URBAN SURVIVAL
“Travel Planning and Emergency Preparedness
for the Adventure Traveler”
Philip D. White, Fire Chief Ret.
pdw2759@icloud.com
Trekking in the Shadow of Everest
Exploring the Costal Waterways of
the Sulu Sea by Dugout Canoe
Cruising in the Caribbean
INTRODUCTION
Whether you are traveling overseas for business,
pleasure or study, the best way to ensure a carefree
and relaxing trip it to prevent problems before they
happen. The more you learn about the countries you
are visiting, the hazards to be encountered, passports,
visas, customs, immunizations, and other travel
basics, the less likely you are to have difficulties
during your travels…the devil is in the details!
Typical Problems/Emergencies
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Travel plans
Weather
Passport/visa
Theft
Illness/injury
Technological incidents (fires, hazardous
materials incidents, etc.)
• National defense emergencies (civil unrest,
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acts of domestic or international terrorism
Essentials for Survival
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Air
Food
Water
Shelter
Medical
Security
Transportation
Accidents Aren’t
Accidents Aren’t
Survival is a State of Mind
The Decisions You Make in the
First 4-6 Minutes, Often Will
Determine if You Will Survive
Rhode Island Station Club Fire
Prevention
• The role of prevention
• Problems and or
emergencies will occur
• Most big
problems/emergencies
started out as small
problems/emergencies
How to Call for Help
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Landline
Cell phone
Satellite phone
Radio
Alarms
Runners
Action Priorities
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Safety
Isolate/deny entry
Notifications
Take command
Identify the nature of the
problem/emergency and the
hazards that been created
• Review pre-event plan
• Develop and an incident
specific plan
HOW TO DEAL WITH THE
UNEXPECTED
BEFORE YOU GO
Research the areas you wish to visit:
•Internet http://www.excite.com/travel/before
you go
•Government
http://travel.state.gov
•Tour operators and travel agents
concierge.com and disabilitytravel.com
“TRAVEL WARNINGS”
• Travel warnings are issued when the State
Department decides, based on all relevant
information, to recommend that Americans
avoid travel to a certain country
• travel.state.gov/warnings list.html
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“How to deal with the Unexpected”
• Personal needs
• Notify family and friends if you change your
travel plans, miss your return flight, or
extend your trip
• Notify the closest U.S. embassy or consulate
if you find yourself in an area of civil unrest
or natural disaster
WHAT TO BRING
• Safety begins when you pack. To avoid
being a target dress conservatively
• Travel light
• Carry the minimum amount of valuables
• If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair.
Bring them and any medicines with your
carry-on luggage
WHAT TO BRING (Cont’d)
• To avoid problems passing through customs,
keep medicines in their original containers.
• Bring a copy of your prescriptions and the
generic names for the drugs.
• If a medication contains a narcotic, bring a
letter from your physician attesting to the
need to take the drug
WHAT TO BRING (Cont’d)
• Consider use of ATM/Debit Cards
• Consider taking two credit cardsMake two
photocopies (or upload to the “cloud”) of
your ATM/Debit and credit cards. Keep one
with you, and leave the other with family or
friends
• Obtain needed currency of the country you
are visiting in advance (usually cheaper)
WHAT TO BRING (Cont’d)
• Pack an extra set of passport photos along
with two photocopies of your passport
information page (consider uploading to the
“cloud”). Keep one photocopy with you,
and leave the other with family or friends
• Put your name, address and telephone
numbers inside and outside of each piece of
luggage.
WHAT TO BRING (Cont’d)
• Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual
observation of your identity or nationality
and if possible lock you luggage
• Use luggage anti-theft devices
“Survival Gear”
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SURVIVAL GEAR
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1 pocket CPR mask
Personal/family first-Aid kit
Comfort medications as appropriate
Water bottle (s)
Means to purify water
Energy bars
3 sources of illumination (head lamp,
flashlight, cyalume stick, extra batteries)
SURVIVAL GEAR (Cont’d)
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Multi-tool pocket knife
2-sources of fire starter with tinder
Money and change
1-30 gallon trash bag
1- locking caribiner
70 feet of 8 mm kernmantle rope
20 feet of 1 inch tubular, nylon webbing
SURVIVAL GEAR (Cont’d)
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Map, bus and train schedules as appropriate
compass
watch
sunglasses
Lip balm
Notebook with important telephone numbers
and addresses
• Foreign language quick reference card(s)
“Traveling Light”
Protect Thy Passport!
