Staying Safe Around the Border

Wednesday, 03 March 2010 23:04

Journalism students at The University of Arizona were given a crash course on border safety from professors and professionals who have traveled down to Mexico and who have reported in other countries.

"Mexico is the second most dangerous country for journalists today," said Kevin R. Kemper, a journalism professor at the UA. It can also be dangerous for travelers who are not aware of Mexican customs and their laws.

The workshop covered many different aspects of traveling to Mexico from preparing to leave, what to do once in Mexico and being aware of emotions that may arise because of trip.

Before leaving there are numerous things that a reporter will need before traveling across the border. First and foremost, reporters need to have a passport or a passport card to re-enter the United States, explained Maggie Zanger, journalism professor at the UA.

Zanger also mentioned that it is very important to have Mexican car insurance for people who are crossing the border with their own vehicle. U.S. auto insurance does not cover vehicle liability in Mexico.

Travelers should protect themselves from even small accidents by calling their insurance agent to see if they can add Mexico insurance for the duration of the trip or purchase insurance through another company.

In addition to car insurance, journalism students are required to have their own medical insurance that will cover them in Mexico. Some insurance plans do cover travelers to other countries but it is important to check.

"You don't want to get hurt in Mexico and have to travel back across the state line," said Kemper. "They won't accept insurance from another country."

Students at the workshop were given packets that listed maps of Mexico, a list of important numbers and important things for journalists or tourists to bring on the trip, such as Mexican currency.

"You don't want to have a car broken down next to a place that doesn't accept U.S. money," said Zanger.

Speakers at the workshop also suggested traveling with multiple people on the trip, letting people know where they are and planning to stay.

"I encourage the buddy system," said Kemper. "If you're going to cover the border then take a person with you. Journalism buddies are a growing thing."

Once arriving in Mexico it is important that people are respectful of the culture, customs and laws.

"Don't go into Mexico with this idea of 'Yeah, I am an American and I don't have to listen to you,'" said Kemper. "You need to respect the law."

Journalists covering the border should also be aware of their surroundings, people they interact with and their gut instincts, said Kemper.

"If you feel like you should get out of a situation, then get out," said Kemper.

The workshop also included an emotional awareness session by UA Journalism Professor Celeste González de Bustamante and first-aid techniques from the Wilderness Medical Society Student Interest Group at UA.

The Wilderness Medical Society taught students how to create a long bone splint, a sling for joint and shoulder injuries and how to help victims of bleeding and shock.

For a detailed account on everything that occured, check out Matilde Cantero's live blog from the event.

Check out the 3-Part How To Emergency First Aid:

How to Splint a Broken Leg

How to Help Stop Bleeding

How to Make Sling for a Broken Arm

Things to Take with You to Mexico, by the School of Journalism's Border Safety Committee.
• Passport or passport card
• Car registration
• Maps
• Camera
• Notebook and pencils
• US and Mexican currency
• Cell phone that works in Mexico
• Bottled water
• Small first aid kit
• Sturdy walking shoes that cover your feet
• Personal medications (with prescriptions)
• Small book of Spanish phrases
• Keep these things on your person
• DO NOT carry guns or ammunition into Mexico.
• Do not try bring wildlife, plants, fruit, coral or fireworks into or back from Mexico.
• Do not break any Mexican laws.

Written by Allana Erickson You are reading Staying Safe Around the Border articles