Dear Warden:

Below please find a Warden Message from the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia.  Please share this warden message with any U.S. citizens in Bolivia with whom you have contact.
We hope this information is useful to you.  If we may provide further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
American Citizen Services Unit
U.S. Embassy La Paz, Bolivia
 
 
WARDEN MESSAGE
U.S. EMBASSY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
November 25, 2007

This Warden Message is being issued to alert American citizens traveling to and residing in Bolivia to the possibility of increased political and social tensions and potential violence.  We recommend that American Citizens in Bolivia closely monitor the local media and remain alert about the developing situation.

* Violent Protests in Sucre:  The Bolivian press is reporting that violent protests, demonstrations and clashes between opposing social groups and the authorities continue to take place in Sucre, related to an ongoing debate over the future of Bolivia’s Constituent Assembly process.  There have been at least three confirmed fatalities, with reports of several hundred wounded as well, some seriously.   Protesters are reportedly burning tires and clashing with the police, who are using tear gas to disperse crowds.  There are also reports that the Bolivian national police have been ordered to evacuate Sucre, and that the Bolivian military authorities may respond to the situation.  We recommend that American Citizens avoid Sucre until the situation stabilizes.  American Citizens already present in Sucre should exercise extreme caution and should remain off of the streets and away from any demonstrations.  Blockades may limit mobility in and around Sucre.       

* Santa Cruz Demonstrations:  The Bolivian press is also reporting that large-scale public demonstrators are scheduled to take place in Santa Cruz in the coming days.  Opposing social groups could potentially clash with each other and with police and military authorities.  Accordingly, we recommend that American Citizens exercise extreme caution and stay away from any demonstrations. 

* Other Bolivian Cities:  Similar conflicts could spread to other cities throughout Bolivia in the coming days, and we recommend that American Citizens closely monitor the local media and remain alert about the situation in Bolivia.

* Emergency Preparedness:  Although we do not expect an emergency situation, it is always best to be prepared.  As a reminder, please see the contingency planning tips at the end of this warden message.
           
*   We recommend that American Citizens exercise extreme caution and stay away from any related blockades, protests, or demonstrations, as press reports indicate there is the potential for confrontations between opposing groups.  Since the timing and routes of marches, protests, and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.  We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence at any time.  American citizens are encouraged to avoid areas where mass assemblies and demonstrations are expected to occur.

 *   American citizens should also be aware of frequent demonstrations and blockades in Bolivia, and are encouraged to contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz with any questions (our contact information is located below).  Roadblocks may affect the routes to and from airports and in and out of cities with little or no prior notice.  Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to run a roadblock.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.  Additional information is available in the Consular Information Sheet for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov and on our Embassy website at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.

Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia, via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours or (591-2) 216-8500 after hours and on weekends.  The Consular Section is located in the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue in La Paz, Bolivia.  The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba Consular Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313.

 

CONTINGENCY PLANNING FOR LIVING IN INTERESTING TIMES

Although we do not expect an emergency situation, it is always best to be prepared.

 Emergency preparedness is important to everyone, no matter his/her nationality or location.  Emergencies caused by natural disasters can strike almost anyplace on the globe.  Civil disturbances can arise with little or no warning in a great many places.  While we may be able to do little to prevent or control most natural disasters, and very few of us can have any influence on civil disorders, there is much that we can do to be prepared for an emergency.  This notice provides some basic guidelines that you might find helpful.  The first part of this document provides some general guidelines.  The remaining part is comprised of separate pages concerning: Emergency Kits; Emergency Food & Water supplies; First-Aid & Health Kits; Important Documents; and Sanitation & Clean-Up.  If you think that such preparations are a waste of time, just remember the saying that it is better to be safe than sorry.  Preparedness may make the difference between an interesting experience and a nightmare for you and your family.

Preparedness – General Guidelines:

Communications:

-The emergency contact system:  The exchange of accurate and timely information is essential to emergency preparedness and emergency response.  Families should be sure that all family members are familiar with the contact/notification system in place.

-Call home once:  Rather than tie up your telephone with multiple calls to the U.S. or elsewhere to reassure the home folks that you are okay, make only one or two calls.  Ask that your family members or friends notify contact other people to update them on your status.  Make sure your U.S./other contacts have each other’s contact information before an emergency develops.  Email contacts may be a good way to let people know you are OK.

Emergency Kits and First Aid Kits: 

 In many emergency situations, the sort of administrative or emergency support systems you can ordinarily count upon are not available.  In such situations it is essential for you to be prepared to help yourself and those around you.  These kits will help provide the means to take care of many of your emergency needs.  Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your Family Disaster Plan.  Having the supplies assembled in advance is critically important.  If assembling the supplies takes you hours or days in normal times, imagine what it would be like to try and collect the materials in the midst of an emergency! 

