Know how to react
International SOS can help you deal with an emergency, but you need to remove yourself from any danger first (e.g., by getting yourself out of the building if there's a fire)
It can be hard to know how to react if you've never thought about it before
- Don't think, "That won't happen to me."
- Take this approach instead: "If it happens to me, I can keep myself safe."
Consider in advance the possibility of various emergencies occurring during your travel and how to react
Consider plausible emergencies
- An earthquake?
- Fire?
- Being mugged?
- Getting sick?
- What else?
Then ask yourself questions...
- If there were a fire in my residence, can I escape through my window?
- How many doors in the hallway to the nearest exit?
- What would I do I'm trapped in my room?
or
- What would I do if I were mugged as I walk home from class?
- What would be my nearest escape route?
- Where could I go to be safe and contact the police?
or
- If there were a natural disaster and my city were in chaos, who would I call?
- How would I know if I should stay or leave the country? How would I find transportation to the nearest embassy if I needed it?
- If needed, could my hotel or residence supply me with food and water for a couple days?
Build confidence
It may seem silly to think about these possibilities, but occasionally they do happen.
- You're preparing yourself to stay calm and act quickly in an emergency!
- Eventually, you'll feel safer and more confident