

Safety Recommendations while Traveling

Being in a country that has been a terrorist target for sometime, I believe it is time we joined hands to help curb the vice.  Terrorists can burst into any place at any time. We can not be fully aware about terrorist's moves but we can be alert.   It is possible that before a terrorist attack, there could leak some information; these terror threats can help us take some precautions to avoid more harm.  Below are some of the recommendations you should take into consideration while traveling when there is information of a possible terrorist attack.

TRICKS THUGS USE TO ROB COMMUTERS OF THEIR LUGGAGE AND CASH AT BUS TERMINI

This is common in long distance bus termini, but we can’t dispute the fact that it also happens in termini with buses plying Nairobi routes and its environs.  It doesn't only happen at the most dangerous matatu termini but is wide spread.  When traveling using public means is at times very stressful and tiring. The thugs and robbers take advantage of the situation and confuse the already stressed minds of commuters.  Here below are some of the tactics/tricks criminals use to rob commuters of their luggage and cash.

TRICKS THUGS USE TO ROB PASSENGERS OF THEIR LUGGAGE AND CASH IN MATATUS

While in Matatus; most likely the prey get drugged and robbed of their belongings while unconscious as the thugs alight along the way leaving them with nothing.  Always make sure that you know where your luggage is and learn not to put all your cash in one place; even veterans get pick-pocketed and never realize how it happened. Let us be vigilant enough and uncover the tactics these criminals use to rob and get to know how they operate.

TRICKS THUGS USE TO ROB PEOPLE OF THEIR BELONGINGS ON THE STREETS OF NAIROBI

There are streets in Nairobi that are considered the most dangerous to be at http://www.arrivesafekenya.com/2014/09/the-most-dangerous-streets-in-nairobi.html, but generally it is also possible to be robbed of your belongings in the less dangerous streets.  These criminals are aware that people are discovering their tricks each day; therefore they come up with new tactics to rob from time to time.  These are some of the tricks used by criminals to rob innocent victims of their belongings on the streets of Nairobi.