How to behave if you were kidnapped

In view of the fact that soon Lifehacker.ru part of the team will leave for 2 months in the Asian winter in my field of vision came across an interesting article in Wired about how to behave when abductions. In memory immediately surfaced vivid scenes of the "Bangkok Hilton", and immediately became somehow uncomfortable. I am well aware that these films are full of stupid stereotypes, but to err still stands.

These rules of conduct will be useful not only for those who have decided to take a chance and look into all corners of Africa, but also to those who decided to completely immerse yourself in the culture and life of the inhabitants of Egypt and even Turkey (we somehow has managed to get in Istanbul in an area where Kurds live - it is better to bypass it party).

Talk to people who were already in the country you plan to visit

Before a risky trip, talk with people who have been to these places. It's one thing to read something in the guidebooks, and quite another - to hear the story firsthand. In addition, it would not hurt to ask the political climate in the country, as well as local customs.

Another option may be a safety net of paper, your identity, with a lot of stamps and signatures. They can convince the kidnappers that you are too important to kill you. However, this does not always work.

Be careful and follow common sense

If you are going to a country where the average monthly income of the general population is approaching at a cost to your camera, try not to shine with precious things. For example, expensive equipment (a camera with a lens-gun on the abdomen), expensive clothes or decorations. Try not to dress brightly, so you can mingle with the crowd. It would also be a good idea to learn a few phrases in the local language, to orient at least a little in what is happening around. Women should avoid too open and causing clothes and keep a respectful distance from the local males (especially in Muslim countries).

Always carry at least a small amount

Worse robber can only be frustrated or angry robber. If he can not find anything of value with you, it may very sorry, and from the frustration just stab you with a knife. Therefore, wear better with at least $ 100, that as the price of your life for you personally do not cost anything, but to a thief it can be a fortune. But valuable documents (passport, driving license, card, etc.) it is better to keep in a separate wallet or a place where a burglar is unlikely to climb to look for longer after you have selected the wallet with money.

Conquer the location of the kidnappers

If you have already happened and you still kidnapped, try to win their location - it could save your life. Most companies are engaged in the protection, advise victims of abduction to establish contact with their captors. Try to talk with them on the subject of sports, family, perhaps religion. If they see in you is not just a thing for which you can get a ransom, but a man, you will have a much better chance of a happy ending.

take care of yourself

Do not give up food and water that you bring the kidnappers. If you sit in a room with no windows, listen to the sounds outside the room - they can be used to determine the situation and the time of day. Keep yourself in a state of cheerful through exercise. If you are locked are not alone, communicate with other prisoners, participate in drawing up a plan to escape, listen to everything around. So you will be more likely to remain intact and unharmed find out the reason and motives of kidnapping.

Be alert to the warning signs

Have you been abducted for ransom or for political reasons? What do you want from your captors, and if you have what they need? If their plan is your murder, their behavior would change dramatically. They may begin to treat you rough, stop feeding you. If you notice these warning signs better hurry up and try to arrange an escape.

Stay away from the guards

One thing to watch movies in which all the hostages rescued. It's quite another thing to be in a real situation. rescue operations are always very tense, so in such moments is better to stay away from people with arms. Your captors may use you as a human shield, or decide to kill all the remaining hostages from the hopelessness. It is better to lie on the floor, put your hands behind your head and do not make sudden movements, so that rescuers have not made the mistake of taking you for a criminal. If you can hide behind some desk or crawl to the bathroom - it is better to use it.

It may look funny for those who are accustomed to the standard type of tourism in hotels All Inclusive, but the situations are different and Now the world is quite difficult to find a place where it would be quite easy (explosion station in Madrid, the bombings at hotels in Turkey and Egypt, and etc.). So it is better before any trip to get acquainted with the local rules and customs, ask the political situation in the country and to respect the basic rules of politeness.

(via)