Safety in Florence

Florence as a whole is a safe city and is probably much safer than most American cities. However, when you travel to a foreign country it is best to be extra vigilant and aware of your surroundings. The more alert you are to your environment, the less vulnerable you are.

There is very little violent crime in Florence and most criminal activity is in the form of petty theft. Purses and wallets are stolen regularly from tourists and students. It is important to be aware that thieves in Florence, in particular gypsies, are trained professionals. Do not let them or their children near your pockets or purses (avoid carrying an open purse if possible). This is not meant to alarm you, only to inform you to pay attention and keep track of your belongings.

Learn more:

Basic common sense is one of the most important things to ensure a safe trip abroad:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and belongings at all times, day or night.
  • When you’re out in the evenings be sure not to walk alone. If you are out in the evenings, try to go out in a group.
  • Always close and fully lock your apartment and windows when you leave for the day.
  • Try not to carry large sums of money with you on a day to day basis.
  • Do not use illegal drugs: drug use is prohibited by SRISA and will lead to your dismissal.
  • Please be abide by the laws of your host country, as you are subject to them.
  • Please be mindful of the culture and customs of your host country.
  • While in Florence carry only a copy of your passport and keep the real thing in a safe place.
  • If you travel to another city be sure to inform SRISA where you will be traveling to, with whom, and for how long.
  • Be alert when traveling via train. It’s recommended that you not travel alone on overnight trips.
  • If you do travel overnight, be sure to lock your compartment door before you go to sleep. Sleeping compartments are sometimes targeted by thieves.
  • When traveling to other cities or countries common sense still applies. . . . . .

AND ALWAYS CARRY CONTACT INFORMATION AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR SRISA.

NOTE:
There will be a local police orientation scheduled during SRISA orientation days.

A Safe Trip Abroad

The following information was posted by the U.S. Department in order to educate travelers:
When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, crime and violence, as well as unexpected difficulties, do happen to U.S. citizens in all parts of the world. No one is better able to tell you this than the U.S. consular officers who work in more than 250 U.S. embassies and consulates around the globe. Every day of the year, U.S. embassies and consulates receive calls from American citizens in distress. Happily, most problems can be solved over the telephone or by a visit of the U.S. citizen to the Consular Section of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

In the hope of helping you avoid serious difficulties during your abroad, we have prepared the following travel tips.Thank you for taking the time to become an informed traveler. We wish you a safe and wonderful journey!

U.S. State Department’s Top Ten Travel Tips

  1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport! (SRISA recommends having copies of them as well)
  2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
  3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page, and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
  4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
  5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
  6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
  7. While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
  8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
  9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
  10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.
  11. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy