Please take these precautions to help keep you safe.
In case of an overseas emergency, please call the UofL Department of Public Safety at +(502) 852-6111.
- Don’t publicize your travel plans - limit knowledge to those who need to know.
- Ensure that your passport, if needed, is good for at least three or four months.
- Make sure visa (s) are appropriate and current for place and type of travel.
- Take only the credit cards and personal identification that you will actually need.
- Carry a driver’s license from your state of residence with a photograph.
- Make a copy of your credit card and traveler’s check numbers and the telephone numbers needed to report a theft. Keep the copy in a location separate from the documents.
- Carry all required prescriptions in their original containers. Do not try to “save space” by mixing different kinds of pills in just one container. Customs may find this confusing.
- Carry a list of blood type, allergies, or any special medical conditions. Medical alert bracelets are a good idea.
- Hand carry any sensitive or proprietary information. Leave all expensive and unneeded personal or professional property at home.
- Check with your medical insurance carrier about overseas coverage.
Before you go:
Before you take off
- Make copies of your passport photo page; put a copy in your carry-on and leave a copy at home.
- Make sure your luggage is tagged inside and out.
- Check in early to avoid the last minute rush!
- DO NOT transport items for other people
- Never leave your bags unattended - anywhere!
- Go directly to the gate or secure area after checking your luggage and avoid waiting rooms or shopping areas outside secure areas.
- Be alert at security checkpoints. Don’t place belongings on conveyor until you can keep an eye on items being screened.
- At many international airports, security and customs personnel will ask you questions about your luggage. Know what you’re carrying and be able to describe any electronics.
At your hotel
- In some foreign countries, your passport may be held by a hotel for copying or for review by the police; retrieve it at the earliest possible time.
- Try to secure a room between floors two and seven. Some fire departments may not have the capability to rescue above the seventh floor.
- Always check the nearest fire stairwell, hoses, and emergency telephone when checking in to a hotel.
- Avoid hanging the “Please Clean Room” tag on your door. It is an obvious signal that you are not in.
- Before allowing entry of hotel maintenance or other supposed hotel staff, verify with the front desk.
- Do not leave sensitive or important information/documents in your hotel room. Hand carry and personally protect your documents, as well as laptop computers and other valuables.
- Arrive as near to the hotel as possible and, if after dark, in a well-lit area.
- Do not linger or wander unnecessarily in parking lots, garages, or public spaces near hotels.
- Stay with your luggage until it is brought into the lobby or placed in your taxi.
In case of fire
- Locate the nearest stairwell to your room.
- Locate the nearest house telephone to be used in case of an emergency.
- Call the front desk and make sure they are aware of the fire and its exact location.
- Do not use an elevator if there is a fire.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a wet cloth.
- Stay low but alert to any signs of rescue from the street or the halls. Let firefighters know where you are by waving a towel or sheet out the window.
On the street
- Invest in a good map of the city you are visiting. Note significant points on the map such as your hotel, the U.S. Embassy, and a local police station.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look up and down the street before exiting a building.
- Learn how to make a local telephone call and how to use coin telephones. Make sure you have extra tokens or coins for telephones. In some countries you must purchase a telephone card in order to make a local call. If necessary, purchase a telephone card to use in case of emergency.
- Ask the bellman and concierge about safe - and not so safe - areas around the city to jog, dine, or sightsee. Be aware of local traffic regulations and driving habits.
- Keep your passport with you at all times.
- Keep in mind that purse snatchers and briefcase thieves often work hotel bars and restaurants. Keep your purse or briefcase in view or in hand.
- Be alert to scams involving an unknown person spilling a drink or food on your clothing; an accomplice may be preparing to steal your wallet.
- Do not lay your wallet or purse on the shelf in a phone booth.
Wherever you are
- Always be aware of the location of your closest exit.
- Always be alert for distractions that may be staged by pick pocketers, luggage thieves, or purse snatchers.
- Consider wearing a money belt or other secure storage device; waist pouches are not advised because potential thieves will know the location of your valuables.
- Inspect any gifts received in a foreign country before packing.
- Keep briefcases and purses in view or in hand when using telephones. If you’re using a credit card, block the view of the key pad when entering the number.
- Be cautious when entering public restrooms.
- Try to use the “Buddy System” while walking home at night. It’s never wise to walk alone!