What To Do: Natural Disasters / Severe Weather While Abroad

In the event of a natural disaster or other severe weather emergency, access detailed guidance and contact information in U-M’s General Emergency Protocols for International Travelers.

Additional Actions to Take

• Keep emergency contact information and ID with you.
• Follow directions from local authorities or emergency responders.
• Monitor information sources for relevant updates, including:
  • Local news outlets, social media, etc.
    AlertTraveler (download and configure the app if you haven’t already)
  • U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
  • U.S. citizens can register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts and messages from the nearest U.S. Embassy / Consulate. Non-U.S. citizens should check for their country of citizenship’s STEP equivalent, if available.
• Prep a “go bag” or “stay bag” as your situation dictates.
• Re-evaluate your travel plans depending on the severity of the situation.
  • If necessary, contact Global Engagement (global.safety@umich.edu) to determine whether GeoBlue-facilitated evacuation is an option.
• If immediate U-M assistance is needed, call DPSS who can route your call to a Global Engagement team member.
  • • Ann Arbor +1 734-763-1131
    • Dearborn +1 313-593-5333
    • Flint +1 810-762-3333
• U.S. citizens can connect with the U.S. Department of State by calling 1 (888) 407-4747 (U.S. and Canada) or 1 (202)501-4444 (overseas) or by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy / Consulate.
• Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy / Consulate of their country of citizenship for assistance.

Additional Resources

U-M Resources:

• “In Case of Emergency” webpage on the Global Michigan website
• General Emergency Protocols for International Travelers downloadable pdf

U.S. Department of State Resources:

• Staying Connected
• Emergencies Abroad resources, including:
  • What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis
  • Crisis Abroad: Be Ready! 
  • Information for U.S. Citizens about a U.S. Government-assisted Evacuation

Other Disaster Preparation and Response Resources:

• CDC Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
• Ready.gov Disasters and Emergencies
• American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Tips
• American Red Cross Staying Safe After a Disaster