Dangerous situations abroad are posted as travel advisories by the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs. The Bureau also can assist US citizens abroad with emergency medical treatment, legal counsel and financial aid.

The Citizens Emergency Center in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs can be contacted anytime at 202-647-5225.

The Director of the CEC cautions: "Be aware of problems before you get involved in them yourself."

Other advice from this experienced source:

1. Never take anything with you that you can't afford to lose.
2. Be aware and alert; stop, look and listen, then ask questions or speak up.
3. Never leave your pack or baggage unattended, ever.
4. Register with the U.S. Embassy in your host country, if your program sponsor does not register you.
5. Keep your 'street smarts' about you: avoid demonstrations, trust your instincts and move away from uncomfortable situations, positively identify individuals before you allow them into hotel rooms, refuse to carry packages across borders or through customs, learn how to use local phones and report emergencies.
6. Carry your valuable documents on your body and pack photocopies of all of them in a separate pack or luggage.

Street Smarts for Americans Abroad:

1. Avoid congregating at American hangouts such as bars or "tourist traps" that might be targets for terrorists.
2. Avoid the "loud American" syndrome - lower your voice, speak in the native language if possible.
3. Avoid dressing in ways that readily identify you as an American (baseball caps, college or US imprinted clothing, stressed jeans, etc.)
4. Travel in small groups or in pairs.
5. Avoid traveling at night.
6. Select your transportation carefully; private taxis, local buses and other forms of transportation vary widely in safety practices.
7. Carry some extra money with you in the event of an emergency.
8. Exercise care in whom you invite to accompany you during outings, travel, etc.
9. Be mindful of your surroundings, and stay alert to suspicious-looking people or packages.
10. Keep abreast of current news and conditions through radio, TV, newspapers, and local contacts.
11. Know the local equivalent of 911, as you travel, be aware of local authorities, health clinics, or other resources in the event of an accident or emergency.
12. Notify your host family or program director of your whereabouts, particularly if you are traveling independently during the program. Call your host family or program director if your travel plans or return date change significantly. Keep your own family in the US current on your travels and contact information.