REPARING FOR AN EMERGENCY

Living overseas can be exciting, but part of the adventure is the possibility of a crisis. Around the globe each year, U.S. citizen expatriates face a host of challenges: earthquakes, storms, illness and disease, political instability and many others. While the Republic of Djibouti is a great place to live in and work, it’s wise to be prepared for a crisis. Here are some easy steps you can take to prepare your family for such an event. Although the U.S. Embassy has no information on imminent crises, these are useful tips in any emergency.

A detailed home inventory is a good first step in your preparations.  We recommend that you document your possessions, along with the description, date of purchase, model number, serial number, and value. Consider making a video record of your possessions and storing it online.

Prepare a 72-hour-kit which will allow you to shelter in place during any sort of localized emergency.

• Designate a family rendez-vous point in case you are separated and unable to return home.
• Identify an in-country safe haven, in case you need to evacuate.  Consider reciprocating with a friend or contact who lives elsewhere in the country.

Plan for pets.  Make advanced arrangements with a Djiboutian national. We recommend giving them food and supplies to care for the pet, rather than cash.

Maintain a Go-Bag stocked with items you will need to travel with in the event of an emergency.

Keep travel documents current for members of your family.

Consider your household staff in any preparations, as they may be in a vulnerable position.