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Message for U.S. Citizens: Preparing Now for Disasters
(10 Feb 2023)
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7 MINUTE READ
February 10, 2023

News of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye this week reminds us that a disaster can occur at any time, unexpectedly, and the best time to prepare for one is now.  

AIT reminds U.S. citizens in Taiwan that Taiwan is in a region prone to disasters. If you find yourself affected by an unexpected disaster, your own preparations will be most important.  

 

Please consider the following: 

Organize a “go-bag” to ensure your documents and necessary supplies are easily accessible in case you need to leave your home quickly. ready.gov/evacuation 

Build a “stay-bag” or disaster supply kit to ensure you have enough supplies to shelter safely in place for an extended period of time. ready.gov/kit  

Use this free form to create a personal communication plan. ready.gov/plan-form  

Ensure all your documents and IDs are up to date. Renew your passport early. ait.org.tw/passports/  

 Please also find more information on how to be ready for a crisis on travel.state.gov, including what the State Department can and can’t do during a crisis.  See ait.org.tw/u-s-national-preparedness-month for additional resources. 

 

Assistance: 

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of either AIT Taipei or AIT Kaohsiung. 

Enroll in the Smart Traveler-Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.