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
• Passport (must be valid for at least six
months or longer beyond the dates of you
trip) or other proof of U.S. Citizenship
• Tourist card
• Visa
• Proof of financial viability (may require
certain amount of cash )
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Passport Issues”
• Protect your passport
• Passport fraud
• Safeguard your passport
Visa
VISAS
• Department of State publication “Foreign
Entry Requirements” gives entry
requirements for every country and tells
where and how to apply for visas and tourist
cards
• Many visas require a fee
• travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Medical Emergencies-A Historical
Perspective Cont’d
• More than 30 million U.S. citizens travel
outside the United States each year
• Approximately half of all travelers to
developing countries will experience some
form of illness (travelers diarrhea)
• 5,000 Americans will die while traveling
abroad (Travelers more than 55 years old
constitute 65% of these deaths)
Medical Emergencies-A Historical
Perspective Cont’d
• Causes of travel-related morbidity differs
significantly from travel related mortality
• 20-50% of travelers will become ill
• The most common form of illness
experienced will be travelers diarrhea (TD)
• Less than 1% of travelers will die abroad
Medical Emergencies-A Historical
Perspective Cont’d
• Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause
of death (49%)
• Intentional (suicide/homicide) and
unintentional death was second most
common cause (25%)
• Infectious disease was the least common
cause of death (1%)
CAUSES OF DEATH IN U.S.
CITIZEN TRAVELERS
Adapted from Baker TD, Hargarten SW,Guptill KS: Overseas Fatalities of United States Citizen Travelers:
An Analysis of Deaths Related to International Travel. Ann of Emerg Med 1991 June;20(6):623
INJURY DEATHS OF U.S.
CITIZENS TRAVELERS
Adapted from Baker TD, Hargarten SW,Guptill KS: Overseas Fatalities of United States Citizen Travelers: An
Analysis of Deaths Related to International Travel. Ann of Emerg Med 1991 June;20(6):623
The “Others” Category!
INJURY PREVENTION
• Avoid Traveling at
night
• Avoid Motorcycles and
small, less protective
vehicles
Injury Prevention (Cont’d)
• Avoid riding in the
back of trucks
• Use seatbelts and
child/infant seats as
appropriate
Injury Prevention (Cont’d)
• Look both ways before
you cross the street
(70% of all motor
vehicle fatalities are
pedestrians
• If you must stop on a
road or highway, pull at
least 10 feet off the
roadway
Injury Prevention (Cont’d)
• Don’t change a tire on a
hill
• Don’t store fuel in the
passenger compartment
of a vehicle
Injury Prevention (Cont’d)
• Avoid alcohol
consumption when
driving, swimming or
other activities that
require quick reflexes
• Use personal floatation
devices and other PPE
as appropriate
Injury Prevention (Cont’d)
• Avoid unscheduled
flights in general
aviation aircraft
• Avoid close contact
with wildlife
Injury Prevention
• Use insect repellent and
netting as appropriate
• Eat well and get plenty
of rest
Injury Prevention
• Maintain good personal
hygiene
• Travel in groups or
pairs
Thunderstorms
• Thunderstorms create
several hazards. The first is
lighting. In addition, they
may also bring high winds,
rain and hail. Finally there
is the potential for massive
downpours that may cause
flash flooding either locally
or miles downstream.
Rain
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Downpours are common.
Rain may obscure your vision and
contribute to becoming disoriented.
Heavy rain may contribute to flash
flooding, either locally or downstream.
Wet/muddy roads and trails make
travel difficult. Fording of small
streams and rivers are not
recommended when it is raining.
Water levels quickly fall after the rain
has stopped.
ensitive equipment should be protected
from water.
The risk of hypothermia is increased
due to water chill.
Climbers, backpackers and other
outdoor enthusiasts unable to seek
shelter and dry clothing are most
susceptible.
Lightning
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If struck, it may cause burns,
musculoskeletal injuries, nerve
damage and/or death.
