Tag Archives: emergency

Travel Safety Tips

By Christine Connally

As warmer weather comes our way and Spring Break approaches, many of you may have vacation plans. Please consider these tips:  Always leave a number with your host family where you can be reached. If you haven’t made photocopies of your most important documents (passport and visas), remember to do so before you take those documents on a trip. In case of loss or theft, the photocopies cannot substitute for originals, but they may help you get replacement papers sooner.

  • Always have the APIA 24 hour emergency number with you 1 800 928 7247
  • Travel with other au pairs or friends as there is safety in numbers
  • If traveling outside the US get your DS-2019 Travel Validation Form signed
  • Call the consulate of the country you are visiting in case you need a tourist visa
  • Let your counselor know you will be traveling, especially if going outside the US
  • Stay alert
  • Never leave your luggage unattended
  • Don’t put any valuables in luggage that you check
  • Keep your travel tickets, passport and visa in a safe closed bag or pocket, not sticking out of an outer pocket
  • Never carry a large amount of cash
  • Carry your cash separate from your wallet. Keep both in an inner or front pocket
  • Carry handbags and cameras close to you, not hanging by a long strap
  • Don’t put valuables in an easy-to-reach backpack
  • If you are bumped or distracted by a stranger, be aware that a pickpocket may be targeting you.
  • Call 911 for police assistance.Family with Sandy Feet

Dial 9-1-1 for Fire, Police or Ambulance

Photo Credit: Taber Andrew Bain (Flickr)

Photo Credit: Taber Andrew Bain (Flickr)

Excerpt from Kids Health by Nemours

Emergencies don’t happen very often. But when they do, you want to get help fast. No one wants to spend time looking up the phone number. That’s why 911 was created — to make it easy. In the United States, dialing 911 on your phone is the fastest way you can get help for yourself or someone else.

Not too many years ago, people had to find the right phone number in an emergency. Today, it’s as simple as dialing 911. With those three numbers, you can reach the fire department, the police, or an ambulance. When you call 911, an emergency operator — called a dispatcher — immediately connects you to the person you need.

Speak slowly and clearly when you explain what’s happening. The 911 emergency dispatcher may ask you what, where, and who questions such as these:

  • What is the emergency?
  • What happened?
  • Where are you?
  • Who needs help?
  • Who is with you?
  • Are you safe where you are?

If you do have to call 911 in an emergency, be sure to stay on the phone. Do not hang up until the 911 operator tells you it’s OK to do so. That way, you can be sure that the operator has all the information to get help to you fast!