The holidays are here again, and everyone is excited about it. For so many people, it is time to travel to see loved ones, and do so many wonderful together. It also behoves on everyone to be conscious of the environment that we live in, also considering the security situation in the country. So many people have been victims of kidnapping, ritual killings, etc. Here is a look at some helpful ways you can keep yourself safe.



1. If you're a first-time traveller to a place, have a trusted travel guide: During Christmas, it cannot be displaced that so many people leave their base to celebrate at some other places – some of which they have not been before. If you are among these people, ensure you have a tour/travel guide. Don't be overly-excited of the new atmosphere such that you want to explore the place on your own. Stick to a travel guide who knows the ins/out of the whole place.

2. Ensure you walk in daylight or in pairs: Much more than any time of the year, December is a time to be very conscious and cautious. Whatever keeps you late at night for most times of the year should be avoided in December, and during Christmas. Ensure you have your plans properly mapped out that you arrive your destination in daytime, and if it is unavoidable to be home early, make sure you walk in pairs – it guarantees a level of safety.

3. If you're travelling, keep your travel plans offline: If you are planning to travel during the holiday season, be sure to keep your travel plans off your social media networks. Never post where you are going, when you are leaving, or when you will be back. This is prime information for a thief because he will know when your house will be empty. Even if you have the highest-level of security on your Facebook or Twitter accounts, posting this personal information is never recommended.

4. Notify a neighbour, or close associate if you're travelling: If you are planning to go out of town during the holiday season, be sure to notify a trusted neighbor. Ask the neighbor to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity. Make sure your house looks like somebody is at home to prevent a burglar. It is also important to let your close associates know where you are off to so they can quickly detect if something goes wrong.

5. Don't hangout with a stranger: As much as the internet age has afforded us the opportunity to meet and connect with new people and friends from other climes, it is safe to advice that one should have a second thought on hanging out with newly-met friends at this time. Dates could be inviting and destructive. Weigh your options very well before hanging out with someone you just met via social networks, emails or telephone conversation.

6. Maintain frequent communication: Your mode of communication with people should be heightened at this time. Be in touch with people as much as possible. Especially loved ones, and close friends, communicate your movements with them so they can be assured everything is all right.

7. Keep you keep your social media profile active: Ah, very importantly, you have to be reachable! Don't go offline at this time! If you've a device that easily saps power, now is the time to get one of the small mobiles that conserves power, such that if the other one goes off, you can easily switch your active line to another device. Your social media accounts are also key at the time. A tweet, a Facebook post, an Instagram photo share can let people know that you are alive. So, as much as possible try to maintain an active social media presence so your followers can quickly know if something is wrong.

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All of the above is to ensure you are safe, and to have a happy holidays!


http://www.newshelm.com/2016/12/7-ways-to-keep-yourself-safe-during.html

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Noted.

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