Personal Safety

• Stay vigilant and keep your belongings (including your passport and other travel documents) secure at all times, especially in crowded or tourist areas where pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and drive-by robberies can occur.
• Avoid displaying valuable items such as jewelry or expensive electronics (e.g. cell phones) when walking on the street, especially at night, as this can attract unwanted attention.
• Avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark.
• When you need to get around, use trusted transportation services like taxi services authorized by the airport or hotel, or Uber.
• Carry only small amounts of money and, when using ATMs, do so in daylight hours at hotels, shopping centers, or other controlled and populated areas.

Safety Precautions Regarding Food and Beverages

• It's important to be attentive when it comes to food and drinks, as the risk of tampering or spiking can exist. To minimize this risk, we advise that attendees never leave their consumables unattended, and be very wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances.
• If you suspect any tampering or feel uncomfortable in any situation, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the environment. Report any incidents to Conference Coordinator Laura Collado at: cel: 829-423-9892 or email: birdscaribbean2024; or contact anyone you know from the Conference Committee for assistance.

Sexual Harassment Awareness

• Traffic in Santo Domingo can be extremely busy and hectic, so it is important to exercise utmost caution when on the road. Avoid driving after dark due to increased risk of accidents and limited visibility.
• Take extra care when crossing streets or walking on the sidewalks and be aware of local traffic patterns. 
• Be aware of scooters and motorcycles when walking or driving.

Health Precautions

• Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever, chikungunya and zika virus,  occur with greater frequency during the wet season from May to November. To protect against mosquito-borne diseases, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and take other steps to avoid mosquito exposure as much as possible.
• Ensure you are up-to-date on necessary vaccinations before traveling.
• Although COVID-19 cases are relatively low in 2024, we recommend you take precautions in crowded areas and closed rooms. 
• There is a risk of acquiring water-borne diseases from contaminated water sources (e.g., E. coli). Tap water should not be consumed. We encourage you to use store-purchased water or indoor drinking fountains in the hotel. 
• There is a risk of acquiring food-borne diseases or traveler’s diarrhea from contaminated vegetables or meat sources. As a preventative measure, we encourage you to avoid street food as these may not have been properly refrigerated. Any serious stomach illnesses should be treated by a physician.  

Hurricane Season

• Follow up on weather news before your trip so that you are informed about any natural disaster. 
• Buy travel insurance before your trip in case it is needed.

Emergency Contacts

• Familiarize yourself with emergency contact information for local police, medical services, and your country's embassy or consulate in the Dominican Republic. Keep these numbers easily accessible in case of emergencies or unexpected situations:
  • National Police: 809-682-2151; 809-685-2020
  • Fire Department: 809-682-2000
  • National Emergency and Security Assistance System: 911
  • Closest Medical Center (Centro Médico Real): 809-537-3940
• Report any incidents to Conference Coordinator Laura Collado at: cel: 829-423-9892 or email: birdscaribbean2024; or contact anyone you know from the Conference Committee for assistance.