Resources on Preparedness for American Citizens in Luxembourg
It is important to note that the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg has not received information suggesting Americans in Luxembourg are in any danger in relation to the situation in Ukraine.
For specific information for individuals residing in Ukraine relevant to the current conflict, please see the Embassy Kyiv web page: https://ua.usembassy.gov/
A link to the current Travel Advisory on Ukraine is here: https://ua.usembassy.gov/travel-advisory-ukraine-level-4-do-not-travel-2/
The U.S. State Department has an list of checklist and resources for individual and family preparedness. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/crisis-abroad–be-ready.html
Some of the major points are:
Be Informed
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive important safety and security messages and make it easier for us to locate and assist you in an emergency.
Be Prepared
- Have a two-week supply of food and water for each member of your household, and pets.
- Your emergency kit should include your passports, birth abroad certificates for children born overseas, cash in the local currency, a card with local translations of basic terms, and an electrical current converter. If you have pets, be sure to have their vaccination records. If you have children, plan for their unique needs such as diapers and baby formula.
- If you take medication, make sure to have at least five days’ worth at any given time, more if possible, and have a copy of your prescription.
- If you use assistive or medical devices that require a power supply, be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
- Make sure your passport is ready for use. Most countries require that it be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip and that it have two or more blank pages.
Be Connected
- Keep a list of your emergency contacts handy and create a communication plan for reaching family and friends in the event of a crisis.
- Phone lines are usually affected during a crisis. Think about other ways to communicate. For example, update your social media status often and send messages as regularly as possible to let friends and family know how you are doing.
Be Safe
- Have an exit strategy! Know how you’ll get out of harm’s way without needing to rely on assistance – a crisis may prevent or delay emergency responders’ ability to get to you and there will be many people needing help.
- Follow instructions from local authorities about security and evacuation. Doing so could save your life.
- Monitor local radio, television, and other sources for updates. Situations can change quickly, limiting the time you have to get out.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg (luxembourgconsular@state.gov) or the nearest S. embassy or consulateif you need emergency help. Please keep in mind that this will not alert emergency responders – if you need emergency medical attention or police assistance, contact the local authorities directly. Throughout most of Europe, 112 is the emergency number, or the equivalent 9-1-1 in the U.S. In Luxembourg, you can also dial 113 if you need a police response.
Additional informal about general preparedness can be found at the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov website. https://www.ready.gov/ The site has sections dealing with preparedness for individuals, families, children, pets, and businesses.
In Luxembourg, an excellent site is InfoCrise.lu https://infocrise.public.lu/en.html. It is a repository of information regarding national emergency plans and things that individuals can do before, during, and after a crisis.
If you’d like to receive emergency training in topics such as first aid or use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), there are courses available from the Corps Grand-Ducal d’incendie et de Secours (CGDIS), the Luxembourg Fire and Rescue Service. The site is not available in English, but is: https://cours.cgdis.lu/online/www/nav_content/home/DEU/index.html
For more information, please contact the Public Affairs section at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg at +352 46 01 23 21 or at LuxembourgPublicAffairs@state.gov
