Travellers and crew can be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, despite good preparation and taking appropriate precautions. Below are a few tips to incorporate during your next trip.

PRE-TRIP

• Learn about safety considerations around the area where you will be travelling. Visit Travel Security Online via the MedAire Portal, and sign up for email alerts about the destination.
• Review personal travel safety awareness best practices.
• Pack a door wedge in your suitcase; it can help secure your hotel door if the lock is faulty and provides an addition layer of security.

AT YOUR HOTEL

• Arrange to have a room that does not face a main street or car park (parking lot). Ask for a room between the second and seventh floors (generally the maximum reach of fire ladders), close but not immediately adjacent to a fire escape.
• Always make it a habit to leave your essential items (keys, passport, laptop, wallet, medical kit, mobile devices, etc) in a ‘grab bag’ that you could take with you immediately. This ensures that you do not waste valuable time looking for these items in an emergency.
• Have your shoes ready by the door. The most common injuries to hotel guests are burns and cuts sustained when evacuating through fire and broken glass with bare feet.

AROUND TOWN

• Keep a backup battery and car charger to recharge your mobile device if the power network fails.
• Always carry a hard copy of your emergency contact details and MedAire Membership card with you.
• Establish a lost contact plan, which makes your actions predictable to fellow crewmembers in the event of an emergency.
• Carry handbags on the opposite side from passing traffic. This reduces the risk of thieves on motorcycles trying to snatch them.
• Consider carrying a ‘robbery’ wallet or purse in your pocket or handbag. The robbery wallet should have your daily cash needs and redundant business cards and old photos. This wallet should be handed over if you are robbed. Keep a credit card and extra cash in a pocket, but use the robbery wallet as your daily source of cash. Remove any recent family photos or other items that may encourage you to not surrender your wallet.

One of the many benefits available through MedAire is travel safety and security services.

In addition to pre-trip information and advice about your destination, MedAire can assist clients if they are the victim of a crime or personal safety incident while away from home.

Contact us today to learn more about the travel safety and security services available.