Referendum alert mail

[NAPUKU ROBERT NAMAKWA]

Good morning friend.

Below is a forward from the emergency team ahead of the referendum..

If you can, take time and read through for your sake and that of your loved
ones. They say it's better to be safe than sorry ...thanks

*************************************************************************************************************************************

*From: Subject: REFERENDUM ADVISORY*

*Dear Colleagues,*

August 4, 2010, the day when Kenyan citizens will be voting on the proposed
new constitution, is quickly approaching. While the pre-referendum period
has been relatively calm, except for the grenade attack at Uhuru Park on
June 13, 2010, and a few incidents of opposing sides attempting to disrupt
the other sides rallies, we need to remain vigilant in light of the
challenges that such exercises have evoked in the past.

Overall, the available information indicate that the Government has put in
place national contingency plans to respond to any incident that may occur
pre and post the referendum. The measures include security response and
humanitarian assistance. Kenya Red Cross Society has been appointed as the
lead agency in coordinating humanitarian assistance in the event it will be
required while the Ministry of Internal Security on security measures. The
degree of preparedness is fairly elaborate and there is close collaboration
among the various key stakeholders.

*PERSONAL SECURITY DURING REFERENDUM: PRE AUGUST 4 AND POST VOTING PERIOD***

Police will be busy on voting day, ensuring a safe, free, and fair election.
Staff and family members should therefore pay close attention to the advice
below to minimize their chances of becoming a victim of crime.



.        Do not openly express preferences towards YES/NO sides.

.        Do not display campaign signs/posters etc.

.        Avoid wearing clothing, T-shirts/caps associating one with a YES/NO
side

.        Avoid areas of political tension

.        Avoid political rallies/large gatherings, and demonstrations.
Demonstrations, rallies, and marches are not spectator events.  If you come
across one while traveling, alter your route.  Such gatherings have the
potential to suddenly turn violent.

If you find yourself close to or caught up in a rally, large gathering, or
demonstration:

.        If possible, immediately turn around and go the opposite direction.

.        If you are driving a vehicle and can't turn around, park your car
off the road.

.        Get out of your vehicle and calmly move to the side or back of your
vehicle and away from the crowd.

.        Be polite and agreeable, and do not offer any threat or criticism.

.        If you are caught up in a moving crowd, move with them. Trying to
stand still or go against the flow may result in you falling and being
trampled.

.        Try to work your way towards the edge of the crowd by moving
slightly faster than and making your way diagonally past other people.
Alternatively, make your way to the rear by slowing slightly and letting the
crowd pass on either side of you.

.        Once you're out of the crowd, slow your pace gradually and get as
far away as you can.

.        If *shooting breaks out *while you are part of the moving crowd,
drop to the ground and lie as still and as flat as you can. Don't raise
yourself until you are absolutely sure that the shooting is over.

.        Do not adopt a fatalistic attitude and simply hope for the best.
Take precautions to minimize chances of becoming a victim.

.        Always plan your route before setting off during this period .At
least for the weeks pre /post voting, plan your travels carefully, taking
into account potential flashpoints before you schedule travel to unfamiliar
locations.

.        Be alert, particularly at the start and end of your journey or
whenever you have to stop.

.        Avoid establishing regular travel patterns by time and route. Vary
your daily routine and lifestyle (where you dine, shop and spend leisure
time) as much as possible.  Vary your times of arrival/departure from home
and work and the routes you take.

.        Do not stop if you notice any obstruction in the road (i.e. a baby,
an animal, bricks, etc.); it is recommended to immediately take evasive
action to avoid the obstruction. DO NOT STOP! Call for help while driving
away.

.        If you need to take a break from driving, do so in a town or at a
service station.





*Monitor local new media; radio/television stations, newspapers for updates
on the issues on the ground***



.        *Criminals might take advantage of prevailing circumstances so*:

.        -When your vehicle is left unattended, take all valuables out of
the vehicle; store them in the boot if necessary or take them with you.

.        -Stow valuables such as bags and cell phones in the boot or glove
compartment while driving around. Don't leave them in plain view.

.        -Have good situational awareness; stay vigilant, be alert and aware
at all times.

.        -Identify potential problems before they occur.

.        -While moving around, keep a low profile and try to blend in.

.        -Know your "safe havens" (i.e. busy malls, public areas, police
stations, guarded office space, filling stations, etc.). Avoid danger areas
and do not isolate yourself.

.        -Always look at situations critically. Look once, look twice, and
look three times. The situation might not always be what it seems!

.        -Take the usual precautions as you approach your home, making sure
you're not being followed or watched.

.        -Know what you will do when you are at home or arrive at home. If
you are on the brink of being attacked (i.e. robbed, hijacked, etc.),
quickly consider whether you have enough time to retreat into your
residential safe haven or need to cooperate with your attacker(s).

.        -Conduct periodic checks of your security equipment (e.g. vehicle
gate/gate motor, panic buttons, security lighting, etc.) to ensure they work
as intended.

* *

*EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS***

* *

·        Keep enough bottled water to last at least one week.

·        Stock up on several days supply food, particularly of
non-perishable food in the case of prolonged power outages (do not forget
pet food).

·        Refill your vehicle (s) fuel tank (s) whenever you can and do
preventive maintenance.

·        Maintain at least a week supply of prescription medications,
first-aid supplies and baby stuff (diapers, formula etc).

·        Maintain a supply of toilet paper, bleach, disinfectants,
batteries, flashlights, matches, and candles.

·        Keep emergency cash securely.



The Emergency Management Team in the respective offices will continuously
monitor developments during the election period to identify potential
security risks that may affect staff and families and advise all parties
accordingly.



*Know your warden and keep emergency contact information handy (at home, on
person, and at work), stay safe.*

--
Napuku Namakwa
The MOVE! Initiative
Missionaries On Victorious Evangelism

Moving everyone to God