Mideast / North Africa alert

Nearly two dozen US embassies and consulates in the Middle East and North Africa were closed for Sunday, Aug. 4, after the Department of State intercepted communications among suspected terrorists about a possible attack. It was then announced that 15 of those posts plus an additional four would remain closed until Saturday, Aug. 10.

The Department also issued a Worldwide Travel Alert, particularly for the Middle East and North Africa and only for the month of August, regarding “the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure” and recommending that travelers “should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.”

Being aware of exits is one example of being prepared.