In addition, there have been reports
where lightening strikes on aircraft
and the resultant failure of the
avionics have been implicated in
crashes.
When lightening strikes vegetation it
may cause steam explosions in the
limbs and trunk of the tree.
This often causes splintered wood
and debris to spread out in the
immediate vicinity with great force.
In addition, strikes may cause dry
grass and chaparral to catch fire.
Precautions
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Watch for thunderheads forming in the late afternoon
If thunderheads are present, get below the tree line
If you can’t get below the tree line, seek shelter in a bolder field, cave
or other natural cover that is not located on a peak or ridge. If you are
bivouacked in a tent, stay where you are. Do not seek shelter under a
single tree, outcrop of rocks, etc.
If in a boat, make to port as soon as practical, if necessary maneuver
around the base of the thunderhead
If possible seek shelter in a vehicle, building or other manmade
structure until the storm passes
Consult the local weather report as part of your travel plans
NOTE: Lightning will strike the same place twice, three, four times….
Hail
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Hail occurs as a result of rain
moving with updrafts in the
thunderhead, until the frozen
particles become so heavy they
fall.
This process may be repeated
several times before the hail
reaches the ground.
Each time it moves up and down,
the hail becomes larger.
Hail the size of baseballs has been
reported.
Hail has been known to cause
injury and serious damage to
exposed climbers, backpackers and
other outdoor enthusiasts and
equipment.
Winds
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Winds may gust over 60 mph for
short periods of time with violent
updrafts and downdrafts.
Vision can be obscured by blowing
snow, rain and/or dust that may
contribute to becoming
disoriented.
Safe navigation of small watercraft
is made more difficult.
Unsecured equipment, tents, etc.
are at risk for becoming damaged
or lost.
The risk of hypothermia is
increased due to wind chill.
Climbers, backpackers and other
outdoor enthusiasts unable to seek
shelter are most susceptible.
Rain/Flash Floods
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Flooding is typically a seasonal event and
is often predictable.
This is more true of some geographical
locations than others. The greatest
danger from flooding is being stranded
until the waters recede.
However, if you are camping on a flood
plain, in a narrow canyon, river running,
canyoning, fording small streams and
rivers, you maybe at increased risk for
being swept away.
It is for this reason that consideration of
the local as well as the regional weather
forecast be an integral part of your travel
planning. to a fun and safe trip.
Have a back up plan in the event the
unexpected occurs.
Precautions
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Keep your eyes and ears on weather occurring upstream/river
Watch for changes in water color, levels, debris, and current
If you encounter unexpected changes, evacuate the area immediately
If you are unable to evacuate, go to high ground (get above the last
flood line using old debris lines as a guide), notify the local
emergency services if possible and wait for the waters to recede.
Don a personal flotation device if possible
If a rescue is to be performed, let the professionals do it. If this is not
possible, remember the old rescue axiom “first you throw, then you
row, and then you go”
Entering the water should only be considered by a members of a
rescue team who have been trained and are proficient in swift
water/flood rescue
Tornadoes
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These severe weather disturbances
are most common in the United State
from Texas through Oklahoma,
Arkansas and beyond (tornado
alley).
More people are killed by tornadoes
every year than all of the
earthquakes in the United States
since the famous 1906 earthquake in
San Francisco, California.
Unlike earthquakes they have some
predictability and the opportunity for
a warning to be sounded in the
affected area.
When the community’s tornado alert
is activated (siren), or a National
Weather Tornado Warning is placed
on the radio or television, you should
seek shelter.
Precautions
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Avoid areas of severe weather, travel at a right angle to
the storm track
If you are unable to avoid the area of severe weather, seek
shelter
Storm shelter is best. If you are unable to get into a storm
shelter, barricade yourself in an interior room without any
windows and a door that locks.
Cover yourself with a blanket/mattress to prevent injury
from flying debris (bathtub works well not a shower)
If in a car, park underneath an overpass, exit the vehicle
and wedge yourself beneath the overpass supports. If
this is not possible, consider parking the car and seek
shelter in a culvert.
Hurricane
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These severe weather disturbances
are also seasonal, and are limited to
lower latitude.
