Page 210 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Washington, DC

208  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health belongings at all times. It is a
good idea to put any valuables
Although as in any major city there is crime, Washington in the hotel safe – do not carry
has made great efforts in reducing problems and cleaning them around with you. Most
up its streets, and with success. If you stick to the tourist hotels will not guarantee the
areas, avoid straying into outlying districts, and take security of any belongings that
you leave in your room.
common sense precautions as in any big city, you should
not run into any trouble. The main sights are located in safe
areas where there are many people, and serious crime is In an Emergency
rare. When visiting sights off the beaten track, take a taxi to Call 911 for police or fire
and from the destination. Most importantly, pay attention assistance, or if you need an
to your surroundings, especially after dark. ambulance. If you are involved
in a medical emergency, go to
a hospital emergency room.
Law Enforcement What to be Aware of
There are several different Serious crime is rarely witnessed
law enforcement agencies in in the main sightseeing areas of Lost and Stolen Property
Washington, DC, including the Washington. However, avoid Although the chances of
Secret Service, the FBI (Federal wandering into areas that you retrieving lost or stolen property
Bureau of Investigation), have no reason to visit, either are slim, you should report all
and the more widespread during the day or at night. Pick­ stolen items to the police. Call
M.P.D.C. (Metropolitan Police, pockets do operate in the city the Police Non-Emergency
Washington, DC) police. Many and will target anyone who Line for guidance. Make sure
major sights also have their looks like a tourist. Panhandlers you keep a copy of the
own police forces, such as (beggars) are also common, police report, which you
the National Zoological Park gathering near Metro stations will need when making your
Police and the United States and shopping insurance claim.
Capitol Police. malls, and in some In case of loss, it
At monuments, you will see circles and parks. is useful to have a list
green­uniformed Park Rangers. It is best to keep of serial numbers or
Their role is largely crowd walking, ignore their a photocopy of all
control and as a source of requests for money, documents; keep
information; many are and avoid engaging these separate as
trained historians. in conversation. Police Hospital sign proof of ownership.
Because the city is home to officers regularly patrol If you can remember
the President, whenever he the tourist areas, but it is still to do so, it is useful to make a
travels, members of the law advisable to prepare the day’s mental note of the taxi com­
enforcement agencies follow. itinerary in advance, use pany or bus route you use; it
When foreign political leaders common sense, and stay alert. might make it easier to retrieve
visit, the police are even more Try not to advertise that you are lost items.
visible than usual: a tourist; study your map before If your passport is lost or stolen,
you will see them on you set off, avoid wearing get in touch with your country’s
horseback, on bicycles, expensive jewelry, and carry embassy or consulate (see p207).
in cars, and even on top your camera or camcorder If you lose your credit card, most
of buildings. securely. Carry small card companies have toll­free
As a visitor, should amounts of cash; credit numbers for reporting a loss
you encounter any cards are a more or theft (see p210).
trouble, approach secure option. Keep
any of the blue­ these close to your Hospitals and
uniformed M.P.D.C. body in a money belt
officers that regularly or inside pocket. Pharmacies
patrol the city streets. Before you leave home, It is possible to visit a doctor
All M.P.D.C officers make a photo copy of or dentist without being
carry weapons. important documents, registered with them, but you
The DC police are including your passport will be asked to pay in advance.
well­known for their and visa, and keep them Keep all receipts for medical
strict interpretation of with you, though costs to make a claim on your
the law. In other words: separate from the insurance later. Depending
don’t talk back, don’t originals. Also make on the limitations of your
argue, and never offer a note of your credit insurance, it is better to avoid
money in the form of card numbers, in the overcrowded city­owned
a bribe; this could land case of theft or loss. hospitals and opt instead for
you in jail. M.P.D.C. officer Keep an eye on your one of the private hospitals. If

208-209_EW_Washington.indd 208 04/04/17 2:40 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.3)
Date 17th October 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm