PERSONAL SAFETY REMINDER
January 17, 2012
Norwegian media have reported a number of violent assaults in the Oslo area over the past several months. These include a daytime knife attack on a tram near Solli plass on January 5th and two stabbings near Oslo Central Station on January 10th. Parks can be especially dangerous, even Slottsparken (The Palace Park) across from the U.S. Embassy, which has been the site of multiple assaults.
The U.S. Embassy wants to remind all U.S. citizens to exercise basic safety precautions, even in a generally safe country like Norway, as you would in other locations:
1. If possible, do not walk alone at night. If you are out late, arrange to walk with others or consider another form of transportation.
2. Remain in well-lighted areas with heavy traffic.
3. Be aware of your surroundings at all times; see potential threats before they become actual threats.
4. Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, get yourself out of that area.
5. Keep your cell phone with you and charged to call for help if necessary. The police emergency number is 112, which you can dial from any land line or cell phone.
Individuals needing consular assistance from the U.S. Embassy should contact the Embassy by email:
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, or by telephone: +47 2130-8550, or +47 2244- 8550, after hours). The U.S. Embassy in Oslo: http://norway.usembassy.gov/ is located at Henrik Ibsens Gate 48.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's website, http://norway.usembassy.gov, and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, www.travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html," which includes valuable security information. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). |
