A very warm welcome all of our readers!

 

In this issue:
1. “Kenya is Crying”

2. Security Tips

i).  If you have to Travel Outside of Nairobi
ii). Stay Informed During Times of Civil Unrest

3. Security Update – Join Our Mailing List

4. Road Safety Tip – Always Check Your Blindspot

5. Fun Tip – A Multitude of uses for WD - 40

6. Mechanical Tip – Battery Fluid

7. Driving Tip – Understanding Different Levels of Awareness

8.  What’s New –

 i). New Security Courses!
ii). New! Anti-Riot Glass Lamination For Your Vehicle or Home

9. Dakar Update

 

Quote of the Month:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

~ Marianne Williamson

 

 

 

 

"Kenya is Crying"

is the title of the picture above. It was emailed to me recently and I don’t know who the original source is, but I found it so touching and so pertinent that I thought I would share it with all of our readers. I think the drawing summarizes how the majority of people feel concerning the violence and deaths that have occurred since the elections in December. It is truly heartbreaking to have seen our country and our people suffering so much. We pray that Kofi Annan and the leaders of Kenya find a resolution to the political conflicts soon.

 

All of the staff at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School sends their condolences to all of those that have lost loved ones and friends during this time. We send prayers for those that are displaced and have lost their homes.

We plead to all those that live within the borders of Kenya, to reach out to their fellow Kenyans, no matter what their tribe is or who they voted for. We are all Kenyans and are one family. Violence is never the answer. Peaceful negotiations are the only way forward. Please pull together and pray for Amani (Peace).

 

Security Tips

- If you have to travel outside Nairobi

The political situation in Kenya remains unpredictable. It’s best to stay home, but if you have to travel, remember the following tips: Before beginning your journey contact your local embassy to make sure the area you are traveling to is safe; Listen to the radio during your journey for any incident reports that might be happening in the area you are traveling through; Remain vigilant at all times and remember to look far ahead so you are aware of any problems before you are too close to avoid them; Keep your doors locked and windows up at all times even when you are moving- if you don’t have air conditioning in your car, crack the windows only a few centimetres; Tell someone where you are going, the exact route you plan to take and the time you expect to be back  ; Make sure your spare tyre is in good condition, and have food, water and a first aid kit in the car with you; Don’t stop for people looking for help on the road side- they may or may not be legitimate- keep moving and use your cell phone to report the incident to the police hotline (phone: 24 00 00).

 

- Stay Informed During Times of Civil Unrest

Otherwise, you could easily find yourself caught up in a dangerous situation. We often put our head in the sand when it comes to hearing bad news. It's human nature. We get overloaded with it and just don't want to hear the "bad stuff" anymore. I overheard a group of women yesterday saying how they just couldn't face listening to the news or reading the newspapers anymore. It was just too depressing.

 

The political unrest in Kenya has gone on for over a month now and people are fed up with not being able to live their normal lives. Many people are frightened and confused, so they have a tendency to "switch off."

 

However, when you are living in areas of conflict where situations can arise at anytime, it is crucial that you keep informed at all times. You should listen to all news bulletins put out by the local media, read the newspapers, watch the news, call your regional security officer at your local embassy, contact your security company for updates and sign up for security news bulletins.

 

Remember too that there is a lot of “mis-information” floating around out there at the moment. Many things are taken out of context and sent out on e-mails and phone texts, which can cause fear and panic. If you receive information, make sure it is from a reliable source and check out the validity of the message.

 

Security Updates

If any one would like to sign up for our security updates, please email Kim on Kim@performance.co.ke. We try to get the most reliable and up to date information possible from reliable sources such as security companies, embassies and the Overseas Security Advisory Council.

 

 

 

Road Safety Tip – Always Check Your Blind Spot

When driving, keep your eyes constantly moving, scanning the road ahead and to the side. Check your mirrors every five seconds or so. When using mirrors there is an area on each side of your vehicle where you cannot see. You may not see people or vehicles when they are in these spots.

 

Illustration of driver's blind spots. Make sure you see other drivers and they can see you by doing the following:

    * keep a clear view when driving. Do not put anything in your windows that will block your view.

    * the windows should not be coated with any material that keeps you from seeing out in any direction. Neither should the windshield or front door windows be coated to keep someone from seeing inside the vehicle.

    * check and adjust your mirrors and find your blind spots. Check your blind spots by turning your head to look over your shoulder before changing lanes, passing, turning or before opening your door when parked next to traffic.

    * when making a lane change, check your mirrors for a space in traffic where you can enter safely. Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Signal when you want to move left or right. Check again to make sure the way is clear and steer gradually into the new lane, maintaining the same speed or gently increase it.