Consequently, The State of Florida,
the Atlantic Seaboard of the United
States, the Gulf States, Mexico and
countries in the Caribbean are
primarily affected.
In Asia they are called Typhoons.
The start out as tropical storms but
then begin to rotate.
As they rotate faster an eye develops.
Once the winds are in excess of 70
mph they become a hurricane with
potential to cause serious damage
and result in many deaths.
Most deaths occur as the result of
flooding in low lying coastal areas
by the storm surge.
Precautions
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Avoid areas of severe weather, evacuate when told
If you are unable to avoid the area of severe weather, seek
shelter
Storm shelter is best. If you are unable to get into a storm
shelter, barricade yourself in an interior room that does
not have any windows and a door that locks.
Cover yourself with a blanket/mattress to prevent injury
from flying debris (bathtub works well not a shower)
If in a car, park underneath an overpass, next to a building
or other structure to protect the vehicle from flying debris
Hurricane Storm Damage
Floating Market
ILLNESS PREVENTIONSAFE WATER AND FOOD
• Only drink or brush your teeth with water
that has been boiled or chemically
disinfected (Globaline®, Potable-Aqua®)
• It is safer to drink hot beverages made with
boiled water, canned or bottled carbonated
beverages, beer, and wine
• Avoid ice or drinking from a container that
was not known to be clean and dry
ILLNESS PREVENTIONSAFE WATER AND FOOD
(Cont’d)
• Foods should be selected with care
• Food that has been cooked and is still hot is
generally safe
• Fruits you peel yourself, it is generally safe
• Avoid salads, uncooked vegetables and fruit,
unpasteurized milk and mil products, raw
meat, shellfish, and reef fish (toxicity)
Medication Issues
DOCUMENTATION FOR
MEDICATIONS
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition,
you should have a letter from your doctor
describing your condition, including
information on any prescription medications
• Make a list of all your medications including
the generic names
• Leave all medications in their original
containers!
Regents at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
INFORMATION ABOUT
PHYSICIANS AND
HOSPITALS
• If you have any allergies, reactions to certain
medicines, or other unique medical problem
• U.S. embassies and consulates usually keep
a list of physicians and hospitals in their area
INFORMATION ABOUT
PHYSICIANS AND
HOSPITALS (Cont’d)
• Major credit card companies also can
provide the names of local doctors and
hospitals
• For detailed information about physicians
abroad , the authoritative reference is“The
Directory of Medical Specialists” available
at most libraries
Immunizations
IMMUNIZATIONS
• Under international health regulations
adopted by WHO, a country may require
international certificates of vaccination
against yellow fever and cholera.
• Check with physician/travel clinic regarding
current immunization status and the need for
additional immunizations and/or prophylaxis
IMMUNIZATIONS (Cont’d)
• “Health Information for International Travel
1999-2000”
• A comprehensive guide to vaccinations
recommended or required for international
travel
• cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook.htm
HEALTH INSURANCE
• Obtaining medical treatment and hospital
care can be costly for travelers who are
injured or who become seriously ill overseas
• Medicare/Medicaid program does not
provide for hospital or medical services
outside the United States
HEALTH INSURANCE
(Cont’d)
• Most medical insurance plans limit coverage
to the United States
• There are short-term health and emergency
assistance policies designed for travelers
• Read “Medical Information for Americans
Travelling Abroad”
• travel.state.gov/medical.html
Medical Evacuation
MEDICAL EVACUATION
• Although some health insurance companies
may pay “customary and reasonable”
hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for
medical evacuation back to the United States
($10,000 or more)
• Consider purchasing supplemental insurance
to cover medical evacuation
TRAVEL INSURANCE
• Highly recommended by tour operators and
travel agents
• Usually promises to cover you for
cancellation or interruption of your trip
• May cover emergency medical care
• Reimburse you for lost or stolen luggage
• Review the plan carefully!
Old Quarter-Casablanca
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Financial and Shopping Tips”
• Currency-Banks usually offer the best
exchange rates, learn and obey currency
laws!
