Miscellaneous Safety Tips

Women Traveling Have Unique Concerns

SAFE TRAVELER TIPS FOR WOMEN

While most of the concerns faced by travelers are universal and the precautions necessary to help ensure a safe, pleasant and product trip apply equally to men or women, there are unique concerns faced by women. Knowing how to avoid potential problems and minimize risks will provide peace-of-mind and make travels more hassle-free. Safe Traveler has complied a list of simple tips that any women traveling should remember and apply, whether traveling abroad to a new destination or returning to a familiar locale.

TIP 1: When making your reservations, verify that your hotel has an active 24-hour security program, including surveillance cameras in key areas such as the garage and vulnerable perimeter areas (for example, if the hotel backs to a dark alley). Never book on the first floor or lower floors if there are balconies.

TIP 2: Whenever possible, try to arrive in daylight and arrange transportation ahead of time. Use only licensed taxis or transportation arranged by your hotel.

TIP 3: When going to your room for the first time, have the bellman carry your bags and act as security. Allow him to open the door, turn on the lights and ensure the room is vacant. Before dismissing him, inspect the door lock, locks on sliding glass doors and windows, door latch and/or chain, room safe, lock on interconnecting doors, the telephone and the fire alarm.

TIP 4: Speak with the bellman, concierge and front desk regarding safe areas around the city in which to jog, dine or sightsee. Ask about local customs and which taxis or other public transportation to use or avoid. Ask about the local 911-type emergency number and how to use the local telephone system. Plan your route ahead of time and privately.

TIP 5: Keep a "do not disturb" sign on your outside door at all times, giving the impression that the room is occupied-whether it is or not. Never enter your hotel room if the door is ajar.

TIP 6: Don't look like a tourist; no perusing maps, wandering around bewildered or cameras on display. Try to dress like the locals (do heads need to be covered, are their arms /legs bare, etc.), appear confident, and walk with purpose. Learn local customs; do your homework.

TIP 7: Don't wear expensive clothes or jewelry. Even inexpensive jewelry can attract attention. Consider leaving your jewelry at home. In some countries, however, wearing some type of band on your wedding ring finger may help deter unwanted male attention.

TIP 8: Meet people, especially strangers, in the hotel lobby, not in your room. And watch your drinking and your drinks.

TIP 9: Be cautious about discussing personal matters, your itinerary, mode of transportation or other arrangements with strangers or where people may overhear you.

TIP 10: Do not hang purses on hooks on the inside of lavatory doors, nor place them on the floor in stalls, which are two favorite locations for grab-and-run thieves.

TIP 11: Carry a few emergency bills in your bra and give up your purse if accosted. Do not carry passports, tickets or other documents in your purse.

TIP 12: Be vigilant. Watch the crowds. Anticipate problems. For example, don't enter an elevator or train compartment if you are the only person.

TIP 13: Carry a small strong light.

TIP 14: Follow your instincts. If you get that hair standing up on the back of your neck feeling, don't talk yourself out of it. Get away from the situation you are in and get quickly to an area of safety.

Advice for Travelers on Preparing for and Surviving Hurricanes & Tropical Storms

Even when facing a hurricane at home, it can be a stressful and dangerous situation. When traveling, particularly in an unfamiliar area, the stress and danger can be compounded. You may feel isolated, especially if you are not fluent in the local language, and uncertain of your options or the best course of action. The following tips are designed to prove some general information and guidelines to help you in the even you are traveling and face the threat of a hurricane.

Remember, the most important advice is to stay informed. Know as much as you can about the situation and your options. Seek out information from officials and establish open lines of communication.

Hurricanes, also called tropical cyclones or typhoons (depending on where in the world they occur), are low pressure weather systems that most-often form in the tropics. Hurricanes are among the world's most destructive weather phenomena; that damage is usually due to flooding and/or high winds. Cyclones require tremendous energy to develop. The warm, moisture-laden air of the tropics contains this energy, thus most hurricanes develop within 20 degrees of the equator and begin to dissipate as they move into mid-latitudes. (The three terms for hurricanes mean the same thing and are used interchangeably here.) These tropical weather systems are classified as follows:

• Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (61 kph) or less.

• Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph (63-118 kph).

• Hurricane/Tropical Cyclone/Typhoon: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (118 kph) or higher.

Hurricanes are categorized according to the strength of their winds using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.

