ciee - council on international educational exchange

Hurricane Irene Approaches U.S. East Coast

As Hurricane Irene makes its way to the east coast, CIEE wants to provide some useful information on what to do if your community is affected. We will continue to post updates to the CIEE website and provide email updates and news that will be helpful to you. You can also call CIEE at 1-888-268-6245 at any time if you have questions about the storm. Please see below for helpful safety tips in preparation for the storm’s arrival:

Stay informed. Watch local news for storm updates. If Hurricane Irene is a serious threat to your community, evacuation instructions will be provided on the local news networks. You may also view updates on Hurricane Irene on the National Weather Service website.
The American Red Cross may arrive in your community if the hurricane does happen. They are an excellent emergency response organization and we ask you to look at their website to learn their latest news on the storm: http://www.redcross.org/.
Local authorities or the Red Cross may organize storm shelters for your safety. These shelters are excellent places to go, even if you only have questions. If there is a shelter available and the hurricane will be in your area, CIEE strongly advises you to go there for your safety.
Please know the police and fire departments are friendly and they will help you in an emergency situation.
Prepare yourself. CIEE encourages you to read more about hurricanes on the National Weather Service and the Red Cross websites. They offer excellent ideas for how to safely prepare for a hurricane storm.

Ask your employer if Hurricane Irene will affect your town if you’re not sure. Your employer may have experienced these storms in the past and will be able to tell you what to expect and what to do.

In the event that you must move to a temporary shelter, and if you have access to email or a telephone, please let us know where you are and that you are safe. If necessary, we will notify your CIEE agent in your home country so that they can notify your parents. You can email us at contact@ciee.org or call us, toll-free, at 1-888-268-6245.

U.S. Laws

Drugs

Illegal possession of controlled substances (drugs) in the U.S. is subject to prosecution by law. The penalties for drug possession vary from state to state. Any type of illegal drug use while in the U.S. may have serious consequences. You are subject to fines and possible time in jail for any drug possession or association with people who have drugs.

Alcohol

You must be 21 years old to drink alcohol legally in the United States. You can be arrested and subject to fines if:

You are under 21 and are found with alcohol
You purchase alcohol for persons under 21
You drink alcohol in public areas (drinking alcohol in public is prohibited in many parts of the U.S.)

Many bars, restaurants, and liquor stores will only accept a driver's license or non-driver identification card from the Department of Motor Vehicles as proof of age. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for information on the procedure for obtaining an identification card.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Enforcement of DWI/DUI laws in the U.S. is very strict. Fines can be up to $5,000. Keep yourself and others safe by NOT drinking and driving. Americans generally appoint a "designated driver" when going out with a group of friends. This person agrees to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages and drives the rest of the group to and from their destination.

Local Laws

Unlike most countries, laws in the U.S. vary from state to state and even city to city. It is important to become familiar with and obey the local laws in the town or city where you are living. Local laws that govern alcohol consumption, noise levels, and group gatherings are strict. Your best source of information will be local residents and U.S. students who are living and working in the same town or city.

Smoking

Americans may be less tolerant of smoking than people in your home country. It is illegal to smoke in many public places, so look around before you light up. No smoking signs are usually posted in a clear, visible location. Smoking is restricted in office buildings, restaurants, and public transportation, among other places.

Vehicle Laws and Safety

In the U.S., vehicle laws and regulations are determined by state. Make sure that you are familiar with the laws of the state you live in, and of those you will be traveling to. Click here to read the section on driving and auto safety.

Accidents

If you are involved in an accident with an automobile, do not leave the scene of the accident. Contact the police immediately, and then call CIEE.

Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Recreational Vehicles

Your CIEE insurance does not cover any injuries or accidents while you are driving or riding on a moped, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle. If you decide to purchase or ride on one of these vehicles, you are responsible for purchasing additional health and motor vehicle insurance.

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