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Most people travel without expecting anything
untoward to happen to them. However, external
circumstances are sometimes beyond one's control.
Crisis can come in all shapes and forms - natural
disasters, economic and political. Therefore, a
personal or corporate crisis plan is imperative.
For a start, one should consider delaying travel
to an area where there are known problems, whether
these are existing or potential. If this cannot be
avoided, do not travel with family members or in
large groups unless necessary. An individual can
respond more quickly than a group.
Caught In The Situation
Contact your
embassy to register yourself and to familiarize
yourself with their crisis plan. In a crisis, the
ability to communicate is vital. A mobile phone
can be a major asset to make calls for help to
embassies/consulates, airlines, hospitals and
assistance companies. A short-wave radio also
helps one monitor local crisis situations via
national and international news broadcasts.
By possessing a valid return air ticket, you
have priority over those rushing to get out of the
country. If direct flights out are unavailable,
book a domestic flight to a safer part of the
country and then take an onward flight overseas.
Checklist
If traveling within a
crisis situation, travel light. A single
hand-carried bag with these essential items should
suffice:
- Passport and travel documents/tickets
- Small first aid kit with prescribed
medicines or medical supplies
- Sufficient cash in US dollars and local
currency to last up to three days for
contingencies, including the purchasing of
ground/air transport tickets
- A small quantity of non-perishable food and
water for at least 36 hours
- Local street/highway maps with highlighted
embassies, airport and hospitals
- Change of clothes & a lightweight
sleeping bag
- Small flashlight with batteries
- Portable radio
Leaving The Disaster Area
Pair up
with someone who shares your objectives. Move only
during daylight hours. Dress casually with sturdy
comfortable footwear. Carry cash and credit cards
in a money belt. Avoid wearing or carrying
military-looking stuff. If confronted by
muggers/robbers, speedy cooperation without
argument is advisable.
Personal losses suffered as a result of many
crises may be covered by most travel insurances.
However, such policies do not usually cover riots,
civil wars and terrorism.
Above all, staying calm and adopting the
appropriate measures recommended can help improve
a highly unfavorable situation.
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