Calling 911

In an emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Examples include:

  • A fire

  • A crime, especially if in progress

  • A car crash, especially if someone is injured

  • A medical emergency, especially for symptoms that require immediate medical attention

When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call-taker's questions, which may include:

  • The location of the emergency, including the street address

  • The phone number you are calling from

  • The nature of the emergency

  • Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency

Remember, the call-taker's questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly. Be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Many 911 centers can tell you exactly what to do until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR. Do not hang up until the call-taker instructs you to do so.

Do not be afraid to approach the police any time you need help.

If you or another Work/Travel participant was hurt or affected, call ERDT after you call 911.

Following the law

Familiarize yourself with laws in your state and city.  In many cases, the punishment for breaking a law can be more serious for a J1 participant than for a U.S. citizen.

  • Laws regarding alcohol & drugs The legal limit for drinking in the U.S. is 21 in all states.  Drinking in public is not allowed.  While marijuana use is legal in some states, it is against U.S. law. As a guest of the U.S. government, you could be charged with a federal crime in any state for using or possessing marijuana.

  • Laws regarding drunk driving  A drunk driving charge will put you in jail, probably end up costing you about $10,000, and prevent you from coming back to the U.S. in the future. If you are under 21, even a small amount of alcohol in your system can lead to a drunk driving charge.

  • Laws regarding sex  Sex with someone under 18, or sex with someone who is drunk and unconscious can be considered rape, and punishable by years in prison.

  • Laws regarding shoplifting  Most stores take shoplifting very seriously, and have cameras, security devices and security guards.  ERDT once had a J1 Work & Travel student in jail for several weeks for shoplifting cosmetics. 

  • Laws regarding biking and walking  A police officer may issue a ticket to someone who is riding a bicycle on the sidewalk or walking across the street without being in a crosswalk, for example.

  • Laws regarding housing  In most areas there is a time beyond which you cannot make too much noise.  Also, most areas have a limit on how many people can live in an apartment.

If you are arrested

If you are arrested, ERDT should be your first phone call. ERDT can speak with the police to try to help you, assist you with locating a lawyer if needed, and inform your family.  The sooner you speak with ERDT, the better. 

Preparing For A Disaster

A disaster can include a variety of different situations, such as:

  • Flooding

  • Thunderstorms & Lightning

  • Tornadoes and Hurricanes

  • Power Outages

  • Earthquakes

  • Landslides & Debris Flow

  • Active Shooter

Visit www.ready.gov to become informed about disaster preparedness. Also, speak with your employer or trusted community members about what kinds of emergencies are possible in your area, and what steps you should take in each kind of emergency. Follow instructions given by your employer, law enforcement, or ERDT in the case of a disaster. Remember: Always be sure ERDT has your current phone number and email address so that we can reach you.