United States Embassy Lilongwe, Malawi Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Residential and Personal Security - November 21, 2014 Along with the rainy season comes an increase in crime rates. Incidents of crime involving expatriates, including U.S. citizens have increased, to include home invasions, assaults, and robberies. There is also a cyclical increase in crime during the annual holiday season as economic conditions worsen and gift-laden homes become targets. Recently, a number of home invasions have occurred targeting diplomats, government officials, and expatriates. These are only the most recent in a number of similar incidents that have occurred throughout the year. Please take the following tips and reminders seriously: Residential Security: Now is a good time to inspect and review physical security equipment and procedures at your residence. Areas to consider include: perimeter walls or fences, exterior security lighting, exterior doors and window grilles, alarm systems, a safe or “panic” room. Personal Security Measures: Be cautious and extra vigilant as you go about your daily routine. Criminal elements may be targeting and assessing you. Be a hard target: carry as little as possible when out shopping; travel with others when possible; keep car doors and windows up and locked; check your surroundings when entering or exiting a car; don’t leave valuables visible in your car; ensure your car is in safe operating condition; don’t linger in areas where you feel unsafe; and keep your cellphone charged and pre-programed with your emergency contact numbers. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Malawi enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Regularly monitor the State Departments website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, (including the Travel Warning for Malawi, if appropriate), Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for (Name of Country). For additional information, refer to the Travelers Checklist on the State Department’s website. Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips. The U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe is located at Area 40, Plot 24, Kenyatta Drive, Box 30016, Lilongwe 3 and is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30a.m. to 5:00p.m., and Friday 7:30a.m. to 1:30p.m., Telephone: 01-773-166. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, outside of business hours, the emergency after-hours number for the U.S. Embassy is 099-9-960-178.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Nov 2014 10:58:42 +0000
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