2017 earthquakes, hurricanes (Irma, Harvey, Maria and Jose) and other disasters have shown the need to take basic precautions to maximize opportunities for help whether you live aboard or are traveling internationally. During emergencies relatives and friends will want to know your safe, if your hurt/injured need medical aid or someone needs help to get in touch with you; you need to have a plan. U.S. citizens, in addition to a number of social media sites, can use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) a free State Department program to assist individuals out of country during emergencies. STEP allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enter information about trips abroad so that the Department of State, via our embassies and consulates, can assist them in an emergency. U.S. citizens and nationals can also subscribe to receive email updates with travel alerts and other information for a particular country. STEP helps Consular officers assist U.S. citizens and nationals who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. They provide the names of local attorneys and doctors, provide loans to destitute Americans, and provide information about dangerous conditions affecting individuals on overseas travel or in residence. Consular officers also perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. Consular officers can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad. For conspiracy nuts and those who fear “Da Government knows too much already. it's important to note the information provided through STEP is protected by the provisions of the Privacy Act (5 USC 552a). This means that your info or email will not be disclosed to any third parties unless you have given us written authorization to do so, or unless the disclosure is otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act. The U.S. State Department will not share your email or personal information and will only contact you as part of this STEP enrollment. Please visit the STEP link at www.travel.state.gov to gain more detail information regarding this valuable free program I encourage anyone traveling aboard or expiate to take advantage of this program. For more information prior to leaving the country I also encourage you to visit the website of the closest U.S. embassy or consulate to your destination.
For one stop travel planning and travel insurance agency please visit Sumac Travel Services, call 219-706-5137 or Email: tom.davenport@cruiseplanners.com today and let us help you plan your perfect adventure.
