ChurchSafety

If your church or ministry sends short-term mission teams overseas, you need to know how to do it as safely as possible. While no international mission trip is risk-free, you can take some simple steps to reduce the dangers through research, risk assessment and security planning.

Do Your Homework. Learn what risks may be involved in traveling to your destination. The U.S. State Department's Web site, travel.state.gov, lists travel warnings and alerts.

Locate Aid Providers. Determine the location of the nearest U.S. Embassy, Consulate and medical center. Find out what services they can provide and the fastest way to get there.

Get Your Shots. At least four to eight weeks before you depart, get all necessary vaccinations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can recommend which shots you'll need.

Buy Travel Insurance. Most health insurance policies don't extend past the border. Make sure your travel policy covers hospitalization, medical care, and emergency air evacuation

Be a Tough Target. Avoid studying maps in public, flashing money around, or leaving valuables in plain view.

Protect Your Passport. U.S. passports are like gold to criminals. Keep yours hidden and in your possession at all times, showing it only when necessary.

Drive Carefully. Traffic collisions are a frequent cause of death among travelers, particularly in developing countries. Understand the local "road culture" and avoid night road travel in countries with poor safety records or mountainous terrain.

Lock It Up. If you stay in a hotel, keep all doors and windows locked. Don't leave a door ajar while you run down the hall on an errand, and leave the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door while you're out.

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