Safety planning in Guyana combines disaster preparedness with crime prevention and support. Flooding affects the low coastal belt where about 90% of the population lives, while drought, wildfires, severe winds and lightning can also threaten people, infrastructure and the environment. The Civil Defence Commission coordinates warnings, emergency response, relief and recovery through an all-hazards system. Official warnings, local instructions and timely reports from affected areas help connect communities with assistance. Crime-related risks require a different response: the Guyana Police Force handles police reporting and investigation, while community policing groups and specialist services may provide prevention or support. Police statistics recorded 801 serious crimes in 2025, compared with 1,070 in 2024, but reported figures do not capture every incident because some victims do not report. A practical safety plan therefore needs both reliable information during emergencies and clear ways to report crime or seek help.
Safety in Guyana
Safety in Guyana covers both emergency hazards and crime-related risks. Flooding is the country's highest national disaster risk, while crime includes violence, theft, break-ins, domestic and sexual violence, cybercrime, trafficking and drug-related offences. The Civil Defence Commission and the Guyana Police Force provide the main public response channels.
Tip
Treat safety in Guyana as two linked plans: one for disasters and one for crime-related risks. Give flooding priority where it affects your area, follow official instructions during emergencies, and keep a clear route to the Guyana Police Force or relevant support services when a crime occurs.