Our Philosophy on Safety
There is always an element of danger whenever we leave our houses, both in the U.S. and in Honduras. Even in our own homes, there are many dangers that we manage carefully. Our job is to make sure that we are aware of the dangers we are facing while taking steps to minimize the risks. Below is a short explanation of how we at SHH minimize the risks we face.
Health
In health the main risks are illness from mosquitoes, sun, dehydration, and food. There are relatively easy steps we take to minimize these risks which include improving awareness regarding immunizations, constant reminders about bug spray, sun block, and mandatory water breaks. We provide the food from trusted vendors but nonetheless there is still usually at least one person each trip who suffers from a case of diarrhea.
Click here to visit the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for detailed information on all recommended vaccinations for Central America
Remember to see your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
Vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Malaria
- Typhoid
- Measles
- There may be additional shots
Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout this region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting. This can be treated with standard medications you can bring with you or obtain from a pharmacy in Honduras.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission.
In developing countries, drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
Medical Insurance:
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the U.S. unless supplemental coverage is purchased.
However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost thousands of dollars. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas health care provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur.
Safety While Volunteering
In terms of safety the most likely risk is some sort of injury on the worksite while the volunteers are working in construction. We carry a basic first-aid kit and our volunteers have access to transportation if an emergency should arise.
Another less likely risk, but one with higher consequences, is that of crime like robbery or even violent crimes like rape. People may see Americans as wealthy targets. To minimize this risk we stay together, travel by private bus (not walking), and have professional armed security guards at the hotel during the night. There has never been an incident involving crime on one of our short-term trips.
Safety Precautions
- U.S. citizens are encouraged to follow local news reports. Criminals and pickpockets also target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch.
- Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras
- Always keep in their possession a photocopy of their U.S. passport data page; carry an additional copy in their suitcase; and leave a copy at home with a friend or family member.
- Leave valuables and passport in your hotel.
- Do not bring jewelry or fancy watches.
