Safety in Guatemala

I didn't want to write about this as soon as I got here, because I knew that I would get a lot of negative responses from a lot of people! One of my concerns before coming to Guatemala (and a lot of other people's concerns) was in regards to my safety here in Guatemala. Now let me start by saying, that I have not experienced first hand any moments where I have felt threatened or unsafe. BUT I have also taken a lot of precautions and tried to be as smart as I can be in all situations. I had one time where I had a kid try to grab at my purse. I am not sure if he was just seeing if he could get an easy snag or if he was only trying to scare me. Anyway, a lot of people ask, so like what is it like there, etc? Well, let me just share with you some of the "safety tips" that we were given at the beginning of the year when we first moved here to Guatemala and this might give you somewhat of an idea what our life is like here. (The parts that are italics are my own comments that I am making to go along with the safety tips!!)

Strategies and Tips to Enhance Personal Safety

General Safety Measures

1. Make a plan before going shopping; complete your tasks with purpose. (This is a hard one, I like to enjoy my surroundings and take it all in, not always have to just be in a rush and do everything with a purpose!)
2. Do not go to unfamiliar places where you might get lost easily.
3. Only take essential items with you when you go out (don´t take ALL your credit cards, only the one you need and take little cash). (This is something that I did even when I was in Korea, because of having to take subways, buses places, it was just easier to put only my essentials in my pockets instead of carrying a purse.)
4. Avoid talking about values and vacation plans while in public.
5. Verify that your home is locked. (Seriously, don't we all do this??? Unless you are living out in the country somewhere!!)
6. Do not carry your original passport with you if possible, rather have an authenticated copy of your passport with you. (This is something that I would never do no matter where I was at, not just here in Guatemala!!)
7. Don´t show CAG ID in public. (Our school is considered the most prestigous school here in Guatemala and a lot of people consider us to be very rich if we are associated with the school.)
8. Use Q20 phone cards in your phone instead of larger amounts. (This is about $3 worth - we have prepaid phones, so in case your phone gets stolen, you don't lose a lot of money. This is one tip I don't do!!!)
9. Avoid routines.
10. Avoid staircases-take elevators. (I live on the third floor, my building, I feel, is safe, so therefore, I do take the stairs a lot in my apartment.)
11. Get out of the elevator if you don´t like the look of the other passengers. (Again, I would do this anywhere!!!)
12. Avoid mass gatherings or congregations.
13. Check your credit card after making a purchase.
14. Carry medical information on you.
15. Walk with confidence; the bad guys will recognize this and will choose another more likely victim. (I am a pretty confident walker, considering we always had to walk so fast to keep up with my dad!!!)
16. Don’t interact with strangers.
17. Go out in groups. (One that I do all the time, even though it sucks to not be able to go places alone!!!)
18. Remain in well-lit areas and avoid zones that have been established as particularly risky.
19. Get a local credit card with a Q3,000 limit and carry it when you go out. (I have a local bank card that I carry with me, and I don't keep more than about Q3,000 in my account - that is about $425)
20. Be aware of people around you. (Again, I do this anywhere)
21. Comply with the assailants’ demands.
22. Do not stop to help anyone who seems to be in need; assailants often use babies and children as decoys to capture the attention of potential victims.

Communications

1. Memorize a few key telephone numbers; do not over-rely on your cellular telephone. (Most muggings are just for the items, cell phones are a commonly stolen item)
2. Keep a public phone calling card with you.
3. Avoid saving telephone numbers on your cellular telephone with nicknames that indicate personal relationships such as Mom, Hubby, etc. (They told us that if your cell phone gets stolen, often times they will look for a number like this to call and tell the person they kidnapped you, even though they didn't, and try to get money from someone)
4. Save telephone numbers on your cellular telephone with the person’s first name and first initial of their last name only.
5. Do not go to the Shell gas station by the Mormon Church on Vista Hermosa.
6. Keep your cellular phone charged. (Again, a good rule of thumb anywhere)
7. Store key emergency telephone response numbers on speed dial on your cellular telephone.

Driving in Your Car

1. Get into and out of your car as quickly as possible.
2. Know alternate routes to and from work and your home.
3. Check around your car when you enter and leave your home.
4. Keep your windows closed and your doors locked.
5. When possible, park backwards so that you can pull out more quickly if necessary.
6. If a gun is pointed at your window, do not lower the window, but rather crash your car into the car in front of you.
7. Store any objects of value out of sight from the window (in the trunk or under a jacket).
8. Look at your seats before getting into your car.
9. If you can see the back right tire of the car in front of you on the asphalt, then you can pull into another lane without hitting the car.
10. Do NOT stop to purchase anything from vendors in the streets (newspapers, telephone cards, flowers, etc.).
11. If you are in an accident, stay in the car and call someone reliable to help you.
12. Avoid driving near two men riding on a motorcycle.
13. If you feel that you are being followed, continue to drive in public places, try to lose the car by speeding up and slowing down and turning corners and observing through your rear view mirror. Do not go to your destination. Call someone reliable and describe exactly where you are located and the kind of car that is following you.
14. If being followed, go to a gas station. Typically they are very well lit and have security systems (except the one near the Mormon church).

At the Airport

1. NEVER rent a car from the airport’s rental agency.
2. Do not wait for people with signs indicating the name of the school or their names.
3. Never accept help to manage your bags for a fee.
4. Try to avoid taking a cab from the airport. If you must, call a yellow cab or "Taxi Amarillo" at 2332-1515. Program this number in your phone.
5. Do not wait for passengers to exit from airport terminal while waiting in your car at the curb. Instead, park inside of the parking garage at the airport. This way they cannot link you, your passengers, bags, valuables and your car).

Key concepts to remember

1. These crimes are not personal; they are a business. If you are savvy and make it more complicated for the criminal, they will seek another victim.
2. Use the element of surprise you in your favor.
3. Make advance plans for all eventualities.
4. Think about what could happen as a result of the loss of your information (i.e. data bases, telephone numbers, personal information, etc.) How can you protect this information in advance?

That was the presentation given to use like first week that we were here in Guatemala. It definitely scared some people a lot, but just made us all think about our safety and some extra precautions I have to take being here. Living in Korea, I did a lot of things that were probably good safety measures, but were not necessarily things that I HAD to do. I never once questioned my safety ANYWHERE while I was in Korea. I could walk places by myself, I could go out at night with friends (guys or girls only), we could take the buses, we could take any taxis on the streets. It was so easy to get around. It's not here. This has just changed my lifestyle a little bit and I'm sure the longer I am here, the more places I will get to know and feel more comfortable going places. Anyway, I just wanted to give some of you an idea of what life is like here. :)