5 Essential Tips to Stay Safe in a Travel Emergency

When we’re planning our next journey, it’s likely we imagine it to be all sunshine and happy days, but there’s always the chance of something happening when you are away from home and in unfamiliar places.  Circumstances and weather are beyond our control and you may need to seek help and stay safe during a travel emergency. Here are 5 important tips for staying safe during an unexpected travel emergency.

Be Careful What You Eat and Drink

Food and water are vital for survival. In certain disaster situations, it could be days or longer before help arrives. While edible and drinkable products might be around you, they may not be safe to consume. For instance, there’s a good chance you will ingest harmful bacteria if you drink stagnant water. Or any kind of mushroom or berry could be highly toxic and unrefrigerated food spoils quickly.  Therefore, you should stay vigilant. Packing simple survival food when traveling is a great way to increase your chances of survival. Planning ahead with kits like this can mean the difference between life and death.  If you will be in backcountry areas you should also bring along a simple water filtration tool that are readily available in camping stores.

Make a Note of Emergency Numbers

Almost every country has emergency services. Yet some are not well funded to deal with unexpected disasters or look for people when lost. And sadly, others, simply don’t care enough to spend the time dealing with tourists and foreigners. Therefore, the onus is on you to list any emergency contact numbers you might need. Some of the most useful to include are international emergency charities such as the Red Cross, all local emergency services, and the phone number of your country’s embassy wherever you are.  You might also consider securing a travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical coverage and unanticipated emergency assistance with a phone number to call if you are in need of assistance.

Check the Weather to Stay Safe in a Travel Emergency

When you are lost, stranded, or facing an emergency crisis, the weather can be your best friend or your worst enemy. And in many cases, the weather itself can cause an emergency. Fortunately, it’s not too challenging to keep an eye on the weather these days. Local news channels will have weather reports. And there are many apps from which you can access detailed weather reports and incoming severe conditions. Some of the best apps include AccuWeather, Carrot Weather, and DarkSky. Always check the weather before heading out.

Stay in Contact with Family or Friends

Getting lost is a nightmare. Remote regions and urban areas alike can seem very hostile when you don’t know where you are and what to do. Additionally, locals can be unforgiving and unfriendly in some places and may not want to help. And in extreme cases, you could become a victim of a severe crime. Should anything occur to you, stay in contact with friends or family. Or at least let people know where you are going. This can be a big help if you are reported missing or held against your will. These things happen, so always tell someone about your plans.

Step Up and Be Bolder than Usual

Most people like to think they would be heroes when something terrible happens. But many of us would shrink because of inexperience and shock. The stress placed upon you in an emergency situation is enormous and can cause you to panic. But that’s the worst thing you can do. In fact, you need to try your best to stay calm and think rationally. In addition, it’s best to accept your situation and be bold about it. Once you are calm, make a plan for getting help, and assign a leader if you are in a group. Work together, and you might get out unscathed.

Summary

Things can and do go wrong when venturing out. But you can stay safe in a travel emergency by taking food and drink supplies, checking the weather, and advising your family of your plans.