Category 1 will have winds of 74-95 mph/119-153 kph. Damage will be minimal affecting mostly: unsecured mobile homes, vegetation and signs. Expect a storm surge of 4-5 ft/1.2-1.5 m

Category 2 will have winds of 96-110 mph/154-177 kph. Damage will be moderate affecting mostly all mobile homes, roofs, small boats, flooding. Expect a storm surge of 6-8 ft/1.8-2.4 m

Category 3 will have winds of 111-130 mph/179-209 kph. Damage will be extensive affecting mostly: Small buildings, low-lying roads flooded. Expect a storm surge of 9-12 ft/2.7-3.6 m

Category 4 will have winds of 131-155 mph/211-249 kph. Damage will be extreme. Expect roofs destroyed, felled trees, roads cut-off, mobile homes destroyed. Beach homes flooded. Expect a storm surge of 13-18 ft/4-5.5 m

Category 5 will have winds with speeds greater than 155 mph/249 kph Damage will be catastrophic. Buildings and vegetation will be destroyed. Major roads cut-off. Homes flooded. Expect a storm surge of greater than 18 ft/5.5 m

Note: Storms may have, for example, Category 2 winds and a Category 4 storm surge; forecasters use the wind speed when determining a storm's Saffir-Simpson category. Pay attention to weather reports and ensure you understand the storm's real threat to your area.

Preparing for a Hurricane

Tropical forecasting has advanced significantly in recent years, and in most cases meteorologists provide a fairly accurate forecast of where a storm will strike at least 36 hours in advance. Often, persons in a storm's path will have three days or more to prepare. If you know a hurricane is headed your way, even if the precise area of impact is uncertain, begin making basic preparations, including:

• Contact your travel agent or airline for updates and information on travel options. Websites such as Farecompare.com provide information on most available flights in all price ranges. Departing flights will book quickly so you must determine as early as possible, based on the available information what your flight options are.

• If you are on a cruise, ask officials for updates. Typically cruise ships will plan to sail around the storm which may mean changes in your ports of call. If you have not departed for your cruise, contact your travel agent or cruise officials to determine if the cruise will depart as scheduled or if ports-of-call will be changed. Ask also what their cancellation policy is if you feel uncomfortable taking the cruise.

• If you are on your vacation and may not be able to evacuate, learn the most likely hazards you will face if the storm strikes your area. Some locations are more vulnerable to storm surge (for example, low-lying areas near shallow bays) while others are more susceptible to wind damage or landslides (which can occur after significant rain). You could face the greatest threat from the building you are in, if it is poorly constructed.

• Discuss evacuation plans and preparations with hotel or resort personnel. Do not wait to be contacted. Be proactive and speak with the appropriate personnel. It may also be advisable to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to make certain they are aware you are in the country and determine if they have any plans in place for evacuating or sheltering U.S. Citizens.

• Determine where you will go if it becomes clear that the storm will impact your area. You may decide to stay where you are (for example, if you are in a sturdy building on relatively high ground), or move to another building in the local area. You may also decide that leaving the area will be the best strategy; in that case, learn the best evacuation routes and find out in advance how congested they become during evacuations, and plan accordingly.

• Once you know a storm strike is almost certain, follow the recommendations of hotel and/or resort personnel for sheltering in place or evacuating to shelters. You may be asked to leave luggage behind. Take essential personal effects (passport, medications, cash, credit cards, ID, etc) and ask the hotel to secure your other valuables. Ask for bag tags or receipts.

• If you are staying in an unsupervised location buy enough bottled water to last a few days - whether you are staying or evacuating - and non-perishable food, such as energy bars, in case you become stranded. Also, ensure you have a flashlight with extra batteries.
• Contact someone out of the area and inform them of your plans (whether you are staying or evacuating).

• If traveling with pets, plan on their evacuation as well. Most hurricane shelters will not admit pets without proof of up-to-date vaccinations (such as a rabies tag).

• Even a Category 1 storm can knock out communications systems, including cell phone towers. Do not assume you will be able to make calls or have Internet access during a storm. Depending on wind speeds and other conditions, local authorities may shut off electrical power hours before the brunt of a storm hits an area. Ensure you have a radio with extra batteries, and be prepared to live without electrical power and communications for a few days.

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane watch is issued, the storm will affect the local area in 24 to 36 hours. Travelers should be prepared to:

• Monitor local media for updated forecasts and evacuation notices.

• Secure belongings. Review safe areas. If you have a vehicle ensure it has a full fuel tank.

• Review evacuation plans. Obey evacuation orders issued by authorities. Evacuations may be voluntary or mandatory, or may apply only to non-residents. Make sure you fully understand the order.

