Safety Abroad

When traveling abroad, it is recommended to become quickly acquainted with the fire safety measures in place in your accommodations. During the planning phase, it is best to request a room between the second to fifth floors if feasible; these floors are harder to break into but still accessible to firefighting equipment, if available. 

Once in your accommodations, inspect the room and determine if the windows are sealed or barred or if they can be opened from the inside and used as an emergency exit.  If a phone is available in your room, test to see if it works and know how to dial out in case of an emergency.  Also be familiar with the local equivalent for 911 – there may be a different number for each emergency service, so know what number you need to dial for fire emergencies. You can also dial the front desk staff in the event a language barrier may prevent you from communicating your emergency directly to emergency services.

Also familiarize yourself with the presence of any fire extinguishers or emergency exits. For planning your exit from the building, determine how many doors are there between you and the exit. In the event that smoke fills the room or hallways, you may have limited visibility. Stay low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation, which can cause significant injury or even death. Having previously identified the closest route and counting the number of doors between you and the exit in advance will better enable you to escape the building. 

In a fire emergency, if a doorknob is hot to the touch, this is an indication that fire is present on the other side of the door. You may need to turn around and locate another exit, such as a window, or use the phone in your accommodation to notify emergency responders or the front desk of your situation and location. Should you find yourself stuck in your room during a fire emergency, fill a sink or bathtub with water and soak towels. Place them at the base of your door or other cracks to try to minimize smoke entering your room.  This can buy precious time for emergency responders to reach you.

For more information, please see the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) report on Fire Safety Abroad.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of deaths of U.S. citizens abroad per the U.S. Department of State. Travelers who will be engaging in any water activities, such as water sports or visiting beaches, rivers or creeks, should be aware of the dangers which water can present.

Stop and assess the situation prior to swimming. Particularly when entering unfamiliar bodies of water, individuals should be cognizant of their ability to swim as well as be able to recognize signs of rip currents.  What is the weather in the vicinity?  Do not swim during a storm. Check for posted cautionary signs and only swim at designated beaches with clear warning systems (e.g. flags) or lifeguards on duty, if possible. Do not consume alcohol prior to or while swimming and never swim alone.

If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not try to fight the current. Instead, swim parallel or at a 45-degree angle to the shore. Many swimmers succumb by fighting against the current. For more information on rip currents, please see the United States Lifesaving Association.

Earthquakes are far more common than most people realize; in fact, they multiple earthquakes occur every day.  Some countries or cities may be more prone to earthquakes due to their proximity to major fault lines. Travelers to the Ring of Fire, a particularly active seismic region surrounding the Pacific Ocean, should be cognizant that large earthquakes are a question of when, not if. 

If you are outside during an earthquake, move away from objects that have the potential to fall, such as streetlights, power lines or even buildings. Once you are in the open, lay on the ground, protecting your head and neck by covering them with your hands. 

If you find yourself inside a building during an earthquake, take steps to brace yourself and protect your head. Most injuries during an earthquake itself are sustained either by a person falling, or by something falling on an individual.  If there is a sturdy table, try to accommodate as much of your body under it as you are able.  If available, place a pillow or other protective cushion over your head to protect it from potential debris.

Arches and frames are only a good option if you can extend your reach to stabilize yourself on the frame.  Contrary to popular belief, doorways are not a good option, as doors may move or sway, posing a threat to the individual standing inside the doorframe.  Be careful going outside during and following an earthquake, as downed limbs or electrical lines pose an additional hazard.  If you smell or suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately; fires pose an additional threat to safety following an earthquake.

Tsunami are large ocean waves that are generated by earthquakes or landslides which occur in the ocean. If you will be traveling to a location on a beach or near a low-lying coastal area, particularly in the Ring of Fire region, be aware that a tsunami can arrive within minutes of a severe earthquake. Even if you do not feel an earthquake, if you are at the beach and notice a dramatic drop in the sea level as water quickly recedes far back into the ocean, leave and seek higher ground.

In the event that a tsunami warning is triggered in your area, be sure to go as high and as far as you can away from the coast – ideally 100 feet above sea level or a location 2 miles inland. Stay away until local authorities advise you it is safe to return. Tsunami can continue as a series of waves for hours; do not assume that the first wave is the last wave.