Food & Water:  If you have an ample stock of food and water on hand, you may be able to go through many emergency situations with only minor inconveniences to yourself and your family.  Please see the separate pages concerning food and water.

Fuel:   Having a full tank of gas in your vehicle can suddenly be of great importance if fuel supply lines are disrupted.  In the U.S., many people are careful during hurricane season or winter storm season to never let their tanks be less than half full.  That is a good practice to follow year-round, no matter the season or location.  A half tank or better may make a world of difference in your ability to respond to the emergency needs of your family or of other people around you.

Fire Emergencies:  Are among the most likely emergencies that most of us will face.  Families should be sure that all family members know their fire evacuation routes and other elements of fire safety and fire emergency procedures. 

Awareness/Information:  Involve children in disaster preparedness.  Ask children to help you keep your emergency kits in order, to help remember to change the batteries regularly, and to remember to rotate food and water stocks.  Mark a calendar everyone can see so that all have the chance to see the schedules and to remember them.  Ask children to think of items that they would like to include in their own Disaster Supplies Kit, such as books or games or appropriate nonperishable food items.  Make sure your children understand the hows and whys of emergency preparedness.

Emergency Kit Basics

 After a disaster, local support systems may be rendered unable to respond quickly to the emergency.  You could get help in hours, or it may take days.  You probably will not have time to shop or search for the supplies you will need to help yourself.  Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.  Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.  A kit might be stored in a camping backpack, a duffel bag or a large, covered trash container.  Keep items in airtight plastic bags to help protect them from damage or spoilage.  Keep a smaller Emergency Kit, including First Aid Kit and fire extinguisher, in the trunk of your car.  (Portable/disposable fire extinguishers can be purchased from and installed by vendors in Bolivia.)  If you become stranded while with your car or are not able to return home, the vehicle’s Emergency Kits will help you to be more comfortable until help arrives.

 Water, food, first aid supplies and important documents are detailed in separate lists in this document.

Emergency Kit materials may include (but are not limited to):

-Flashlight and extra batteries for each member of the family.
-A portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.
-First aid kit and first aid manual (see separate listing).
-Supply of prescription medications.
-Credit cards and cash, both in local and U.S. currencies.
-Personal identification.
-An extra set of car keys.
-Matches in a waterproof container, candles and fire-safe candle holders.
-Signal whistle.
-Utility tools (such as Leatherman-type multi-tools, Swiss Army knives), adjustable wrenches (to shut off valves, disassemble things), hammer, pliers, pry bar, shovels, and other useful tools.
-Heavy work gloves.
-Duct tape.
-Map of the area.
-List of phone numbers you will need in the event of an emergency.
-Special needs, for example, diapers or formula, prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions, hearing aid batteries, spare eyeglasses, or other physical needs.
-Zip-lock type plastic bags of various sizes.
-Pens & notepads.
-Plastic sheeting.
-Small canister(s).
-Compass.
-Sanitation and hygiene items:
Toilet paper, paper towels, towelettes; soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent; feminine supplies; medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid; disinfectant; household chlorine bleach; small shovel for digging an expedient latrine.

Water

Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency.

Keep at least a five-day supply of water, or a minimum of five gallons per person.  It may be helpful to have more on hand, if possible. Use one-half gallon per day for drinking, and one-half gallon for cooking and sanitation (non-potable water can be used for sanitation).  A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day.  Dry air, warm weather and intense physical activity can double that amount.  Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.  Store your supply in a handy place. You need to have water packed and ready in case there is no time to fill water bottles when disaster strikes.

For long-term storage:  Buy bottled water sealed at the factory.  Ideally, use and replace this supply of water every six months.

Short-term storage/usage:  In the event of an emergency situation in which you still have water service, fill up all of the available, seal-able containers you have on hand such as empty water and soft drink bottles.  Seal containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place.  Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.  If you lose water service, use the water from these containers first (as per the information above, do not put them away for long-term storage).

For long-term loss of electrical power :  Boiling is the safest method of treating water.  Strain water through a clean cloth to remove bulk impurities. Bring water to a rolling boil for three minutes.  The water will taste better if you allow it to cool completely before drinking.  Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers.  This will also improve the taste of stored water.

