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University of Mary Hardin-Baylor international travel safety Larry Pointer Safety Director 4/24/2013. Trip preparation. Intl. trips are assessed using information obtained from the U.S. State Department & other sources.
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University of Mary Hardin-Baylorinternational travelsafety Larry PointerSafety Director4/24/2013
Trip preparation • Intl. trips are assessed using information obtained from the U.S. State Department & other sources. • Trips to areas where a travel warning has been issued or is considered unstable may be disapproved by Administration and/or rescheduled. • ARA (waiver) – Acknowledgement & Release Agreement required for all participants. • Signed originals must be provided to Safety prior to departure for safekeeping/retention.
Trip preparation Consult the State Dept. website: http://www.state.gov/*click on Travel then on Read Current Travel Warnings under Resources • Travel Warnings; long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. • Travel Alerts; information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens. • Country-Specific Information; information like location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.
Trip preparation • Each group must register on-line with the State Department via the STEP / Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ • Consult the CDC website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ • Student Travel Information: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
Airport/travel safety • Mark your baggage • Name & address - inside & outside • Checked & carry-on • Never joke about • Hi-jacking, Terrorism, Weapons, etc. • Never agree to hold a stranger’s belongings • Baggage / Packages
Airport/travel safety • Don’t attempt to carry prohibited items. • DHS/TSA Prohibited Air Travel Items list: • http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm DHS = Dept. of Homeland Security TSA = Transportation Security Administration • Prescriptions • Carry in original containers • Medical alert bracelet, necklace or card • Letter from physician; condition description, dosage & generic name of medications
Personal safety Protect yourself • Stay alert • Stay together (buddy system) – 2 or more • Avoid the “traps” – i.e. someone needs “help” Protect your belongings • Limit valuables • Use money belt (or neck safe) • “Don’t flash your cash” Robbery • Give up wallet, purse, etc. – your safety comes first • Don’t be afraid to make noise (carry a whistle) • Report thefts immediately • Get copy of police report for insurance claims
Lodging safety • Keep doors & windows locked at all times. • Report inoperative locks immediately. • Report lost or stolen keys immediately. • Do not open door to strangers. • Check identification (ID card, uniform). • Confirm with front desk. • Keep valuables in safe place. • Hotel safe or room safe • Keep curtains closed after dark. • Check out & check in with team leader/sponsor.
Crisis management General: • If a crisis occurs take reasonable and prudent measures to prevent or minimize the situation. • Crisis response should always be governed by concern for safety and well-being of students, faculty & staff. • Travelers already in areas when a travel warning is issued should consult the local Embassy.
Crisis management Reportable Events (examples): • Serious illness, injury or death. • Emotional or psychological stress requiring removal or professional attention • Team member either a victim of crime (i.e. theft, assault, etc.), or being accused of a crime. • In-country situation causing serious concern or threat (i.e. political uprising, natural disaster).
Crisis management Sponsor / Team Leader Response • Report to / contact local authorities • Police • Medical • Embassy • Communicate with UMHB
Crisis management University Response • Contact family members • Assist with arrangement of care and/or evacuation • Contact university counselors • Coordinate with State Dept. and/or Embassy
If you have questions contact Larry PointerSafety Director295-8635