Personal Security and Health

Personal Security and Health

Publicity about attacks on tourists in the early 1990s was considered exaggerated by the Florida authorities given the small number of assaults relative to the vast number of visitors. Even so, the police responded quickly, introducing extra security measures and offering new safety guidelines to visitors. Crimes against tourists have since fallen. You must still be alert in urban areas, above all in Miami or if you are driving, but anyone who takes precautions should enjoy a trouble-free trip.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement of the law is shared by three agencies: the city police forces, sheriffs

(who police country areas), and the Florida Highway Patrol, which deals with traffic accidents and offences outside the cities. Major tourist centers are well policed, and Miami and

Orlando also have a special Tourist Oriented Police (TOP), a recent arrival on the scene,

and one that may well be copied elsewhere. Given Florida’s eagerness to both attract and protect tourists, police officers are friendly and helpful to visitors.

GUIDELINES ON SAFETY

Most cities in Florida, like elsewhere in the world, have “no-go” areas that should be avoided. The staff at the local tourist office or in your hotel should be able to advise. Note

that downtown areas are generally unlike city centers elsewhere; they are first and

foremost business districts, which are dead at night and often unsafe. If in doubt, take

a taxi rather than walk. Burglaries within hotels are not unheard of. Leave your best

jewellery at home and lock other valuables in the safe in your room, or hand them in at

the reception desk; few hotels will guarantee the security of belongings kept in your room.

If someone knocks on your door claiming to be hotel staff, you may want to check

with reception before letting the person in.

Carry as little money as possible when you go out, keep your passport separate from

your traveler’s checks, and leave your duplicate room key with the desk clerk. If you are

unlucky enough to be attacked, hand your wallet over immediately. Do not try to resist.

STAYING SAFE IN MIAMI

Although visitors are rarely the victim, Miami has one of the highest crime rates in the

US. Certain districts are to be avoided at all costs. These include Liberty City and Over-town, both located between the airport and Downtown.

Farther north, Little Haiti and Opa-Locka are interesting areas to visit, but they should be treated with caution. Avoid all deserted areas at night, including the transit terminals and Downtown. Lively night spots such as Coconut Grove and South Beach are the safest areas to hang out in after dark, but even here you should not venture into quiet back streets (such

as south of 5th Street in South Beach). Whatever time of day you go out, be sure to carry a

decent map with you. In addition to the regular police patrols, Miami’s Tourist

Oriented Police provide extra cover in the area around the airport, especially around car

rental outlets. Rental staff should be able to advise motorists on the best route into town and will also supply drivers with a map.

In an emergency dial 911, or contact Miami-Dade Police Information if you don’t need immediate help.

LOST PROPERTY

Even though you have only a slim chance of retrieving stolen property, you should report all lost or stolen items to the police. Keep a copy of the police report carefully if you are planning to make an insurance claim.

Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers for reporting a loss, as do Thomas

Cook and American Express for lost travelers’ checks. If you lose your passport, contact

your embassy or consulate immediately.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance coverage of a minimum of $1 million is highly recommended, mainly

because of the high cost of medical care. Prices depend on the length of your trip, but

make sure the policy covers accidental death, emergency medical care, trip cancellation,

and baggage or document loss. Your insurance company or travel agent should be able to recommend a suitable policy, but it’s worth shopping around for the optimum deal.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

Larger cities in the state, and some smaller towns, have 24-hour walk-in medical and

dental clinics, where minor casualties and ailments can be treated. For less serious complaints, drugstores (many of which stay open late or for 24 hours), should be sufficient.

If you have a serious accident or illness, you can rely on high-quality treatment at a hospital.

Stories of medics making accident victims wait while they haggle over money are largely apocryphal; even so, guard your insurance documents with your life. Nothing comes for

free: a straightforward visit  to the doctor can cost more than $50. Hospitals accept

most credit cards, as do most doctors and dentists. Those without insurance may need

to pay in advance.

Anyone on prescribed medication should take a supply with them and ask their doctor to provide a copy of the prescription in case of loss or the need for more.

NATURAL HAZARDS

Hurricanes are infrequent but devastating when they do strike. There are tried and tested emergency procedures, and if the worst should happen, follow the announcements on local

television and radio. You can call the National Hurricane Center in Miami, which gives

out information on impending hurricanes, and a Hurricane Hotline may also be established.

The climatic hazard to affect most visitors is the sun. Use sun screen or sun block, and try to

wear a hat; make sure that your children are well protected, too.

Remember that heat can be as big a problem as sunlight; drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Florida may be famous for its man-made attractions, but there are places where the natural world still dominates.

While the Everglades holds potentially more danger than other areas, you should be careful wherever you go. Alligators are a thrilling sight, but they can and do kill – so treat them with

respect. There are also several venomous snakes native to Florida, including the water including the water moccasin, whose bite can be fatal. It is best not to touch unfamiliar vegetation, and steer clear of Spanish moss; it houses there’d mite, which causes skin irritation. Also, be on the lookout for poisonous spiders and scorpions.

Biting and stinging insects, including mosquito, are a real nuisance between June and

November, particularly in areas close to fresh water. Visits to parks and preserves can be

uncomfortable if you don’t wear insect repellent. Florida’s beaches are usually

well supervised by lifeguards, but still, keep a close eye on young children. Riptides are a

danger in some places.

EMERGENCIES

In an emergency, the police, ambulance, or fire services can be reached by dialling 911.

The call is free from public phones, and on express ways there are emergency call boxes

roughly every half-mile (1 km). If you are robbed in the street, go directly to the closest police station – dial 911 should you need help in locating it.

If you need emergency cash, ask someone to transfer this from your bank at home to a

specified bank in Florida; or use the Money gram service, a more tourist-friendly option

offered by American Express.