You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms:  Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite.  Do not use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches, or bleaches with added cleaners.  Add a drop of bleach to each quart/liter or water (8 drops per gallon; prepping water to wash vegetables requires 16 drops/1 tablespoon per gallon), stir, and let stand for 30 minutes.  If the water does not have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.  If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.  Other chemicals, such as iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25 percent hypochlorite as the only active ingredient, are not recommended and should not be used.

Non-potable water: Can be stored in such containers as large, plastic garbage barrels, plastic trash cans and in bathtubs (bathtubs will eventually drain unless you take care to seal the drain).  Have a plastic bucket handy near each container.  One bucket poured directly into a toilet bowl is usually enough to flush a toilet.  Water dippers usually make it easier to get enough water to rinse off your hands and face.

Bathwater:  During emergencies, water supplies may have more sediment/color than is normal.  Bathwater can be made more pleasant to the eye and nose if you treat it with chlorine bleach.  Mix the chlorine evenly with water; the chlorine odor should not be offensive.  Wait a few minutes before entering the tub or dipping water from the tub for sponge baths.

Water Depth in Bathtub Approx. Gallons  Amount of bleach
  4 inches     15         1 teaspoon
  6 inches     30         2 teaspoons
  9 inches     45         3 teaspoons 

 

Food

 A two-week stockpile of non-perishable food is likely to be enough to get you through most interruptions in the supply chain.  The easiest way to develop a two-week stockpile is to increase the amount of basic foods you normally keep on your shelves.  Familiar foods can lift morale and give a feeling of security in time of stress.  Canned foods will not require cooking, water, or special preparation.  Take into account your family’s unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods that they will enjoy and that are also high in calories, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.  Don’t stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty and you will consume more water than you would ordinarily require.  Note: If your water supply is limited, try to limit your intake of foods that are high in fat and protein, since they will increase your thirst.

-Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little or no water:  Foods that are compact and lightweight are easy to store and carry.
-Rotate your stock:  Consume/replace the older items in stock on a regular basis to ensure that what you have on hand is fresh/edible.

Recommended foods include:
-Salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned food with high liquid content.
-Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
-Canned juice, milk, and soup (if powdered, store extra water).
-High-energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix.
-Comfort foods, such as hard candy, sweetened cereals, candy bars, and cookies.
-Instant coffee instant tea, tea bags, powdered creamer.
-Foods for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets, if necessary.
 Also consider:
- Compressed food bars. They store well, are lightweight, taste good and are nutritious.
-Trail mix. Available prepackaged, or assemble your own.
-Dried foods. They can be nutritious and satisfying, but many contain a lot of salt, which promotes thirst.
-Snack-sized canned goods. Good because they generally have pull-top lids or twist-open keys.
-Prepackaged beverages. Those in cans, plastic bottles, foil packets and foil-lined boxes are suitable because they are tightly sealed and will keep for a long time.
-Freeze-dried foods. They are tasty and lightweight, but will need water for reconstitution.
-Instant meals. Cups of noodles or cups of soup are a good addition, although they need water for reconstitution.
-Remember to store nonperishable foods for your pets.

Food options that are less useful/versatile:
-Commercially dehydrated foods, canned food. They can require a great deal of water for reconstitution and extra effort in preparation.
-Bottled foods. They are generally too heavy and bulky, and the containers break easily.
-Meal-sized canned foods. They are usually bulky and heavy.
-Whole grains, beans, pasta, rice. Preparation could be complicated under the circumstances of a disaster.

If your electricity goes off:
-In non-emergency situations, keep your refrigerator and freezer closed until the power returns.
 In emergencies:
-First, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator.  Post a list on the refrigerator of its contents (have this inventory posted before the power goes out!)  Do not open the refrigerator unnecessarily.
-Keep your freezer closed as long as possible:  In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days.  To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it.  Post the inventory before the power goes out!
-Begin to use nonperishable foods and staples after you have exhausted your supply of refrigerated/frozen goods.
Kitchen accessories: manual can opener; mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic/disposable utensils; utility knife; sugar, salt, pepper; aluminum foil; plastic reseal-able bags, plastic wrap.

First Aid & Health/Hygiene Kits

 Assemble a First Aid Kit for your household Emergency Supplies Kit and another for your car.  There are many commercial vendors of first-aid kits that sell kits complete with their own carrying/storage bags.  You may find their purchase to be more convenient, albeit more expensive, than having to assemble your own kit.

