Spend Semana Santa
Anywhere, But Securely
Although Monday is the official start
of the Semana Santa week in Costa Rica,
unofficially it is tomorrow, Friday, March
26, as the mass exodus to the beach and
mountain resorts begins.
This year the ministerio de Segiridad
Pública, along with other government
agencies, departments and institutions, are
making an effort to everyone to enjoy a safe
vacation.
A total of 2.984 Fuerza Pública (police)
officials are on special detail to keep on
eye on vacationers, along with the full
entire force (880) of the Policía de
Tránsito who will be patrolling the highways
and bi-ways across the country, add to that
the 630 Cruzrojistas (Red Cross) workers
that will be manning 122 first aid ports,
120 ambulances and 10 boats.
In addition, vacationers will be under the
watchful eyes of the Organismo de
Investigacion Judicial (OIJ), the Direccion
de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional
(Intelligence and National Security) and the
Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería
(immigration service), among others.
However, officials are making a call to
every one to practice safe vacationing and
to heed to the advice of local authorities
on safety and security.
According to Erick Lacayo, director of the
Fuerza Pública, before heading out for
vacation keep in mind the security of the
home left behind.
Lacayo recommends to leave a trusted person
behind, not only to ward off potential
burglars, but also in the event of a fire or
water leak, etc. and to keep an open line of
communication with neighbours.
The Policía de Tránsito instill that people
map out their route before heading out and
checking their vehicles and of course to
drive defensively and remember that the high
fines and points system is in place as they
went into effect on March 1, 2010 and that
the legislative reforms have yet to be
approved.
Tire pressure, brakes, lights, windshield
wipers, are just some of the items most
often not checked before heading out on a
long trip. Ensure that an emergency kit is
in the trunk, along with a jack. It is
important to wear seatbelts, not talk on the
cellphone while driving and use child
restraints (booster and child seat) for
children under 12 years of age and be in the
back seat.
Another important reminder of the Policía de
Tránsito is not to overcrowd the vehicle.
The vehicle's registration, which along with
the Riteve inspection and Marchamo which
should be in the vehicle, spells out the
maximum number of occupants of the vehicle.
The Cruz Roja will have permanent posts
along the Interamericana (Ruta 1) as well as
other major routes like the Braulio Carrillo
(Ruta 32), the San José - Caldera (Ruta 27)
and the Costanera.
The posts are to provide first aid to anyone
that requires it and to staff personnel for
a quick response to emergencies and traffic
accidents.
The Guardacostas (Coast Guard) reminds
swimmers to watch out for strong currents
and high tides and waves.
Semana Santa is also a week of closures.
Tomorrow we will bring you a list of
announced closures for the week, that
includes state institutions and agencies and
banks and financial institutions. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
