Security

We live in uncertain times. Like many places in the world, travel within Honduras involves certain risk to one’s property or personal safety.  We rely on the hosts and local leadership for up-to-date UMVIM safety information.  However, travel safety is also everyone’s personal responsibility.

Most UMVIMers will feel as safe in Honduras as they do at home in the USA, if they take some simple precautions. Common sense is always the rule. 

Your team leader, local Honduran pastors, and the UMVIM leadership in Honduras will bring to your attention any situations that would place you at risk.  Take their advice seriously. 

Most tips about security center around not creating temptation for opportunistic theft.  

1)          Do not take jewelry or an expensive watch.  Wear a cheap watch, and leave all but your most simple, unobtrusive jewelry at home.  Taking real gold is not appropriate—leave these items at home.  Not only will you be more secure, but more culturally appropriate as well.

2)          Don’t wear flashy or expensive clothing for the same reasons.

3)          Be discreet when exchanging currency in public or when making purchases. Do not display large amounts of cash.  Don’t flash a wad of cash when making a purchase.  When out and about, carry larger quantities of cash in a security “belly pouch” under your clothes.  Carry smaller quantities of money to use in your pocket (more secure than a purse).

4)          Carry any valuables in a discreet manner.  For example, keep your camera in a pocket or fanny pack, instead of around your neck or shoulder.

5)          While traveling, keep your passport and cash on your body at all times.  A “belly pouch” is best.  This flat cotton pouch tucks under your waistband and is hidden from view.  The more visible “neck pouch” isn’t as secure for passport and valuables. When traveling, the most secure place for your passport is to always have it with you, well-hidden and protected from theft. 

6)          At each site in Honduras, teams stay in a place that is secure for the team’s valuables.  The only people who will enter your rooms are either team members or trusted local individuals who will enter to clean.  Team members can tuck their cash and passport in an out-of-the-way corner of their suitcase and leave it there during work.  When you do this, carry your photocopy of your passport with you.

7)          Do not leave cash, cameras or other valuable items unattended while traveling or while at the project site, unless it is clear that the place is secure.

8)          In the daytime, walk in groups of at least two.  Please don’t go off alone anywhere, even to wander off to “see something”, “buy something” or “just take a quick picture”.  If the local pastor says that two people together is not secure enough in a particular community, or that you should be accompanied by a local person when you walk to a particular place, please comply. 

9)          In general, do not walk around the communities after dark (darkness tends to come earlier that in the US), unless the local staff specifies it is okay under certain conditions.

10)      Travel with two complete copies of your passport.  Keep one copy separate from the original (like your suitcase), and give the other copy to the team leader.

11)      Carry a list of medical conditions/allergies/medications with you.

12)      Never leave your luggage unattended in any airport, even for a brief moment.

13)      Please tell your team leader, or other person, if you are experiencing any problems or concerns.

 

Updated Nov 2004