Page 235 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  233

DIRECTORY
Police
Carabinieri
Tel 112.
In an Emergency
Ambulance/Medical
Emergencies
Tel 118.
Catania
Ospedale Vittorio Emanuele
A local pharmacy with a green cross sign Via Plebiscito 628, 95122.
Tel 800-284 284 (Numero Verde).
Minor Hazards
to arrange travel insur ance General Emergencies
In summer, whether you are once you reach Sicily, so it is Tel 113.
at the seaside or indoors, do always advisable to purchase
not overdo sunbathing, as it before you travel. Palermo
it may cause serious burns Villa Sofia CTO
and sunstroke. Tel 091-7804031 (Pronto
If you are out for a walk or Fire Hazards Soccorso).
hiking, keep your distance The summer heat can leave Lost and Stolen
from sheepdogs as they are the countryside susceptible to Property
trained to chase away all fires. Visitors and residents alike
intruders. While exploring the are requested to do all they Stazione Centrale
tumbled stones of the ancient can to prevent fires from Corso A. Amedeo 74, Palermo.
cities of Magna Graecia, or breaking out. Sadly, fires are a Tel 091 586351.
during a hike in the moun tains, scourge in Sicily as well as the ∑ prestiaecomande.it
be wary of snakes, which are a rest of southern Italy. Some of
common sight in summer. them are due to natural Hospitals and
Sicilians are very hospitable occurrences, while others are Pharmacies
but are also reserved, so when genuine accidents, but most Catania
hiking always ask permission are cases of arson. Fire can Ospedale Garibaldi-Nesima
before crossing over private spread rapidly, especially in the Via Palermo 636, 95122.
property or a fenced area. dry summer vegetation, and Tel 095-7595123/7595121
Remember to close the fence the wind may carry the fire for (Pronto Soccorso Pediatrico).
behind you so that any animals long distances in a very short Palermo
in the field cannot escape. time. Firefighting is usually Ospedale dei Bambini
No inoculations are needed entrusted to the local fire “G. Di Cristina”
before travelling to Sicily, but departments. Forest rangers, Tel 091-6066028 (Pronto
do carry mosquito repellent. volunteers and specially Soccorso Pediatrico).
Water from taps and potable equipped firefighting planes
street fountains is piped from are located at strategic points Pharmacy Maymone
the hills, and is fresh and safe around the island. Via Catania 122, Palermo.
to drink. Tel 091-584096.
Fire Prevention Rules Consulates
Travel and Health
Insurance 1. Do not throw cigarettes out United Kingdom
of your car. Via N Coviello 27, Catania.
Visitors from the EU should 2. Never light a fire, except in Tel 095-716 7336 (emergency
obtain the European Health areas where this is explicitly 24-hr assistance: +44 (0) 207 008
Insurance Card (EHIC) before permitted. 1500). ∑ embassypages.com
travelling. This is available online 3. If you see a fire, call 1515 at United States
(www.dh.gov.uk) or at a post once. Via Vaccarini 1, Palermo. Tel 091-
office. The card comes with a 4. Do not stop or park your car 305 857. ∑ usembassy.it
booklet of advice and infor ma- to watch a fire; you may block
tion on the procedure for the road and interfere with the Fire Hazards
firefighting operations.
claiming free medical treatment. 5. Pay attention to the wind
When booking air travel direction: it is extremely Fire Department
tickets, it is best to inquire dangerous to be downwind of Tel 115.
whether there are waivers a fire, as it may spread rapidly Forest Fires
pertaining to any medical and catch you unawares. Tel 1515.
emergencies. It can be difficult

232-233_EW_Sicily.indd 233 11/3/16 2:07 PM