A good first aid kit may include:
-First aid manual.
-Sterile adhesive bandages (band-aids) in assorted sizes.
-Sterile bandages, including: 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each); triangular bandages (3); 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls); 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls).
-Assorted sizes of safety pins.
-Cleansing agent/soap.
-Latex gloves (2 pairs).  Caution: some people are allergic to latex.
-Soap and antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol (current standard practice is to use soap and clean water to clean wounds and antiseptics to clean instruments).
-Scissors.
-Tweezers.
-Sewing needle.
-Nail clippers.
-Moistened towelettes.
-Anti-bacterial cream/ointment.
-Thermometer.
-Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant.
-Sunblock lotion/cream (highest blocking factor available).
-Tongue depressor blades (2).
-Non-prescription drugs (aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; anti-diarrhea medication; antacid (for stomach upset); laxative; vitamins.
-Medicine dropper/eyedropper.
-Add any necessary prescription and non-prescription drugs.
-Add special needs for infants, elderly persons, or anyone with serious allergies.

HEALTH / HYGIENE - per person:
-1 hand towel & 1 wash cloth.
-1 new bath-size bar of soap.
-1 comb & brush.
-1 toothbrush & 1 tube of toothpaste.
-6 band-aids.
-lip balm.
-deodorant or bath powder.
-shampoo.
-towelettes (moist cleansing type).

Important Documents

 It is wise, whenever possible, to keep the originals of important documents in a safe deposit box in the United States.  You should consider making provisions for a trustworthy family member or close friend to have access to the materials under certain emergency circumstances. 

 Part of emergency preparedness planning is to be sure that your insurance provides sufficient coverage in the event of a loss- be sure that the coverage is appropriate for your current needs.  A complete, up to-date inventory list of your possessions is a valuable item to store with other documents in a safe place in the United States or elsewhere.  Be sure to be familiar with what your policy covers and what it does not.  Some policies do not cover losses due to civil strife or certain natural disasters.

 Updating your will and the beneficiary lists for insurance policies is an important part of emergency preparedness.

NOTE 1:  Seal-able plastic bags or pouches are particularly important to have handy, as bulky, heavy storage containers are difficult to move and carry.  If you have to leave your home in a hurry, you will want to be able to carry your documents easily- otherwise they may be left behind.

NOTE 2: Residential fires comprise one of the most common types of emergencies.  Your first priority should be the safety of you and your family.  If your family has been evacuated from a burning residence, the only thing you MAY have time to grab before leaving the residence is a packet of documents already packaged/set aside.  You will not have time to put those documents together in the event of a fire emergency.

NOTE 3:  It is very important that you guard identity and financial materials well.  Identity theft/fraud can be a terrible problem, and will make it all the more difficult for you to deal with an emergency.  If you have a complete copy of your records in a safe location, you may be able to destroy some of those in your home if you need to quickly depart your residence and have no immediate prospects for a speedy return.

 Keep the documents listed below in zip-lock plastic bags, stored in a waterproof, fire-resistant container (portable, if possible).  Many people choose to keep originals in safe deposit boxes and keep notarized documents at home.

• Passports, social security cards
• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds.
• Bank account numbers, credit card account numbers and companies (best not to have   access codes and account numbers on the same sheet of paper).
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
• Immunization records.
• Inventory of household goods; inventories are often critical to insurance claims.
• Important telephone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses.
• Medical prescriptions, medications & spare eyeglasses & prescriptions.

SANITATION & CLEAN-UP

 In extreme emergencies you may find that your entire toilet/black water system has been knocked out of service or filled to overflowing with no prospects for it being restored to service.  In such extreme circumstances, it may become necessary for you to create a makeshift toilet. 

 Even if you do not lose such a critical sanitation service, you may find it necessary to perform a major clean-up at your home after an emergency to put it back in order and to ensure your home is safe and clean.

To Build a Makeshift Toilet:
 Line a bucket with a garbage bag and make a toilet seat out of two boards placed parallel to each other across the bucket.  After each use, pour a disinfectant such as bleach (1 part liquid chlorine bleach to 10 parts water) into the garbage bag.  This will help avoid infection and stop the spread of disease.  Cover the bucket tightly when it is not in use. 

Garbage and Human Waste:
 Bury garbage and human waste to avoid the spread of disease by rats and insects. Dig a pit two to three feet deep and at least 50 feet downhill or away from any well, spring, or water supply.

Clean-Up Kit:

-1 bucket filled with sponges.
-1 wire brush.
-plastic garbage bags, especially largest sizes available.
-1 scrub brush.
-1 pair or more of rubber gloves.
-1 can powder cleanser.
-1 one-gallon bottle (or equivalent) of cleaning agent

(SAFETY NOTE: ammonia-based cleaning agents should not be mixed with water that you have chlorinated yourself- the mixture can produce toxic fumes).

 

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