overseas disaster

Disasters can strike at any time. They can leave you stranded or even hurt. Your family and friends at home will be very worried about you. Usually you will have kept in contact with people and let them know where you will roughly be. So if an overseas disaster strikes, what should you do? This pages give you a list of things to do in order of priority to inform your loved ones at home that you are safe.

1. Call family or friends

If you can access a phone, the best way is to directly call your family and friends. It may cost a bit of money but it will be very reassuring for everyone back at home. Your family and friends can then inform your home country's embassy or the relevant government agency of your whereabouts and that you are fine. They will also be able to assist you if you need help.

2. Contact your home country's embassy

If you are unable to contact your family or friends at home, contact your home country's embassy. Inform them of who you are and how they can contact your family and friends on your behalf. They will be able to communicate the message for you.

3. Contact another country's embassy

If you can't contact your home country's embassy, contact the embassy of a country which your home country shares good relations. Attitudes to other country's nationals will be very similar and they will treat your concerns as if it were one of their nationals caught in an overseas disaster. The message will eventually get back to your family and friends at home.