With the heartache and devastation of December’s tsunami disaster still fresh in our minds, it’s wise to remember that natural disaster can strike anywhere at any time. Here are some tips to ensure you’ll be better equipped to cope with an unexpected — and unthinkable — natural disaster.

Advance preparation is key. The U.S. government offers a free travel registration service for U.S. citizens traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. This service allows travelers to record information about their intended travel plans with the U.S. Department of State, which can, in turn, access that information to assist registered travelers in the event of an emergency. Registration is voluntary. Personal information is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. You will be asked for proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate.

While safety is paramount, it’s important to remember that millions of Americans travel abroad each year and encounter no difficulties. Still, U.S. embassies and consulates abroad assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year. When an emergency occurs while you’re traveling abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate is your best on-the-spot source for assistance and information.

Designate a close friend or relative as your at-home travel liaison, and leave a detailed itinerary and a copy of your passport with that person. Make two sets of copies of your airline tickets, credit cards, prescriptions and passport. Leave one set at home with your travel liaison. Take the second set with you, but do not pack it in the same bag as the originals.

Your list of current medications should include dosage and frequency. Keep a copy of the list with your passport along with a list of contact telephone numbers for your U.S.-based physicians. Also keep a copy of your medical history and a list of any drug allergies with your passport. Refill all prescriptions prior to travel to ensure you have enough on hand in the event you are unexpectedly detained at your destination. Notify family if your plans change while you’re traveling. Research your destination. Check the U.S. Department of State Web site for travel warnings, advisories and tips.

Review your health-care coverage to see if it applies while you are traveling outside the United States. Many plans list toll-free numbers for this purpose. Consider taking out a travel insurance policy to cover medical emergencies abroad and/or any losses you may incur as the result of trip cancellation, delays, lost baggage, etc.

In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, remain calm and be patient. Monitor radio and television news reports and follow instructions issued by local emergency officials. If you are ordered to evacuate, take only the belongings you can comfortably carry with you. Suggested items include potable water, food (protein bars, for example), clothing, medication, a small flashlight, a fully charged cellphone, passport, wallet and first-aid kit.

As soon as possible following the emergency, notify your designated liaison of your condition and whereabouts. If direct contact is impossible, request assistance from the U.S. consulate which can, in turn, pass a message on to your family through State Department channels. Be resourceful. U.S. officials will do everything they can to contact and advise you, but they will likely be dealing with the same concerns — power outages, downed phone lines, transportation delays — as everyone else in the region.

Disaster Specific

Earthquake: If indoors, take cover under a heavy table or desk. Stay away from windows. Do not use elevators. If outdoors, watch for falling debris or power lines. Do not enter damaged buildings.
Flood: Sandbag doors and windows. Move to higher ground, if possible. Do not drive or walk through floodwaters. It does not take much water to float a vehicle, and just six inches of fast-moving water can sweep a person off his feet.
Hurricane: Evacuate if ordered to do so. Otherwise, board up windows and take measures to flood-proof your location. Stay inside and away from windows.
Avalanche: Obey warnings and advisories. Do not ski out of bounds.Wear a transceiver to help rescuers locate you in the event you become buried. If an avalanche occurs, ski to the sides of the avalanche and use a swimming motion to stay on top of the snow. If you become separated from your group, shout out so they know you need help.
Blizzard: Stay indoors. If using a fireplace, be sure it is properly ventilated. If you lose heat, cover windows, close off vacant rooms and stuff towels into cracks under and around doors and windows. Wear layers. Drink plenty of water to enhance circulation, which will keep skin warm.