Travel News

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - THE CARIBBEAN

1. This Public Announcement is being issued to alert
American citizens to the advent of Hurricane Season in the
Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Hurricane season
ends on November 30. This Public Announcement expires on
December 5, 2005.

2. The National Weather Service has predicted as many as
15 tropical storms for 2005. Up to nine of those storms
may become hurricanes, and three to five of them may
develop into major hurricanes. In 2004, tropical storms
and hurricanes caused widespread damage and casualties,
including the temporary closure of affected U.S. Embassies
and Consulates and the evacuation of U.S. citizens from
affected areas.

3. U.S. citizens in the region may wish to take basic
precautions to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes.
It is advisable to put together a kit consisting of a
supply of bottled water, a battery-powered or crank-turned
radio, vital documents, and a supply of prescription
medications. Keep abreast of local government
announcements and instructions, weather reports and other
media reports.

4. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with
the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their
location or through the Department of State's travel
registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov
in order to facilitate communications and emergency services in
the event of a tropical storm or hurricane. Links to detailed
information on storms and storm preparedness may be found
on the "Natural Disasters" page of the Bureau of Consular
Affairs' website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.html.

5. Updated information on travel in the Caribbean may be
obtained from the Department of State by calling
1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or from overseas,
1-202-501-4444. Travelers to the region are encouraged to
check the internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
with consular responsibilities for the territory they will
be visiting (accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/).
For further information please consult the Consular
Information Sheet for the country or territory in
question, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.

6. Minimize considered.