U.S. Embassy Warden Message - 25 January 2003
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Author: U.S. Embassy
Released 25 January 2003
The Embassy requests that wardens pass the following message in its entirety
to members of the American Community: Preparedness of American Citizens Living
Abroad:
Among the highest priorities of the Department of State and our missions
abroad is the safety and security of locally-resident Americans overseas. In the
past year the Department has intervened to assist in the evacuation of Americans
from half a dozen countries throughout the world, as a result of serious
political or economic unrest, natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Hundreds
of expatriate Americans each year are forced by personal emergencies (e.g. death
or illness in the family) to return to the U.S. on short notice. Evacuations,
especially under crisis conditions, are inevitably very disruptive and
distressing for those involved. The State Department routinely provides standard
advice to its employees on prudent steps to take to ensure they would be
prepared in the event of such an evacuation. This and other advice on crisis
preparedness is available on the Department’s Web site at http://travel.state.gov, and we
are summarizing the principal points below, The Embassy/Consulate commends these
elementary steps to you for your careful consideration.
Assemble all vital documents such as passports, birth and marriage records,
vaccination, insurance and bank records in one readily accessible location;
- Check to be sure that your passport and any necessary visas are valid and
that you are registered at the Embassy/Consulate with your current address and
phone number. If you need to obtain a new passport or to update your
registration, please do so at the nearest Embassy or Consulate as soon as
possible. Visa processing can take several weeks. Immediate family members
should keep their US visas current, and apply for visas with as much time in
advance of planned travel as possible.
- Make or update as necessary a complete inventory of your household effects,
in duplicate.
- Maintain an adequate supply of food, water, and necessary medications in
your home. Make sure your car is in good working order. Keep the gas tank full
and check oil, coolant, tires, and battery.
We do not want American citizens to become unduly alarmed. These are
precautionary measures only. Given the potential for acts of violence,
terrorism, or anti American demonstrations, we believe it is important for all
citizens to maintain readiness for all possibilities in case of an emergency. We
will promptly advise you accordingly.
The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing abroad to
register their presence and obtain up-to-date information on security conditions
at the nearest American Embassy/Consulate.
American Embassy in Riyadh:
American Citizens Services Unit
Consular Section
P.O. Box 94309, Riyadh 11693
Tel: (966) 1-488-3800
Ext. 1119, 1118, 1124, 1195, or 1116
Fax: (966) 1-488-7275
E-mail:RiyadhACS@state.gov
Website:
http://riyadh.usembassy.gov
American Consulate General in Jeddah:
American Citizens Services
Unit
Consular Section
P.O. Box 149, Jeddah 21411
Tel: (966)
2-667-0080 Ext. 4153, 4148, 4192 or 4126
Fax: (966) 2-669-3078
E-mail:
WardensCA@state.gov
Website: http://jeddah.usconsulate.gov
American Consulate General in Dhahran:
American Citizens Services
Unit
Consular Section
P.O. Box 38955, Dhahran Airport 31942
Tel:
(966) 3-330-3200 Ext. 3085, 3120, 3040 or 3171
Fax: (966) 3-669-3078
E-mail: ConsularDhahra@state.gov
Website:
http://dhahran.usconsulate.gov
#02/2003