Mar 22 2009
Expat emergencies - better prepared than sorry!
Expat emergencies -
better prepared than sorry!
One thing that I discovered quite early in my Expat life is that things take longer abroad. It takes longer to find information, the way, where things are, how things are done in a new country etc etc etc. Problem is, in an emergency, or even a semi-emergency, you don’t have the time for searching around!
So I started to make a list on my computer which one day, hopefully will be a collection of nicely printed documents in a folder 
I thought I would share here some of the points I have covered and encourage you to make your own emergency document/ folder based on your own needs:
The emergency numbers in Prague/ the Czech Republic are for Fire (150), Police (158 or 156), Ambulance (155) but your best bet would be to dial 112, an Europe wide valid emergency number. These guys will sort out with you how best to help you and send the right people your way!
Your own address and telephone numbers
No joke, but it takes some time until you have memorized your new address and telephone numbers, so write them down! If the pronunciation is difficult, write also down how your address is pronounced correctly in the local language.
People, Family and Friends
First your family, including work address and mobile/ cell phone numbers. Then a list of friends and experienced Expats that have offered to help. How will you ask for help if you don’t know how to reach them? Make a note/ mark the ones that are fluent in both the local language and yours!
Doctors and vets
Both your “normal” ones as well as the respective emergency services. Make also a note of regular medication you or one of your family takes and of known medical conditions.
School and Kindergarten
What will happen when you can’t go to pick them up? Somebody has to know where the little treasures are!
Church and Embassy
Get to know the people that want to help you, both in a practical as in a spiritual way
Car
If you have a car you want to find out where the next garage for your “breed” is before it breaks down and perhaps even sign up with a breakdown/ recovery service to get you there.
Bank/ Cards
Stolen handbag or wallet? Do you have a list of phone numbers to call and cancel your cards/ checks?
Photocopies of your documents
Having a copy is better then nothing in case the original gets either stolen or lost.
Hope this helps to prepare for some common Expat emergencies and if I have forgotten something feel free to add it with a comment! Take care and may you never get into an emergency situation
I never thought to do a lot of it when I was traveling. It’s a pretty good list for anyone.
Marilynne