    * stay out of other driver's blind spots, especially large vehicles like trucks.

    * take extra care to make sure the way is clear behind you when backing up.

 

From Ontario Canada Road Safety - http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/blind.htm

 

 

 

Fun Tip – A Multitude of uses for WD-40!

Did you know that the product began as a rust preventative solvent and de-greaser to protect missile parts? WD-40 was created in 1953 by the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company.

The workers were so pleased with the product, they began smuggling it out to use at home. The executives decided there might be a consumer marker for it and put it in aerosol cans. The rest, as they say, is history!

 

It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. Only one of them is the “brew master. There are about 2.5 million gallons manufactured each year.

 

We all know that WD-40 is a wonderful lubricant for cars but did you know that it is amazing for thousands of other uses?

See below:

• Protects silver from tarnishing
• Keeps flies off cows
• Restores and cleans chalkboards
• Removes lipstick stains
• Removes stains form stainless steel sinks
• Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill
• Removes tomato stains from clothing
• Keeps scissors working smoothly
• Gives a children’s’ play gym slide a super fast slide!
• Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles as well as vinyl bumpers
• Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
• Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly
• Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades and other tools.
• Removes splattered grease on stove.
• Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging
• For fishermen! Spray a LITTLE on live bait or lures and you will catching the big one in to time!
• Removes crayons from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.

 

Mechanical Tip – Brake and Clutch Fluid

Brake and clutch fluid absorbs water over time, causing pedal pressure to become spongy and ineffective. In an emergency situation, if you have to use the brakes hard, the water within the brake fluid will boil and cause excess brake fade and pedal pressure loss. Therefore it’s very important that these fluids be replaced every six months.

 

Driving Tip – "Understanding Levels of Awareness and How they Can Help You Stay Safe" by Glen Edmunds

At Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School we teach that “awareness and concentration” are the keys to staying safe on the roads, whether avoiding a collision or avoiding a car-jacking.

 

With the advent of the recent clashes in Kenya it fair to say that most motorist are driving around these days in a state of awareness. But as things start to calm down you’ll see them going back to their old habits and start talking on their mobile as they drive or reading the newspaper as they wait for traffic to clear on their way to work.

 

Let me introduce you to a simple colour awareness system that can help you understand the various levels of consciousness:

White - Totally unconscious of your immediate environment.
Yellow – Generally conscious of your immediate environment.
Orange – Specifically conscious of your immediate environment.
Red – Armed confrontation in progress, not analysing, but reacting.

 

Most people drive around Nairobi in “white”, totally oblivious to what they are doing. Their minds jump from one thing to another with little awareness about their surroundings, people, or other vehicles around them. This leaves them vulnerable to not only having an accidents but also being caught up in a riot or other potentially dangerous situation.

People only move into “yellow” when they come across someone that they need to pay attention to such as the newspaper seller, a policeman, or street vendor, but generally that’s only for a few seconds. Then they slip back into their blissful world of total unconscious while they let the vehicle’s air conditioner cool their furrowed brow and the music from the radio lull them back into their favourite place of dreamland.

 

As you are driving down the highway dreaming of Jai Lo, the car in front suddenly slams on its brakes and you are rocked into the state of “orange.” With your heart racing, you dive for the clutch and brake, screeching to a halt. “Wow that was close!” you think as the smell of burning rubber filters into the car.

 

You watch the scenes outside with disdain, as people argue back and forth as to whose fault it was. Meanwhile, you move on and change into another lane, and leave the fracas to fellow motorists behind. You pull up to the next set of lights, and see the friendly vendor selling his wares. What’s it going to be? Peanuts? New video? Maybe a new cap for your son? Your window wurrs down lazily as you begin debating over price.

 

Suddenly, you faintly register a weapon sticking out from under his jacket. The rough voice commands you to move over. State of “RED” sets in! He’s got a gun and there are three others getting into your car. You feel the pain as something jabs into your ribs. There is shouting and confusion as the man with the gun commands the situation. Some stranger is now driving your beloved, hard worked for vehicle. He has no respect for it as he bounces off kerbs, screeches tyres, and over revs the engine.

 

More commands being shouted to you. “Phone!” You pass it to him. “Wallet!” As you pass your wallet you remember the ATM machine you have just left thirty minutes ago, when you deposited your monthly paycheck. As they leaf through your wallet and take out your remaining cash, they come across your ATM car and immediately ask for the “ATM number.” The whole situation is all happening in slow motion now. Even the car feels like it’s gliding and not moving properly. You feel like you are in a bad dream and can’t wake up.

