How to keep safe in crime ridden areas

This is the gun era and shootings can happen anywhere and at anytime. Before it used to be the case that if you lived in the UK or if you lived in some parts of Africa you were relatively safe. Not anymore. There are no safe haven anywhere in the world. 

In South America, the gang and drug culture is a huge problem and thousands have died of gun related crimes as a result.

In Somalia, gun related crime is so rampant that many parts of the African country are 'no go' areas. Last year, a British couple was attacked by pirates in a peaceful seaside resort and the husband was later killed. 

In South Africa, gun crime is also a huge problem. The country is awash with 3.7 million legally registered and even more illegal firearms. 

The national director of Gun-Free South Africa, a gun-control lobby group, Judy Bassingthwaighte has said that,"firearms have had really devastating consequences in South Africa and every South African knows someone who's been hijacked at gunpoint." This is quite sad!
 
According to the report commissioned by Oxfam and carried out by Gun-Free,  more than 100,000 people lost their lives in gun-related violence in the first 10 years of South Africa's democratic transformation.

The same story echoes all across Africa from Egypt to Libya, from Congo to Nigeria and from Algeria to Mali. Governments have tried to keep gun crime under control but still the problem gets worse. With the recent shootings of children  in American schools, attacks in Algeria and Mali, personal security has now become paramount around the globe. 

So, how can we keep ourselves safe from the rise in violence in our communities?

Here is the iShine Magazine keep safe top tips...it's not foolproof but it may help keep you safe until help comes. Teach your child these tips and send it to your friends and family:

Stay alert - on the streets, in cinemas, in schools, churches, shopping centres anywhere where people gather.
Use common sense - When you are in a  public place, don't give criminals an incentive. Dress plain and casual, avoid wearing expensive jewellery. Don't flash your fancy phone around. Keep bags firmly under your arm. Avoid using ATM machines alone at night. Don't wear fancy headphones while out and about. Never open your door to strangers. Keep your car windows up in crime ridden areas and lock your doors.
Remain calm - if you are under attack, it's difficult to stay claim but try not to panic.
Know your surroundings - Whenever you are in a new place, look around and be familiar with escape routes and hiding places.
Look for a safe haven - When you hear gunshots run to a safe place - in a closet, cupboard, store, toilet and so on. And, turn off your mobile, television or any electrical gadgets; that can make noises;
Lie on the floor - If you actually see shots fired, lie flat on the floor and crawl to a safe area such as behind - stray bullets kill more people as they try to run for cover;
Call for help - once you are in a safe place or out of danger.
Be still - Remain in the quiet place until things calm down.
Lock yourself in - If you can get into room, lock the door behind you or barricade it,  and look for another escape route such as a window where you can call for help or climb out.
Don't move - until help arrives.
Pray - It has been proven that prayer works. Pray for help!

Do you know any other tips on staying safe? Please, leave them by clicking on the comments link. Thank you!