Stay prepared for any holiday emergency amidst unpredictable times with these travel tips. We offer guidance on pre-travel preparations, emergency responses, and post-emergency actions for a safe and enjoyable family holiday.
It’s the HOLIDAYS! We love jetting off to new destinations with the kiddos for that much-needed breath of fresh air, but we live in unpredictable times. Geo-political tensions, climate change, and other disruptions can throw a wrench in even the best-laid vacation plans.
In recent years, we’ve also witnessed some tragic events. Amidst the beautiful landscapes of Australia’s Blue Mountains, a tragic landslide took the lives of a Singapore-based lawyer and his son while his wife and daughter were injured. Meanwhile, a Singaporean couple went missing in Taiwan following a powerful earthquake recently, with aftershocks and landslides hampering search efforts. These sad incidents remind us of the importance of being well-prepared for any unexpected twists during our travels, ensuring our adventures stay as safe as they are exciting.
That’s why preparing for emergencies during your family holiday is crucial. As the saying goes, fortune favours the prepared, so here’s the ultimate guide on handling unforeseen emergencies. Buckle up, tackle every twist and turn on your epic family adventure!
Click below to read more:
How can you prepare for the unforeseen before traveling?
In case of an emergency overseas: how to respond
What to do after an emergency
Talking to kids about emergencies
How can you prepare for the unforeseen before traveling?
How can you prepare yourself for the unexpected? Here are all the essential tips right from pre-travel preparations to what to do on your tips and strategies to ensure you’re equipped to handle any unforeseen circumstances that may arise along the way.
Pre-travel preparations
Research and awareness
Check travel advisories from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Understand local risks specific to your destination. Learn basic emergency phrases in the local language. Dust off the DuoLingo app on your phone for this very purpose! In the week leading up to your travel, follow the local news about your destination to stay up-to-date and aware.
Emergency kit and documentation
Be sure to pack an emergency kit: first aid, flashlight, water, snacks, and a whistle. Carry and store copies of important documents, such as passports, insurance, and contact numbers. Plus, include some medications and basic supplements like Vitamin C, D and more.
Travel insurance
Be sure to get the most comprehensive insurance coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, natural disasters, and terror attacks. You might also like to consider medical evacuation coverage.
During the trip
Stay connected
Keep contact information of the nearest Singapore embassy or consulate. Equip the family with mobile phones, power banks, SIM cards, or portable Wi-Fi. When out and about, do not leave kiddos alone, not even with your driver, hotel staff, etc.
Stay informed
Regularly check local news for weather, security, and other relevant information updates. Use alert apps for real-time notifications about natural disasters and security threats.
Teach kids some safety protocols
Chat about staying safe and savvy on your travels. Have a fun sit-down about the importance of sticking close to you. Plus, teach them to memorise emergency numbers or to say “help” in the local language — talk about feeling like a superhero! Share some destination-specific tips, like being extra polite or steering clear of strangers, even the hotel staff.
Emergencies overseas: potential risks & how to respond
Travelling is fun, but staying aware of risks is key. Natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and floods can occur globally. And reacting is not just stop, drop and roll! Depending on the kind of emergency during your holiday, you and the family need to take a nuanced approach when responding.
What to do in the event of natural disasters
These may include:
- Earthquakes: High-risk areas include Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, and New Zealand.
How to respond: Drop, cover, and hold on; move to open areas if outside. - Tsunamis: Coastal regions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
How to respond: Move inland to higher ground; listen for evacuation orders. - Hurricanes and typhoons: Hong Kong, Caribbean, Southeast Asia, East Coast of the US
How to respond: Seek indoor shelter; stock up on supplies; follow local instructions. - Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic regions like Indonesia, Philippines, Iceland, and even Europe.
How to respond: Evacuate promptly; use masks; stay indoors during ashfall. - Floods: Korea, Malaysia, India
How to respond: If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground before you. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Terror attacks
Recognising the unpredictability and global reach of risks underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and well-informed about prevailing security climates. Recent events, such as riots, are poignant reminders of this unpredictability, demanding constant attention and adaptation to mitigate potential threats effectively.
How to respond: Stay calm and move away from danger if safe. Shelter in place, and remain silent if unable to evacuate; block entrances. Contact local authorities with information and location.
Crime
Also, there’s the possibility of encountering some shifty characters, like kidnappers and robbers, who might try to spoil the fun. Nevertheless, fear not! Be armed and ready to turn potential risks into mere footnotes during your holiday by following safe travel tips and keeping your wits about you in new places with the kiddos.
How to respond: Cooperate with local authorities. Contact the Singapore embassy as well. Ask for an interpreter or translator. Be calm and vigilant. Reassure kiddos that everything will be alright.
What to do after an emergency
After an emergency strikes, it’s crucial to seek the necessary assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of your family.
1. Seek assistance
First, contact the nearest Singapore embassy or consulate for guidance and support. They can provide invaluable assistance in coordinating rescue efforts and facilitating communication with local authorities. Following the instructions of local emergency responders is also critical, as they’ll be best equipped to guide you through rescue and relief operations.
2. Provide medical and psychological support
Next, attend to any medical needs that arise promptly. Seek immediate medical care for any injuries sustained during the emergency. Use your travel insurance coverage to alleviate any financial burdens associated with medical expenses. Additionally, consider the emotional impact of the event on your family.
Traumatic experiences can leave lasting effects, so it’s essential to prioritise mental health. Don’t hesitate to seek counselling or psychological support to aid in the recovery process and ensure the well-being of both yourself and your little ones. Addressing the aftermath’s physical and emotional aspects, you can navigate challenging times with resilience and support. Kiddos might be afraid to travel, so be patient.
How do you talk to kids about emergencies?
Tough times call for tough conversations, which we’re no strangers to! It’s always important to ensure kids are clued in on some of the big problems in a manner that’s appropriate for them. Here are some useful tips when approaching these difficult yet necessary topics with the kiddos.
Be honest but not explicit.
Should a situation arise involving loss of life, it’s best to be upfront but not too explicit. Depending on kiddo’s age, there are ways to divulge information about the current issues without going into specifics. Keep it brief and simple. Plus, explain to them what to expect. This can be helpful for them.
Reassure them that they are safe.
No matter what has happened, assure the kiddos of what matters: that they are all safe and together as a family. Repeat some of the safety protocols if needed. Also, tune into their emotional state and see how they respond to situations.
Wishing you and your family safe travels!