• If unable to evacuate or not ordered to do so, stay indoors and away from glass windows and doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Turn refrigerator to lowest setting and shut off utilities if instructed to do so.

• During periods of high winds, take shelter well in the interior of your building lodging and close all interior doors. Secure and brace all exterior doors. Do not stay on the top floor of a building, which could become unsafe if the roof is damaged or destroyed.

What To Do After a Hurricane

Once the storm has passed, there are a number of residual threats that pose problems to travelers. If you are in a shelter seek out officals to determine their advice and/or orders. Remember, just because the storm has passed do not me the situation is no longer dangerous. If you or anyone else in your party needs medical attention, render as much aid as you are capable/qualifed and notify the appropriate officials. Additionally you should:

• Monitor local media for information related to medical treatment, potable water and food supply and availability of shelter.

• Remain in your safe location until authorities state it is safe to leave, especially if you want to return to an area that had been evacuated.

• Limit driving. Streets will be strewn with debris - and possibly downed power lines - and authorities will be working on clean up, restoring power and other safety issues. Avoid flooded roads and waterways.

• Do not drink or prepare food with tap water - unless you boil it first - until local officials have declared the water supply clean and safe.

• Avoid downed power lines. Report them or any other broken utility lines (gas, water, sewer) to local officials.

• Secure personal property and be aware of your surroundings. Disasters can bring our the best in people but they can also create opportunties for those who would prey upon victims.

• Remain cautious in hilly areas as the storm's rainfall may have increased the threat of landslides.

• Contact your travel agent and/or airlines as soon as possible to determine departure options.

• Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for updates and post-storm evacuation recommendations.

Personal safety before and during wildfires.

WILDFIRES
Wildfire - any unwanted and unplanned fire burning in forest, shrub or grass - is one of the most destructive natural forces known to man. Although sometimes started by lightning, ninety percent of wildfires are caused by humans.

The severity of wildfires is determined by three major factors:

Weather: Dry, hot and windy weather increases the likelihood of a major wildfire. These conditions make ignition easier, allow fuels to burn rapidly and increase fire intensity. High wind speeds, in particular, can transform a small, easily controllable fire into a catastrophic event in a matter of minutes.

Topography: Slope steepness is one of the most influential topographic features on fire behavior: As slope steepness increases, so does the rate at which a fire will spread. Other important topographic features include aspect (south and southwest slopes usually have more fires) and steep, narrow drainages (chimneys).

Fuel: Wildfire fuels usually consist of living vegetation and dead plant material. Houses may also become a source of fuel.

Steps to Take to Minimize Risk of Wildfire on Your Trip
When planning a outdoor trip, develop a safety plan. Ensure that you are traveling to a safe environment and that you are prepared with the proper equipment to help keep the environment free of accidental wildfire. The plan should also address what to do in case you are threatened by a wildfire.

Include the following in your safety plan:
• Know the area. If camping, make sure to plan an escape route should you need to evacuate the area.

• Develop a checklist. By following a few simple rules and reminders, you can help keep outdoor park and woodland areas safe.

• Know if fire or travel restrictions are in effect in the area to which you are traveling. Call the local fire department, forest service or government representatives to make sure the area is restriction-free.

• Be aware of weather forecasts. If you are traveling during fire season, avoid potentially dangerous weather patterns.

What To Do If Threatened by Wildfires
At the first sign of a wildfire, leave the area immediately by established trails or roads. Contact fire officials as soon as possible.

If escape route is blocked, go to the nearest lake or stream. Stay in the water while the fire passes overhead or is stopped by the water barrier.

Contact local authorities via mobile phone or radio to notify them of your location and situation.

Prepare for Busy Airports This Holiday Season

Tips to Ensure Safety and Maintain Holiday Cheer While Traveling

To many people, the fast-approaching holidays will mean traveling long distances to spend time with their loved-ones. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports the number of trips outside a 50-mile radius increases 23 percent during the Christmas/New Year’s holiday period. This means air travel will soon be taking off!

With the holiday airport bustle in mind, Safe Traveler (www.SafeTraveler.com), an authoritative travel and safety Web site, offers the following tips to help your readers ensure smooth travel and yuletide cheer:

• Less is more -- As difficult as it can be, be sure to pack light. As some airlines place even more restrictions on carry-on luggage during the holidays, you may want to consider shipping gifts to your destination ahead of time. Because you will need to ship your gifts at least two weeks in advance, it’s a great way to motivate yourself to finish shopping early and avoid the last minute mall madness!

