Page 282 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Southwest USA & National Parks

280  SUR VIV AL GUIDE PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  281

Personal Security and Health If you have kept a record of the DIRECTORY
checks’ numbers, replacing
The Southwest is a relatively safe place to visit, as long them should be a painless Emergency Services
as some general safety precautions are observed. In experience, and new ones are All Emergencies
contrast to other US cities, the urban centers of the usually issued within 24 hours. Tel 911 and alert police, fire,
Southwest have lower crime rates, but it is wise to be If you lose your passport, or medical services.
contact the nearest embassy or
cautious and to find out which parts of town are unsafe consulate. They will be able to Police Non-Emergency Line
at night. When traveling across remote country roads, issue a temporary replacement, Las Vegas
take a reliable local map and follow the advice of local as visitors do not generally need Paramedics vehicle Tel (702) 828­3111.
rangers and visitor information centers. These sources also a new full passport if they plan Phoenix
offer invaluable information on survival in the wilderness to return directly to their home Tel (602) 262­6151.
country. However, if you are
Santa Fe
for hikers and on the normal safety procedures that traveling on to another Tel (505) 428­3710.
should be followed by anyone engaging in any of the destination, you will need a full
outdoor activities available in the region (see pp268–73). passport. It is also useful to hold Traveler’s Aid Society
Las Vegas
It is also advisable to check the local media such as photocopies of your driver’s Tel (702) 369­4357.
newspapers, television, and radio for current weather license and birth certificate, Phoenix
and safety conditions. as well as notarized passport Tel (602) 266­4673.
photographs if you are Fire engine
considering an extended visit or
Keep your passport separate need additional identification. already taking prescribed sudden summer storms can Consulates
from your cash and credit cards. medication, be sure to carry cause flash floods. Visitors The consulates closest to the
Most hotels have safety deposit Travel Insurance extra supplies for your trip. may obtain the latest weather Southwest are found in California.
boxes or safes in which you No specific vaccinations are information from the ranger
should store any valuables. The United States has excellent required before stations in the Australian Consulate
If you are driving, be sure to medical services, but they are entering the US. national parks, Century Plaza Tower, 31st Floor,
lock any valuables in the trunk, very expensive. All visitors to the However, it is as well as by 2029 Century Park East,
and to park only in well-lit US are strongly advised to make always a good listening to the Los Angeles, CA 90067.
parking lots. Similarly, when sure they have comprehensive idea to have a reports on local Tel (310) 229­2300.
walking at night it is a good medical and dental coverage for tetanus booster radio and tele­ British Consulate
idea to stay where there are the duration of their stay. before setting out, Pharmacy sign vision channels. If 2029 Century Park E., Suite 1350,
other people and to be aware particularly if you you are planning Los Angeles, CA 90067.
of which areas are most likely Medical Treatment are planning to engage in a hike in wilderness territory, Tel (310) 789­0031.
to be unsafe. adventurous outdoor activities. always tell someone where you
For serious emergencies are going and when you expect Canadian Consulate
requiring assistance from to return. 550 South Hope St., 9th Floor,
Lost Property Outdoor Hazards
Pedal-pushing policeman on duty in the medical, police, or fire The dry heat of the region’s Los Angeles, CA 90071­2627.
Santa Fe, New Mexico It is unlikely that small items of services, call 911. The national The weather in the Southwest summers can often be Tel (213) 346­2700.
lost or stolen property will be organization, Traveler’s Aid can present visitors with a underestimated by visitors, and
Personal Safety retrieved, but it is necessary to Society, may offer help in a variety of dangerous situations, hikers especially are advised to New Zealand Consulate
Most tourist areas in the report all such incidents to the variety of emergencies. especially in Southern Utah’s carry at least a gallon (4 liters) of 2425 Olympic Blvd., Suite 600 E.,
Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Southwest are friendly, police in order to make an City hospitals with emergency canyon country and parts of drinking water per person for Tel (310) 566­6555.
unthreatening places. However, insurance claim. Telephone the rooms can be found in the southern Arizona, where each day of walking. It is also
there is crime here, and it is wise Police Non-Emergency Line Blue Pages of the telephone extremely important for visitors
to observe a few basic rules. (see opposite) to report the loss directory, but they are often to guard against the risk of creatures generally avoid
Never carry large amounts of or theft, and they will issue you overcrowded, particularly in forest fires, which can affect the humans; it is unlikely you will be
cash, wear obviously expensive with a police report so that you larger cities. Private hospitals area with devastating results. bitten if you avoid their habitats.
jewelry, or keep your wallet can make a claim with your offer more personal treatment At higher elevations the sun Mostly they hide under rocks
in your back pocket, as these insurance company. and are listed in the Yellow can be surprisingly strong, and in crevices during the heat
are the main temptations for If a credit card is missing, call Pages of the telephone book. even on cloudy days. of the day. Be careful where you
pickpockets. It is also a good the credit company’s toll-free You may be required to provide If you are planning on step, and do not turn
idea to wear handbags and number immediately. Lost or evidence of your ability to pay hiking or engaging over rocks. Do not
cameras over one shoulder stolen travelers’ checks should before a doctor will agree to in other outdoor reach up to touch rock
with the strap across your body. also be reported to the issuer. treat you, hence the importance activities during ledges with your
of adequate medical insurance. the summer, wear hands. Insect stings
Hotels will usually call a doctor effective sunscreen and bites may hurt but
or recommend a local dentist. and a sunhat. are rarely fatal to
Non-prescription painkillers and While the wilderness Fire Department adults. Always carry a
other medicines can be obtained of the Southwest is badge, Sedona snakebite kit or a first
from drugstores, many of which home to certain aid kit if you are going
are open 24 hours. Prescription venomous creatures such as into snake or scorpion country.
drugs can be dispensed only Park Ranger at the Petrified Forest National snakes, scorpions, and the Gila If bitten by a snake or scorpion,
Police car from a pharmacy. If you are Park, Arizona monster lizard (see p25), these seek medical help immediately.

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