Resources

• Ready.Gov – Earthquakes
• USGS – Earthquake Hazards
• Red Cross – Tsunami Preparedness

Like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions may occur with little advanced warning; however, they do often provide warning signs weeks to months in advance. Certain areas are more prone to seismic activity than others, and many volcanoes are known to be either active or dormant.  Research your intended destination prior to departure and know the area’s risk for volcanic activity. If the risk is high, identify evacuation routes or shelters and know the appropriate steps to take in the event of a volcano warning or eruption. Even if you are not traveling to a location at direct risk of a volcanic eruption, be advised that eruptions in nearby locations may impact your travel itinerary. 

Volcanoes have the capacity to spew ash or lava, contaminating the air, reducing visibility and contaminating water supplies. In a volcano warning, be sure to avoid the areas downstream of the eruption. Charge your electronics and be sure to keep in touch with emergency contacts as able prior to and following the event. If advised to evacuate, heed the directives early. 

Road conditions can quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or entering a vehicle. If you venture outside, carry a facemask and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation.

If you must shelter in place, make sure you have access to sufficient supplies of food, potable water and necessary medicines then take steps to seal doors and windows and cover ventilation openings. Inhalation of volcanic ash can cause lung irritation; it is particularly dangerous for those with asthma or environmental sensitivities. Ashfall can also cause irritation to eyes and open wounds.

Resources

• Ready.Gov – Volcanoes
• Red Cross – Volcano Preparedness

Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons are essentially the same weather phenomenon; the difference in language is associated with the region or part of the world in which they occur.

Hurricanes:
Occur in the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific Oceans. The typical active season runs from June to November.

Tropical Cyclones:
Occur in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans. The typical season runs from November to April.

Typhoons:
Occur in the Northwest Pacific Ocean. The typical active season runs from April to December.

Travelers should be advised to take precautions for any strong storms which may occur in the destination in which they are traveling. Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons have the potential to intensify, change their trajectory as well as carry additional considerations compared to regular storms such as high winds, storm surges, heavy rainfall, flooding, and even mudslides or tornadoes in some locations.

By their very nature, these storms are unpredictable and therefore travelers potentially in the path of such a storm should monitor the track of the storm and make safety plans according to the advice of local media and authorities.  Those in the direct path of a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone should take precautions to remain indoors and heed local emergency advice.

If a hurricane, typhoon or cyclone advisory has been issued for your area, make sure you have easy access to sufficient food, potable water and necessary medications to last you several days in the event of a need to shelter in place. Charge your electronics and be sure to keep in touch with emergency contacts as able prior to and following the event. Even after the storm has passed, damage to infrastructure (roads, electricity, telecommunications) poses an additional risk to individuals, and shortages of food, water or medical supplies may occur in heavily impacted regions. Downed limbs or electrical lines can pose significant hazards. Be careful when venturing outside in an impacted area following a strong storm.

Resources

• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• U.S. Department of State – Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones
• CNN – A Checklist to Prepare for a Hurricane

Flooding occurs when a large amount of water over a short or long period of time inundates or saturates the ground, causing water levels to rise significantly above normal levels. This water can come from storms, sustained rainfall, or even thawing snow. Low-lying locations closer to waterways have an increased risk of flooding. 

During a flooding event, evacuate the impacted area. If able, relocate to a designated evacuation location or shelter which is at low risk for flooding, i.e. higher ground.  If you are unable to exit a building due to high water, attempt a vertical evacuation by moving to the highest location you are able within the building.

Be aware that road conditions may be washed out and mudslides can occur without warning during and following heavy rainfall and flooding. Do not attempt to drive during a flood event and wait until infrastructure and local road conditions have been assessed by local authorities before assuming that it is safe to drive.

Resources

• National Weather Service – Flood Safety Tips and Resources
• Red Cross – Flood Safety

• U.S. Department of State – Crisis Abroad: Be Ready
• U.S. Department of State – Natural Disasters
• Kennesaw State University Office of Emergency Management

Pedestrians should always understand the flow of traffic in any environment. In particular, know whether or not cars drive on the left or right side of the road in your destination. At home or abroad, always look both ways prior to crossing a street.

When traveling in an unfamiliar environment, do not tune out important cues by wearing headphones while walking or entering crosswalks engaged in phones or deep conversations.  The assumption that pedestrians have the right of way and traffic will yield for pedestrians automatically is not always the case. Do not assume that traffic patterns and behaviors overseas will mimic those you are accustomed to at home.

Students are highly discouraged from driving during their international experience.

Faculty and staff who intend to drive while abroad should be aware of the local laws, traffic signs as well as road conditions. Weather may not only impact visibility but can also wreak havoc on locations with poor road maintenance. Know what the local roads or areas to avoid. Be cognizant whether routes will take you through areas identified as higher risk.  Prior to driving in a foreign country, determine what the availability is for roadside assistance. Intercity travel should only occur during daylight hours, particularly in locations with poor road infrastructure and maintenance, in suboptimal weather conditions or in higher risk locations.

In addition to poor road conditions, certain routes may need to be reconsidered or avoided in some countries for personal safety and security reasons. Always check with resources such as the U.S. Department of State country travel advisory for or Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Crime and Safety report for your destination to verify if there are particular routes that should be avoided.

Consider the vehicle safety as well as insurance. When selecting a rental vehicle, check for the presence of seatbelts and locks as well as assess the overall condition of the vehicle prior to and upon entering. Be sure that you have an international drivers permit or a driver’s license that is valid in the country in which you are driving, as it is illegal to drive without a valid license and insurance in most countries.  Also know the local emergency numbers and protocol for what to do in the event of an accident.  

Be sure to practice situational awareness and crime mitigation strategies when using public transportation, as opportunistic theft occurs worldwide and passengers utilizing public transportation or at stations or bus/taxi stops make for prime targets. Be cognizant of your belongings and take care at busy stations; in particular, beware of individuals jostling you. If traveling at night, use well-lit stations whenever possible.

Be sure to reference the U.S. Department of State travel advisory or Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Crime and Safety Report for your country of travel to obtain more information about routes which are particularly susceptible to opportunistic thefts or any routes to avoid, if applicable.

Travelers should only use taxis from a reputable company. If you have any questions about this, usually the concierge at your hotel will be able to assist. Many travelers prefer to use rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft, but there may be legal issues or other concerns with using these services in your travel destination. Do not share a taxi with strangers while traveling abroad.

When the taxi arrives, take note of the license plate and obtain the taxi driver’s information and also check that the driver has a photo id displayed; not only is this a good practice for your safety, but this information can be invaluable should you leave any personal belongings behind. Check the meter and agree to a fare before entering.  Have your destination written out in the local language, when applicable. If the door does not lock, sit in the middle of the seat to discourage opportunistic thieves at stops.  

You can find more information about what taxi services to use or avoid from the U.S. Department of State or Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Crime and Safety Report for your destination.

When using public transportation, attending events, or traveling out and about, it is crucial to be aware of crowd density as well as all entrances and exits. Frequently crowd surges do not become noticeably uncomfortable to those in the middle of them until it may be too late to easily extricate oneself.

Many people automatically use only main entrances or exits to venues. If you are attempting to enter or exit a premise and notice that an overwhelming number of others are headed to the same entryway as you are, take a moment to look for alternate routes that are less crowded. It can be a helpful exercise to identify multiple exit points when you first enter a space so that you know your options should you need to quickly make use of them.

Avoid any space or leave if you notice the crowd density appears dangerous. To ascertain the density, take a moment to determine if you have physical touch with those around you. If not, the density is under about three people per square meter. If you are unintentionally bumping against one or two people in your vicinity, the density is around four to five people per square meter. At this point, there may not be an imminent threat but you should take action to move away from the center of the congestion.

At more than 6 people per square meter, a crowd has hit a critical threshold and one’s ability to move and act independently of the rest of the crowd is severely hampered. You may or may not be able to freely move your hands. At this point, physical contact between individuals can cause shockwaves that ripple throughout the surrounding crowd.

Crowd crushes are often silent events. If you find yourself in the midst of heavy congestion and unable to easily extricate yourself from the situation, take appropriate steps to brace your yourself while avoiding any barriers such as walls against which you could become pinned, and shore up your balance. Calmly follow the crowd, without pushing, and take measures to protect your chest and lungs. Sturdy, flat shoes are most recommended for such situations, so it is best to wear good footwear if you know in advance that you are going someplace that may experience a large volume of people. Even if your footwear situation is less than ideal, the pressure and counterpressure of other people in the space should keep you relatively stable unless someone falls, which can quickly cause a domino effect if not addressed immediately. If someone near you falls, try to help them up without bending too far down or compromising your balance yourself.

Loss of oxygen is the biggest threat of a crowd crush. To protect your chest and lungs, raise your arms. You can make a “T” by grabbing one arm with your opposite hand or adopt a boxer’s guard stance. Keeping your arms at chest level helps avoid having them pinned and can give you the space you need to breathe.

If the situation is dangerous and you cannot leave, protect yourself, be kind and help others. A united crowd with individuals looking out for one another is more likely to lead to better outcomes.

• Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT)
• U.S. Department of State Driving and Road Safety Abroad
• Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights