120618 – Winter Break: Be prepared for an emergency abroad

The International Center wants to wish you a wonderful Winter Break!

The University will be closed for Winter Break from Monday, December 24, 2018 through January 1, 2019, and will re-open on January 2, 2019.

If you will travel outside the U.S. during Winter Break, please consider taking enhanced precautions, prepare for an emergency, and follow standard travel advice.

Take Enhanced Precautions

• Many popular holiday travel destinations still have a risk of Zika.  Check the CDC’s Zika Travel Information page to find out if there is a risk of Zika at your destination and how to protect yourself and others during and after travel.
• Some countries have reported outbreaks of influenza (flu) this season. It’s not too late to get your yearly flu shot.  Check the CDC Influenza (flu) page to learn more about prevention actions you can take.
• There are outbreaks of measles and mumps in popular destinations around the world. In the United States, most measles cases result from exposures during international travel. Make sure you are up to date on the MMR (measles, mumps, & rubella) vaccine.  Check the CDC Measles Webpage for Travelers to learn more about prevention actions you can take.
• Cruise ship travel presents a unique combination of health concerns. Travelers from diverse regions brought together in often crowded, semi-enclosed environments on board ships can facilitate the spread of person-to-person, food borne, or waterborne diseases.  Check the CDC Cruise Ship Travel page to learn more about prevention actions you can take.

Standard Travel Advice

• Be transportation smart.
  • Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
  • Only use licensed and regulated taxis or rideshare services. Do not get into a vehicle with a stranger.
• Stay healthy
  • Check CDC health notices for your destination.
  • Get proper nutrition and stay hydrated, and follow food and water safety guidelines. Visit the CDC Food and Water Safety page.
  • Consider prudent choices when it comes to alcohol, altitude, and other scenarios that can inhibit judgement.
  • Prevent mosquito bites. Visit the CDC Avoid Bug Bites page.
  • Follow the CDC advise on: Traveling Abroad for the Holidays,  Travel to Mass Gatherings and Holiday Health and Safety Tips.
• Obey the local laws. Do your research before you go!

Prepare for an Emergency

Know how to get local alerts, warnings or emergency updates while at your destination

In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. Access diverse information sources.

• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, register your trip in ISOS to receive alerts and download the ISOS assistance app.
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State STEP program if a U.S. Citizen, or to a similar program with your home country embassy at your destination.
• Search in the appropriate Country Information for local sources of alerts and warnings and subscribe to them.
• Learn how your hotel will provide you with alerts, warnings and instructions in case of emergency.
• Learn what local TV or radio stations to follow for information or official instructions as they become available.

Know how to get emergency assistance abroad

Emergencies can happen at any time, determine who you will call first, second, third, etc.

• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, get Emergency or Travel Assistance by calling ISOS 24/7 to +1-215-942-8059.  Identify yourself as a UT Dallas faculty, staff or student.
• If traveling on behalf of UT Dallas, review your employee or student insurance information.  Otherwise, obtain insurance that can cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and unexpected expenses such as trip interruption or lost luggage.
• Have with you at all times the phone number of your travel and emergency assistance provider.
• Search in the appropriate Country Information, and have with you at all times the:
  • Local phone number equivalent for 911.
  • U.S. Consulate or Embassy phone number for emergencies.

Know who are your emergency contacts back home

• Determine who you want to be contacted in the event of your illness, injury, incarceration, kidnapping, death, etc.
• Determine if all your emergency contacts know what your wishes are in the event of your serious injury or death.
• Ensure your emergency contacts can get in touch with each other and with key contacts, such as the U.S. embassy at your location.
• Ensure your emergency contacts have your trip and activities itinerary.

Know how to get in touch with your emergency contacts back at home

• Consider getting an international call plan for the time you will be abroad.
• Have your emergency contacts phone numbers in your mobile device.
• Determine alternate ways of communicating with your emergency contacts.

This post provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources linked for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.

Wishing you safe travels!

International Risk and Safety