Page 27 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  25

Preventing Forest Fires On federal lands, including DIRECTORY
While hiking in wilderness national parks and forests,
areas, be very careful lighting park rangers are there to Emergencies
campfires. Since firewood is protect the visitors. Wilderness All Emergencies
scarce, and forest fires start very areas are, for the most part, Tel 911
quickly, always check whether free of crime. for police, fire, or medical
campfires are allowed where emergency.
you are camping. Make sure to Legal Assistance
extinguish all fires carefully and Travelers’ Aid Society
completely. A fire that still Travelers from outside the US ∑ travelersaid.org
smokes is not out. who are in need of legal Hospitals & Medical
assistance should contact Facilities
their nearest consulate or the
Reporting Lost & embassy in Washington, DC. Tel 411
Stolen Property If arrested, you have the right for directory assistance.
Although the chances of to remain silent, to have legal
recovering lost or stolen counsel, and to make at least Lost/Stolen Credit
property are very slim, it is a one phone call. The police Cards & Traveler’s
good idea to report all missing will provide you with any Checks
items (including your car) to the necessary phone numbers,
police. Most public transport­ and should treat you with American Express
ation companies, such as taxi respect and courtesy. Tel (800) 528­4800 (credit cards).
Tel (800) 221­7282 (checks).
firms, buses, subways, and ∑ americanexpress.com
airlines, operate Lost and Found Insurance &
departments, which can be Mastercard
reached by phoning their Medical Treatment Tel (800) 826­2181.
general access number. It is Comprehensive travel ∑ mastercard.us
useful to have a record of your insurance is highly VISA
valuables’ serial numbers and a recommended to anyone Tel (800) 336­8472.
receipt of purchase. Be sure to intending to visit the US. Any ∑ usa.visa.com
ask for a copy of the police emergency medical or dental
report for your insurance claim. care can be very expensive, Embassies
For lost or stolen credit cards or so having proof of insurance Australia
traveler’s checks, contact the coverage is essential to help ∑ usa.embassy.gov.au
company that issued them. defray some of the costs
related to an unscheduled Canada
hospital visit. Bring a backup ∑ can-am.gc.ca/washington
Police
prescription if you take New Zealand
Most law enforcement in any medication. ∑ mfat.gov.nz
the US is handled at the state A good insurance policy will South Africa
and local government level. also pay for the replacement ∑ saembassy.org
State troopers and the State of stolen or damaged
Highway Patrol deal with property. If you need to cancel United Kingdom
traffic accidents and offenses or change your travel plans, ∑ gov.uk/government/
outside city bound aries. many policies will refund world/usa
County police and sheriffs your costs. US Bureau of Citizenship
patrol rural areas, small towns, and Immigration Services
and villages. Emergencies ∑ uscis.gov
Law enforcement officers US Embassy
carry handguns and other If you need emergency help ∑ travel.state.gov
weapons, and should always from the fire, police, or medical
be treated with respect and services then dial 911. The call Senior Citizens
courtesy. The officers are is free from any public phone,
usually friendly, helpful, and and emergency phone boxes American Association
interested in your safety. In are located along major of Retired Persons
the wake of the 2001 terrorist highways and Interstates. All US 601 E St NW Washington D.C.,
attacks, National Transportation medical facilities will provide 20049.
Security Administration emergency care to injured Tel (888) 687­2277.
∑ aarp.org
officials are stationed in all people, regardless of means.
US airports, train stations, The Travelers’ Aid Society
bus terminals, and large, specializes in giving assistance
crowded venues. They provide to those travelers who find
passenger screening, crowd themselves stranded or in need
control, and other services. of emergency help.

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