Security Alert – U. S. Mission Saudi Arabia (3/31/2018) Location: Saudi Arabia
Event: Safety Procedures in Case of Missile Strikes

The Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Saudi Arabia advises American citizens to exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia due to the threat of missile attacks emanating from Yemen on civilian targets. All U.S. citizens should be aware of the safety procedures outlined in this notice when at work, at home, or in public. Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense currently does not employ a warning system to alert the general public about incoming missiles. At present, ballistic missile strikes emanating from Yemen can reach major metropolitan areas with no advance warning to the public. Even when Saudi Arabia’s defense forces successfully intercept missiles, the situation may remain dangerous due to falling debris and potentially toxic or explosive fragments.

Actions to Take:

Before an Incident

 Prepare a safe location at home and stock with emergency supplies, flashlight, and a means to communicate including landline phone, cell phone, and chargers.

During an Incident

The following actions should be taken immediately in the event of a missile attack:

• Go to the most secure area on the lowest level of your current location with the fewest exterior walls, windows, and openings.
• Close the door of the room.
• Sit on the floor near an interior wall, away from any windows.

  If you do not have time to take shelter in a building or find protective cover:

• Lie down and cover your head with your hands to avoid fragment/debris spray.

After the Incident:

• If you are in need of urgent medical care and/or an immediate police response, call the local emergency number for Saudi Arabia (Police – 999) (Ambulance – 997).
• Account for the whereabouts and safety of family members and inform loved ones that you are safe.
• Do NOT approach the missile debris or fragments under any
  circumstances. Never tap, bang, kick, stand on, or further inspect suspicious objects following a missile strike. Instead, immediately move away from the object(s) to a safe location and report the location to the local authorities
• Monitor major news outlets, official information sources such as the Saudi Press Agency and the Saudi Civil Defense Directorate (in Arabic), as well as the Mission’s American Citizens Services (ACS) Twitter feeds and website for updates and information. Keep in mind that initial media reporting, and especially social media commentary, may contain inaccurate and possibly misleading information.

Assistance:

U.S. Department of State – Consular Affairs (Washington, DC) 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444

Saudi Arabia Country Information
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