Page 276 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

274  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health if loss or theft is reported
immediately. Most card
In contrast to much of the US, Alaska has no really large companies have toll-free
cities, and while Anchorage has some gang and drug-related numbers (see p277).
violence, it is not usually directed at visitors. On the whole, Foreign visitors who have lost
Alaska is a relatively safe place to visit, but even in small their passport should con tact
their nearest embassy or consulate,
towns, it is wise to be alert and learn which areas are unsafe, which will prob ably be in San
especially at night. For visitors on adventure holidays (see Francisco or Seattle. Normally,
pp264–7), safety is paramount in the wilds of Alaska. Carry the con sulate will issue a
maps and follow the advice of rangers or visitors’ centers – they temporary replace ment. In order
can offer invaluable information on wilderness survival and to speed up the replacement
process, visi tors might find it
basic safety procedures. Those on organized tours or cruises useful to keep photocopies of
should follow the instructions provided by crew or tour leaders. their driver’s license, birth certifi-
Before setting out, it is a good idea to check local newspapers cate, and passport.
and television and radio channels for weather reports.
Medical Concerns
Hospitals in Alaska’s largest
cities are very well-equipped,
but small towns usually only
have health clinics, while rural
villages often have just a public
health nurse. Bear in mind that
a range of drugs, such as
Police patrol car codeine-based pain killers, may
need prescrip tions in the US.
Personal Safety Lost Property Prescription medica tion in the
Surprisingly, Alaska possesses It is necessary to report all US is expensive, so those with
one of the country’s higher lost and stolen property to pre scriptions should carry extra
crime rates, although most the police in order to make an supplies and a Pharmacy
tourist hubs are relatively non- insurance claim, even though it Discount Card, available online,
threatening. Nevertheless, is unlikely that small items will which will provide significant
visitors should observe a few be recovered. Victims should discounts. All phar macies sell
basic rules. Never carry large telephone the Police Non- prescrip tion drugs, but only a
amounts of cash. Wallets kept Emergency Line and report the couple of hospital pharmacies
in back pockets will tempt incident. They will subsequently are open 24 hours. Be sure to
pickpockets. It is best to wear be issued a police report, which keep a list of the generic names
handbags and cameras over the can be used to file the claim. of drugs you may need and seek
shoulder, strapped firmly across Stolen and lost credit and assistance in a drugstore if you
the chest, and to keep passports debit cards should be reported are having difficulty finding the
separate from cash and traveler’s to the issuer imme diately to drug. Most supermarkets such as
checks. Drivers should try to avoid misuse. US law requires Fred Meyer and Walmart stock
keep valuables locked in the cardholders to be indemnified over-the-counter remedies.
trunk of their car when parked
at trailheads, especially those
around Anchorage – they are
known for break-ins. Large
towns can be unsafe at night,
so avoid walking around alone
and try to stay away from areas
that are known to be risky.
Avoid panhandlers or anyone
visibly intoxicated.
In Alaska, law enforcement
in cities, towns, and certain
boroughs is handled by local
police departments. The
Alaska State Troopers cover
the rest of the state. In national
parks, some park rangers are
additionally in charge of
law enforcement. Denali National Park ranger guiding visitors, Toklat Ranger Station

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