Warden
Message – PREPAREDNESS FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS LIVING ABROAD
January 27, 2003
Among the highest priorities of the Department of State and our
missions abroad is the safety and security of locally- resident Americans
overseas. In the past year the Department has intervened to assist
in the evacuation of Americans from half a dozen countries throughout
the world, as a result of serious political or economic unrest, natural
disasters, and terrorist attacks. Hundreds of expatriate Americans
each year are forced by personal emergencies (e.g. death or illness
in the family) to return to the U.S. on short notice. Evacuations,
especially under crisis conditions, are inevitably very disruptive
and distressing for those involved. The State Department routinely
provides standard advice to its employees on prudent steps to take
to ensure they would be prepared in the event of such an evacuation.
This and other advice on crisis preparedness is available on the
Department's Web site at http://travel.state.gov. We are summarizing
the principal points below. The Embassy in Belgrade commends these
elementary steps to you for your careful consideration.
* Assemble all vital documents such as passports, birth and marriage
records, vaccination, insurance and bank records in one readily accessible
location.
* Check to be sure that your passport and any necessary visas are
valid and that you are registered at the Embassy with your current
address and phone number. If you need to obtain a new passport or
to update your registration, please do so at the Embassy as soon
as possible (American Citizen Services, Mon-Fri 1:30-3:30 p.m. except
American and Yugoslav holidays). Visa processing can take several
weeks. Immediate family members should keep their U.S. visas current,
and apply for visas with as much time in advance of planned travel
as possible.
* Make or update as necessary a complete inventory of your household
effects, in duplicate.
* Maintain an adequate supply of food, water, and necessary medications
in your home. Make sure your car is in good working order. Keep the
gas tank full and check oil, coolant, tires, and battery.
We do not want American citizens to become unduly alarmed. These
are precautionary measures only. Given the potential for random acts
of violence, terrorism, or anti-American demonstrations, we believe
it is important for all citizens to maintain readiness for all possibilities
in case of an emergency. We will promptly inform you of any significant
developments and advise you accordingly.
The Department of State
encourages all American citizens residing in Yugoslavia to register
their presence and obtain up-to-date information
on security conditions at the American Embassy in Belgrade (Kneza
Milosa 50, Belgrade. Phone: 011-306-4655, web site: http://belgrade.usembassy.gov/consular ).
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