 

Oh to return to “WHITE” - oblivious of your surroundings, occasionally reaching “yellow” only for a few seconds before drifting back into “white”. No soothing music now, no air con. Only three thugs sitting beside you racing away into the night. You kick yourself mentally as you think to yourself, “If only I had been paying attention!”

 

What’s the key to staying aware? Clearly you can’t be in the “RED” all the time. That would wear you out and you would soon become a paranoid mental wreck. However, you need to balance the need to be alert with the need to be relaxed. Generally driving around Nairobi you should oscillate between yellow and orange, only going into RED if there is a threat of an immanent attack

It is crucial to be aware of your surroundings at all times. In the mean time normal driving should be conducted in the “YELLOW” sector, moving into the “ORANGE” when you are suspicious of someone, or traveling through an area of potential danger.
 
“WHITE” sectors are reserved for home, when you can put your feet up, turn the TV on, and RELAX.

 

What's New?

In light of what is happening in Kenya, we thought we would remind everyone of the security services and courses that we offer. We have three new courses to add to our list. See below.

 

 

- New Security Courses

NEW! THE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT DRIVER TRAINING COURSE  (2 Days)
The modern world is ever changing and unpredictable. More people are directly or indirectly exposed to a wide range of security risks now than ever before. Riots, protests, mobs, ambushes and robberies are all becoming much more common place in certain areas of the globe and you can find yourself caught up in life threatening situations without a moments notice. This course is designed for both working professionals and private individuals that want to know how to avoid and or counter unexpected threats in hostile environments.

 

NEW! THREAT! THE HOSTILE REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS TRAINING COURSE – AFRICA SPECIFIC     (5 Days)
International NGO’s, UN agencies, Consultants, Diplomats, Missionaries, Journalists and Businessmen often find themselves in remote areas, facing harsh climatic conditions, amongst a hostile or poor population and with limited lifeline support. The aim of this five day course is to cover a range of essential survival skills to ensure that personnel deploying to remote and dangerous parts of Africa are equipped to counter a variety of likely scenarios and to ensure optimum chances of survival. Modules include: Regional Brief, Personal Preparation & Planning, Emergency First Aid, Field Communications, Air Support, Threat Scenarios, Vehicle Use, and Understanding Boats and Water Security. This course can also be tailored to meet the specific needs of your company.

 

 

NEW! 4WD SECURITY TRAINING COURSE (3 Days)
Car-jackings, armed attacks, and road crashes are escalating problems in developing countries. Whether you are a field worker or spend a lot of time traveling in remote areas, developing your awareness and survival skills is crucial to staying safe while mobile. This course teaches not only how to operate a 4WD vehicle properly and safely, but also how to avoid and counter threats in hostile environments. It also contains modules in field communications, navigation and first aid to increase your chance of survival in adverse conditions.

 

 

ADVANCED COUNTER CARJACKING WITH VEHICLE RAMMING & BARRICADE BREACHING    (2 Days)
This course equips students with advanced evasive driving techniques to counter carjacking situations safely and effectively. Understanding route planning, choke points, safe havens and surveillance techniques along with barricade breaching are all essential components. Reactions to incidents such as a hijack, road-block and ambush are practiced to ensure consistency and a conditioned response to a given situation through hands-on practice in “real life” scenarios.

 

WOMEN ONLY! COUNTER CAR-JACKING COURSE          (1 Day)

Women have different concerns than men when traveling from A to B and whether we like it or not single women are prime targets when mobile. This unique, comprehensive course for women begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing onto hands-on defensive and evasive driving. Special lectures are given on rape and rape prevention as well as what to do if you have children in the car with you during an attack and how to survive a hostage scenario.

 

 

- ANTI-RIOT GLASS LAMINATION FOR YOUR VEHICLE

Driving from A to B during times of civil unrest can be a very unsettling time and you feel very vulnerable. At any time you could come across an unruly mob wielding clubs, pangas, petrol bombs, etc. By putting a security laminate on your vehicle windows, you can be protected and have peace of mind. Thugs can attack your windows with dangerous weapons, yet the glass won’t shatter or break and you remain safe inside your vehicle. This also gives you time to escape. The lamination comes in clear, grey or silver shades and has a 12-year warranty against fading, peeling & loosening. Contact us for further information.

 

 

Dakar Update!

The ASO, the French organizers of the Dakar Rally, have said that the Dakar 2009 is very much alive and well. However, they may move the event to another location that isn’t plagued by so many security issues. Therefore, the new route for January 2008 is Chile and Argentina. Glen is also trying to salvage as much from this year’s Dakar as possible by taking up the offer from the ASO to participate in the Transorientale Rally in June, which begins in St Petersburg, Russia and ends 10,000km later in Bejing, China. Watch this Space! Kenya Kwanza will race again! All sponsors are welcome!