U.S. county provides safety guidelines for foreign visitors

HOUSTON, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Harris County, the most populous county in the southern U.S. state of Texas, Monday unveiled guidelines for international visitors to stay safe during the holiday season.

The guidelines, provided by the Harris County District Attorney's Office, aim to educate international visitors on how they can stay safe and what they should do in the event they fall victim to crime.

Available in five commonly spoken languages in the region, English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese, the guidelines remind visitors and residents from abroad of such basics as calling 911 for emergency assistance.

The guidelines also provide tips, such as keeping doors locked, not leaving items in clear view through a car window, and not staring into a smart phone screen while being oblivious to surroundings.

There is additional information for victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault.

"We want our international visitors to know they are welcomed here in Houston, the most diverse city in the United States," the county's District Attorney Kim Ogg said. "We want them to have a happy holiday, but also a safe holiday."

Each year, more than 2 million foreign travelers come to Houston, which is located in Harris County. Enditem