• Mail small items-items mailed home are not
eligible for your $400 exemption, ask about
insurance, $400
• Value Added Tax (VAT)-VAT refund is only
for items that you can ship or carry with you
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Beware When Making the
Following Purchases”
• Wildlife souvenirs-elephant ivory, sea turtles,
crocodile leather, fur from endangered cats,
etc.
• Glazed ceramics-LEAD DANGER!!!
• Antiques-clarify if artifact or art is a
reproduction or original, if original, export
permits are usually required
Legal Issues
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Legal Issues”
• Obey foreign laws
• Avoid areas of unrest and disturbance
• Deal only with authorized outlets when
exchanging money or buying airline tickets
and traveler’s checks
• Do not deliver a package for anyone, unless
you know the person well and you are
certain
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Legal Aid”
• If arrested, ask the authorities to notify a
consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate
• Will advise you of your rights according to
local law
• Will notify your family and friends
• Will provide you with a list of local attorneys
to represent your interests
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on the Streets”
• Be aware of your surroundings. The most
likely places you will be victimized include
crowded subways, train stations, elevators,
tourist sites, market places, festivals and
marginal areas of cities
• Don’t use shortcuts, narrow alleys or poorly
lit streets.
• Avoid traveling at night
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on the Streets” (Cont’d)
• Avoid public demonstrations and other civil
disturbances
• Keep a low profile and avoid loud
conversations or arguments.
• Don’t discuss travel plans or other personal
matters with strangers
• Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who
approach you, offering bargains or to be your
guide
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on the Streets” (Cont’d)
•Beware of pickpockets. They often have an
accomplice who will
-jostle you,
-ask you for directions or the time,
-point to something spilled on your clothing
-or distract you by creating a disturbance
-a child or even a women carrying a baby can
be a pickpocket
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on the Streets” (Cont’d)
• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across
your chest and walk with the bag away from
the curb to avoid drive-by purse snatchers
• Wear hip packs in front of body when in
crowds
• Consider storing passport and other
important documents and money beneath
your shirt or coat in a concealed pouch
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on the Streets” (Cont’d)
• Try to seem purposeful when you move
about. Even if you are lost, act as if you
know where you are going. When possible,
ask directions from individuals in authority
• Know how to use the pay telephone and
have the proper change or token on hand
• Learn a few phrases in the local language so
you can signal your need for help, the police
or a doctor
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety in Your Hotel”
• Keep your hotel door locked at all times
• Meet visitors in the lobby
• Use the hotel safe to store important
documents, money and valuables
• Let someone know what you are doing and
when to expect your return
• If alone, do not enter an elevator if there is a
suspicious-looking person inside
Public Transportation
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on Public Transportation”
•Taxis-only take taxis clearly identified with
official marking
•Trains-Well organized, systematic robbery of
passengers on trains along popular tourist
routes is a serious problem (at night)
•If you see your way blocked by a stranger and
another person is very close to you from
behind, move away. This can happen in the
corridor of the train on the platform/station
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on Public Transportation”
•Do not accept food or drink from strangers.
Criminals have been known to drug food or
drink offered to passengers
•When possible, lock your compartment. If it
cannot be locked, take turns sleeping in shifts
with your traveling companions. If you must
sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage,
strap your valuables to you and sleep on top
them as much as possible
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety on Public Transportation”
• The same type of criminal activity found on
trains can be found on public buses on
popular tourist routes
Gridlock in Mexico City
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety When You Drive”
• When you choose a car, don’t go for the
exotic, choose a type commonly available
locally
• Where possible, ask that marking that
identify it as a rental car be removed
• Make certain it is in good repair
• Choose a car with electric door locks and
power windows, features that give you better
control of access to the car
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety When You Drive”
• An air conditioner, when available, is also a
safety feature, allowing you to drive with the
windows closed.
• Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat
belt, use booster seats and child car seats
• As much as possible, avoid driving a t night
• Don’t leave valuables in the car
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Safety When You Drive”
• Don’t park your car on the street overnight. If
the hotel or municipality does not have a
garage or other secure area , select a well-lit
area
• Never pick up hitchhikers
• Don’t get out of your car if there are
suspicious looking individuals nearby. Drive
away
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Patterns of Crime Against
Motorists”
• Victimization of motorists have been refined
to an art in some parts of the world
• Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations,
parking lots, in city traffic and along the
highway
• Criminals use ingenious ploys.
