Emergency
Advance planning and appropriate preventative measures
contribute to a successful trip and can substantially reduce
the risks of such adverse events as illness or becoming the
victim of the crime. Please review the following resources to
ensure that you are well-prepared for any eventualities that
might arise in business travel or field research.
- Register
- International SOS Program
- Criminal Activity
- Emergency Planning & Assistance
-
Register with UChicago Traveler & the U.S. State Department
Register with UChicago Traveler for Planning & Emergency Support
UChicago Traveler is a secure website for students, faculty, and staff to register international travel plans and contact information. The registry allows the University of Chicago to better assist its students, faculty, and staff overseas, including in emergencies or times of crisis.
When you register, you are automatically enrolled in the University’s International Travel Emergency Assistance Program, which can provide personal medical relocation or evacuation in the event of a natural disaster or political unrest.
Enroll With the U.S. State Department
You are also encouraged to register your travel with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency (e.g., natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency) and help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
-
International SOS Program
UChicago partners with International SOS (ISOS) to provide assistance services (e.g., emergency assistance, evacuation) for University faculty, students, and staff traveling overseas on University-sponsored travel. University-sponsored travel means:
- Business travel for staff or faculty authorized or paid for by the University
- Academic travel for students (graduates and undergraduates), directly related to a degree-seeking University program and funded, recognized, or approved by the University
You should obtain and carry with you the International SOS membership card with the UChicago membership ID number and contact information for International SOS. International SOS also provides a mobile phone application that can be downloaded.
ISOS provides several resources that may prove helpful in preparing for your trip. These include:
- ISOS country guides which contain medical, travel, safety, and cultural information
- Pre-trip security advice and analysis
- Email alerts regarding in-country safety and security matters
In the event of a medical emergency, natural disaster, or political unrest, ISOS will provide medical evacuation or relocation, if deemed necessary by a physician, to adequate medical facilities, and evacuation from a foreign country in the event of a U.S. State Department warning due to a natural disaster or political instability.
ISOS also provides other valuable information and assistance for while you’re abroad. Call them when you:
- Need health (including mental health), safety or security advice
- Need to speak with an experienced, internationally‐trained doctor or travel security specialist
- Need a local doctor or other provider credentialed by ISOS
- Require supplies or medication or equipment
- Need assistance due to the loss of travel documents or legal advice
The ISOS program does not provide:
- Primary medical insurance coverage
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Coverage for political evacuations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia or other countries with an active alert from the U.S. State Department requiring citizens to leave the country
- Coverage in countries subject to U.S. OFAC restrictions
To access ISOS planning resources online or by phone (215.942.8226) you will need to provide the membership ID [11BCAS084635.] You can also access ISOS’ mobile application.
In the event of an emergency abroad, travelers should contact ISOS directly at 215.942.8478. You will need to provide the membership ID above. You or a designee if you are unable must also alert your University of Chicago contact in charge of your travel program and advise them of the situation. Additionally, the Office of Risk Management should be alerted of the situation as soon as practical at 773.702.2265.
When you speak to ISOS you can expect to provide the following:
- Verification of the University of Chicago membership number
- Confirmation of your affiliation with the University
- An explanation of your current situation and location and what services you need
- Information on your primary medical insurance
-
Criminal Activity
- Contact local authorities in cases of imminent danger. Otherwise, contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for advice on dealing with local authorities or reporting a crime.
- Consult with University resources as soon as possible.
- Assist the victim in seeking medical attention if it is wanted or warranted.
- Obtain copies of all documents related to the crime.
-
Emergency Planning and Assistance
This form is intended for principal investigators conducting research in the field to assist them in communicating procedures for responding to to various emergency situations to field researchers. Please use it as a help to think through the various emergency scenarios that might arise, plan accordingly, and communicate those plans to your colleagues.