Traveling can be a great way to see different parts of the world, experience another culture, and just get away from your normal routine. However, when something unexpected happens that requires emergency actions, you may be wishing that you were in the comforts of your own home rather than miles and miles away from that safety and security. But just because you’re not in your element doesn’t mean you can’t handle an emergency situation. To show you how, here are three tips for dealing with an emergency while traveling.
An Emergency At Home
The best thing you can do with regards to an emergency at your home while you’re away is be prepared for the possible problems. According to Sue Doerfler, a contributor to USA Today, the areas most likely to cause problems within your home are the air conditioner, water heater, plumbing, electrical, and landscaping. But by preparing these areas for your absence before you leave, you should be able to recognize anything that might have been an issue before it arises. And if something unexpected does happen, designate a friend or trusted neighbor to be at your home in behalf of you to manage any situation that may come up.
A Personal Health Emergency
Just because you’re traveling or on vacation doesn’t mean your body will necessarily keep up with your activities. When this happens, you could experience some type of personal medical emergency that requires action on your part. Depending on your medical insurance, you may or may not be covered for medical services in other countries, so double-check before you leave. If you do end up needing medical attention, Caroline Costello, a contributor to Independent Traveler, recommends researching emergency numbers like for hospitals, ambulances, or an embassy as well as locating a local doctor that speaks English. By doing this, you should feel more confident in your ability to receive adequate medical care regardless of where you are in the world.
A Regional or Global Emergency
A regional or global emergency can happen anywhere and at any time. While this can create a scary situation when you’re in a familiar place, being in a place where you’re unfamiliar can make this type of emergency even scarier. To ensure you’re able to get the help you need in the event of a regional or global emergency, Lyz Pfister, a contributor to NerdWallet.com, suggests registering with the US embassy in your travel area before you leave. They can be a big help in getting you information regarding the situation, helping arrange safe transport, and giving you warnings if at all possible.
If you plan to take a trip soon, prepare yourself for a possible emergency so you’re better able to handle the circumstances if you find yourself in a sticky situation.