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Patterns of Crime Against
Motorists”
• Criminals may masquerade as good
Samaritans, offering help for tires that they
claim are flat or that they have made flat
• Other criminals get your attention with abuse,
either trying to drive you off the road, or
causing an “accident” by rear-ending you
• Others just smash your window at traffic
lights
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“How to Handle Money Safely”
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Do not flash large amounts of money
• Make sure credit/ATM cards are returned
after each transaction
• Deal only with authorized agents when you
exchange money, buy airline tickets or
purchase souvenirs
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Lost/Stolen Possessions”
• Report the loss immediately to the local
police*
• Keep a copy of the report for insurance
purposes
• Then notify agents for the travelers checks,
airline tickets, credit card companies
• Passport lost or stolen-contact the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“How to Avoid Legal Difficulties”
• Obey local laws and customs
• Drug violations
• Possession of firearms
• Photography
• Use of portable radios
• Purchasing antiques
Terrorism
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Protection Against Terrorism”
• Avoid travel to unsafe areas where there is a
record of kidnapping and/or terrorist attacks
• Terrorists are looking for easily accessible
targets who follow predictable patterns
• Schedule direct flights if possible and avoid
stops in high-risk airports or areas
• Be aware of what you discuss with strangers
or what may be overheard by others
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Protection Against Terrorism”
• Try to minimize the time spent in the public
area of an airport, which is a less protected
area. Move quickly from the check-in
counter to the secured areas. On arrival,
leave the airport as soon as possible
• As much as possible, avoid luggage tags,
dress and behavior which may identify you as
an American
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Protection Against Terrorism”
• Keep an eye out suspicious abandoned
packages or briefcases
• Avoid obvious terrorist targets such as places
where Americans and Westerners are known
to congregate
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Travel to High-Risk Areas”
• Discuss with your family or friends what they
should do in the event of an emergency
• Register with the U.S. embassy or consulate
upon arrival
• Remain friendly but be cautious about
discussing personal matters, your itinerary or
program
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Travel to High-Risk Areas”
• Leave no personal or business papers in your
hotel room
• Watch for people following your or
“loiterers” observing your comings and
goings
• Keep a mental note of safe havens such as
police stations, hotels, hospitals, etc.
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Travel to High-Risk Areas”
• Let someone know what your travel plans
are. Keep them informed if you change your
plans.
• Avoid predictable times and routes of travel
and report any suspicious activity
• Select your own cabs at random
• It possible, travel in groups
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Travel to High-Risk Areas”
• Refuse unexpected packages
• Formulate a plan in advance if civil
disturbances, explosions or gunfire occurs
• Check for loose wires or other suspicious
activity around your car
• Be sure that you car’s fuel tank is at least 3/4
full and in good operating condition
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Travel to High-Risk Areas”
• Drive with car windows closed in crowded
streets. Bombs can be thrown through open
windows
• If you are ever in a situation where somebody
starts shooting, drop to the floor or get down
as low as possible. Don’t move until you are
sure the danger has passed. If possible get
behind a solid object. If you must move,
crawl on your stomach
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Hijacking/Hostage Situations”
• U.S. government’s policy is
not to negotiate with
terrorists
• The most dangerous phases
of a hijacking/hostage
situation are the beginning
and at the end
• It is extremely important
that you remain calm and
alert to opportunities to
escape or survive the event
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Hijacking/Hostage Situations”
• Avoid resistance and sudden threatening
movements-unless you are certain of success
• Make a concerted effort to relax, prepare
yourself mentally and physically for the
possibility of a long ordeal
• Try to remain inconspicuous, avoid eye
contact and the appearance of observing your
captors actions
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Hijacking/Hostage Situations”
• Avoid alcoholic beverages. Consume little
food or drink
• Consciously put yourself in a mode of
passive cooperation. Talk normally. Do not
complain, avoid belligerency, and comply
with all orders and instructions
• If questioned, keep your answers short.
