FULBRIGHT EMERGENCY PROTOCOL

   THE BASICS

🚨In an emergency, dial 112 (the European equivalent to 911)🚨

  1. We strongly recommend all U.S. grantees enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/. By enrolling in STEP, grantees can receive messages on safety and security by email from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
  2. The U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission informs grantees that in the unlikely event that they may need to depart Spain if an emergency or international crisis occurs, they will receive assistance to do so.
  3. U.S. grantees must provide up-to-date contact details to the Commission for the entire duration of their Fulbright award in Spain. The Commission maintains detailed contact information for all current U.S. Fulbright grantees during their grant period. This information includes cell phone numbers, physical addresses and email.
  4. If U.S. grantees are leaving Spain, they must provide the Commission with the details of that travel and provide alternative contact details. The Commission keeps a record of grantee whereabouts.
  5. In an emergency response, the Commission will provide this information to ECA, which is required to report on the status and safety of grantees. ECA needs to be able to reach participants quickly and directly via email or phone from Washington D.C. to confirm their safety and whereabouts. Before arriving in Spain, all U.S. grantees are given information on emergencies in pre-departure materials.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR GRANTEES

In the case of a country/region-wide emergency, the Commission will inform Mentors, and Mentors will send a message to their regional/program Whatsapp group(s) asking grantees to confirm their safety. The Mentors will then relay this confirmation to the Commission. If any grantees are missing this confirmation, they will receive a call from the Commission.

If an emergency situation develops, the Commission will communicate with and disseminate information to Fulbrighters who may be affected. In the event of an emergency, the Commission will try to contact you. Please make sure the Commission has your current/active cell phone and email address. Update this information on your fulbright.es Portal. If you are going to be outside Spain, you must notify the Commission.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

  • For life-or-death emergencies, call the Spanish emergency number 112 for immediate assistance. They can provide emergency police, ambulance, and/or fire services. 
  • If you are not in a life-or-death emergency and need an ambulance, we recommend calling the ASISA number for emergencies: +34 900 900 118, as you would be charged for using a public ambulance because you are not registered in the Spanish Social Security system.
  • US Embassy emergency number: (+34) 91 587 2200. Available for U.S. citizens’ emergencies anywhere in Spain outside of Office Hours.
  • Finally, once you have received primary medical attention and have ascertained you are in a safe space, please call your Program Officer to inform the Commission of your whereabouts.

FOR ANY EMERGENCY EVENT

Including: Terrorism, Violent Attacks, Explosions, Hazardous Material Exposure, Volcanic Eruptions, Wildfires, Floods, or any Severe Weather Events.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Check for danger (fire, gas leak, downed power lines, and structural damage). Move to a place of safety as soon as you can.
  • Remain calm and call the police at 112 as soon as it is safe to do so. Report as much as possible about the assailant, if there is one. Wait for emergency services to arrive and stay in a secure area. Turn off electricity, gas and/or water – if it is safe to do so.
  • If unsafe where you are, leave your home and go to a pre-arranged meeting point.
  • Remain in the safest possible location until the police advise that the incident has been resolved to the point that you can leave the area.
  • Listen to the radio or check social media for official warnings, information, and advice.
  • Inform the Commission about the attack and your current condition as soon as you are in a safe location.

personal crises & emergencies

For advice on various types of personal emergencies, please see the ASPE ASSIST: Mental Health Hotline page.

U.S. EMBASSY CITIZEN SERVICES

To enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), find information on renewing passports, and other Consular Resources, please visit this page: https://es.usembassy.gov/services/