Tips to help avoiding abduction in Kuwait

This post is mainly for women!

As many of you have seen... In the Middle East, being a women doesn't mean much! Women are treated more like OBJECTS then like human beings!

Unfortunately, Ethnicity also is a HUGE factor in how you are treated!

If you are an American, Canadian, or British you are treated better then Asians, Indians and Africans.

I am not sure why it is this way... But TRUST ME when I say that it is.

I read FAR too often how women are kidnapped, beat, raped or even killed.

 

Here are some tips to help avoid this.

1. Travel in a group! Do not walk around by yourself!!! There is a sense of power in numbers!

2. Do not dress Flashy or Trashy. We live in a very conservative country. Respect their culture

3. If you feel like you are being followed, find a security guard

(One day I was walking in Fahaheel. I saw a man 4 times in different locations... I started to pay attention and realized that he was following us (I was with my Nanny and daughter) I went into The X-Cite store and watched him for a bit, then I saw a group of Americans. It was 2 or 3 men and one woman. I asked them to walk us to the car, and they did) It is better to be safe... then to be sorry.

4. Pay attention to your surroundings. Look for landmarks. Look at the people around you. If you start feeling un-easy... Get out of that area

5. Do not take just ANY taxi. When you do take a taxi other than your usual, take a picture of the license plate or the placard behind the driver's seat. (If there isn't one, GET OUT of the CAR)

6. In the event that you are being attacked: FIGHT. SCREAM. Make a show! Hopefully it will scare them off or get you some help.

7. When you are driving and a man is trying to get your attention, keep your eyes FORWARD. DO NOT STOP THE CAR! I know it is scary, as they will get in front of you and push their brakes as well, IGNORE THEM. If you can, Get your phone out and take a picture, that generally gets them to BACK OFF!!!

In Kuwait,

Dial: 2389-9911 (On Post)

Dial: 112 (Off Post)

***Remember to always tell someone where you are going!!! And keep your CELL phone handy!!!***

If you have any other ideas that you might want to share... Please leave a comment!

Be Safe Y'all!

Just in case, Be Ready

Possible Demonstrations in Kuwait – December 10, 2012

According to media reports, there will be demonstrations on December 10, 2012, in multiple locations, including Taima, Ahmadi, Sulaibiya, al-Hasawi, Sabah Al-Nasser, and Al-Sabahiya.  An increased police and security presence is expected.

Spontaneous and planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Please avoid areas where demonstrations occur or are planned and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gatherings.  Please stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all times.  

******I have been getting a lot of these messages lately.******

Are you prepared in the event that something might "POP OFF"? I am sure that my DEAR SWEET Kuwaiti Family downstairs will take us in! BUT in the event that we have to get up and get out... We are ready. Never get too complacent.

 Everything is in place.

Here is a short list of things that you need to have:

- Passports

- Shot Records

- Clothes

- Medicine

- Important Documents, phone numbers (Make copies)

- Get Away Credit Card or Moo-La

- Small personal bag (Tooth brush, tooth paste, soap, deorderant, ETC)

If you would like to enroll and get notifications, SEE Information BELOW:

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://step.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   For further information, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information can be found.  In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook. 

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer. 

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov.

Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for 2012 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.