Don’t volunteer information or make
unnecessary overtures
WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
“Hijacking/Hostage Situations”
• Maintain your sense of personal dignity
• Establish a rapport with your captors
• Establish a daily program of mental and
physical activity
• Eat what they give you, even if it does not
look appetizing
• Think positively
Help from U.S. Consuls Abroad
HELP FROM U.S. CONSULS
ABROAD
• When to register with the U.S. embassy or
consulate
• Registration at the U.S. embassy or consulate
makes your presence and whereabouts
known
• If traveling with an escorted tour to areas
experiencing or other problems, find out if
registration is being done for you
WHAT U.S. CONSULS CAN
DO FOR YOU
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
In the case of destitution
Marriage abroad
Birth abroad
Adoption abroad
International child custody disputes
Death abroad
Other services
IN CASE OF AN
EMERGENCY
• If your family needs to reach you because of
an emergency at home or because they are
worried about your welfare. They should
call the State Department’s Overseas Citizen
Services at (202) 647-5225
• The consular officers in the country you are
visiting will attempt to locate you, pass on
urgent messages, and report back to your
family
WHEN YOU RETURN
• Confirm your return reservation at least
twice, and at least 72 hours in advance
• Airport departure tax-make certain you have
enough money so you can get on the plane
• Immigration and Customs-have your
paperwork ready
• Be prepared to pay duty on items purchased
overseas
REFERENCES
• Your Trip Abroad, Department of State Publication 10542, April 1998,
• The World Travel and Tourism Statistics Year Book, vol 37. Madrid, World
Tourism Organization, 1975 and 1983
• Baker TD, Hargarten SW, Gupthill KS: The Uncounted Dead--American
Civilians Dying Overseas. Public Health Rep 1992 Mar-Apr;107(2):155-9
• Baker TD, Hargarten SW,Guptill KS: Overseas Fatalities of United States Citizen
Travelers: An Analysis of Deaths Related to International Travel. Ann of Emerg
Med 1991 June;20(6):622-6
• Hargarten SW, Baker SP: Fatalities in the Peace Corps. JAMA 1985;10:1326-1329
• Gupthill KS, Hargarten SW, Baker TD: American Travel Deaths in Mexico:
Causes and Prevention Strategies. West J Med 1991;154:169-171
• Food and Water Precautions and Travelers’ Diarrhea Prevention, Travelers’
Health Home Page, Centers for Disease Control, December 8, 2000
GOVERNMENT OVERSEAS
TRAVEL RESOURCES
• U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs, travel.state.gov
CDC RESOURCES:
Updated Information
• CDC Health Information for International
Travel 1-999-2000, DHHS, Atlanta, GA
• cdc.gov/travel
• CDC Regional & Disease-specific
documents
• cdc.gov/travel/diseases
INTERNATIONAL HEALTH &
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
• World Health Organization (WHO)
http://www.who.org
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
http://www.paho.org
• International Society of Travel Medicine
http://www.istm.org
• American Society of Tropical Medicine and
Hygiene http://www.astmh.org
TRAVEL ORGANIZATIONS
• American Automobile Association
aaa.com
• Better Business Bureau
• bbb.com
• American Society of Travel Agents at
703-739-2782
SUGGESTED READING
• YOUR TRIP ABROAD, Department of State
Publication 10542, April 1998,
travel.state.gov/yourtripabroad.html
• BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK, most recent
edition
• Fleming June, Staying Found, 5th Ed, The
Mountaineers
• Letham Lawrence, GPS Made Easy, 2nd Ed
The Mountaineers
SUGGESTED READING
• Graydon, Don, The Freedom of the Hills,
1997
• W.G. May, Mountain Search and Rescue,1st
Ed, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group Inc.
• Ultimate Adventure, May 2000, National
Geographic
SUGGESTED READING
• YOUR TRIP ABROAD, Department of State
Publication 10542, April 1998,
travel.state.gov/yourtripabroad.html
• BOY SCOUT HANDBOOK, most recent
edition
• Fleming June, Staying Found, 5th Ed, The
Mountaineers
• Letham Lawrence, GPS Made Easy, 2nd Ed
The Mountaineers
SUGGESTED READING
• Graydon, Don, The Freedom of the Hills,
1997
• W.G. May, Mountain Search and Rescue,1st
Ed, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group Inc.
• Ultimate Adventure, May 2000, National
Geographic