• Save the trees -- Do not wrap gifts packed in your luggage. With safety in mind, airlines require security to have access to all packed items and will unwrap your perfectly packaged presents.

• Know your rights -- Check your airline's Web site for passengers' rights regarding canceled or delayed flights as each airline has its own policies about compensation. Airlines are not required to provide overnight arrangements unless the problem occurs between midnight and 5 a.m. If stuck in an airport overnight, ask for a distressed-passenger rate.

• Don’t waste time -- Before leaving home, call your airline or log onto its Web site to learn if your flight has been delayed to avoid unnecessary wait time.

• Keep close -- While in the airport, be sure to stay with your bags as unattended luggage may be removed and/or destroyed by security staff - without compensation.

• Stake your claim -- Upon arrival, be present when your luggage is delivered to the baggage area, verify your baggage claim checks and quickly inspect your luggage to ensure that it was not tampered with.

• Stay in the know -- When traveling internationally over the holidays, be informed about any travel alerts issued for your destination. For up-to-date information, and to have your trip monitored by travel safety experts, consider obtaining a Destination Tracker (an innovative interactive consumer monitoring service).

• Hope for the best -- but be prepared! Maintain holiday cheer by packing your carry-on with supplies to keep you and your party occupied in the event of a delay. Bring festive snacks, card games, and a good book or even some holiday tunes and mistletoe to help pass the time.

For more information on airport safety, hotel safety and all other aspects of travel safety, be sure to read our other articles and tips.

21 Safety Tips for Volunteer Tourism

Volunteer tourism is growing in popularity throughout the world. Participants comment on the rewards and satisfaction they experience volunteering efforts and resources during vacations to help those less fortunate.

Volunteer tourism is generally safe. The sponsoring organizations are committed to making it a positive experience for you and the recipients of your volunteer efforts are truly appreciative. However like any travel, particularly to more volatile or less developed regions, travelers need to take precautions to avoid problems before they occur. Petty crimes, scams and kidnapping are the most likely threats a volunteer will face. Volunteers also need to follow common sense steps to avoid or minimize potential health problems.

Here are some tips and guidelines for those considering volunteer tourism.

• Know as much about the area as you can before you leave.

• Learn about local conditions, culture, attitudes towards visitors (especially Americans), political stability, etc.

• Try to learn a few common phrases (greetings, etc.).

• Pay particular attention to the area or region within the country where you will be staying. Determine if there have been any recent incidents, troubles or if there is political instability.

• Speak with others who have volunteered in the region to learn of their experiences.

• Participate with established groups and do your background checking before departure.

• Before you leave make certain to follow recommended pre-trip preparations including leaving contact information, itineraries, etc. with individuals who can be contacted if problems develop.

• Verify health requirements such as immunizations and check with your healthcare provider or insurance company to determine if there are any special considerations.

• Never travel and volunteer alone. Always participate through an established group.

• Avoid overt proselytizing and discussions of politics in inappropriate settings or times. This may be considered offensive in some regions.

• Be aware and respectful of local social mores’ and norms.

• Dress inconspicuously. Avoid shows of affluence.

• Never give personal information that can be used by identity thieves.

• Avoid the temptation to buy gifts or items for locals when in country. Follow established donation channels when you return.

• Use bottled water (seal unbroken)—even for brushing your teeth. If none is available vigorously boil water or purify it with iodine (follow directions carefully).

• Avoid undercooked or raw meats and seafood. Avoid shellfish.

• “If you can’t peel it, don’t eat it” with regards to fruits and vegetables in underdeveloped countries. Avoid leafy greens including lettuce.

• Try to eat only hot foods. Even cooked foods can become contaminated of left out to cool.

• Limit bringing valuables into the country. Follow the Safe Traveler’s recommended safety tips for luggage, hotel stays, shopping and traveling within the country.

• Avoid isolated areas and situations. Make sure you have access to communications.

• Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings—including individuals—at all times.

Volunteer tourism can be a rewarding way to experience new cultures, locales and to make a contribution to mankind. By following simple travel safety procedures before, during and after your trip, you will have positive memories and stories to share for years to come.

For more safety tips and advice see the Safe Traveler Safety Tips section. For specific information on destinations visit the Destinations section of www.safetraveler.com.

The Safe Traveler is dedicated to providing the travel and safety information necessary to make your trip safer and more hassle-free. Check back for updates, advice and information from our professional travel advisors and security officers.

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