Helpful Information: Registering with your embassy in Korea

This was sent earlier today by my good friend Hannah through an email, detailing how to register with your embassy and options to have in case of an emergency. While I wouldn't say that things regarding North and South Korea are serious enough yet, having a back up plan for any kind of disaster or serious event is never a bad thing. Here is the original email, along with a listing of resources for foreigners living and working abroad can use.

Hey guys!!

This isn't to alarm any of you, but I've been reading up on things and since we're all living abroad, I figured this might be of interest to you guys too.  There are services available to UC citizens living abroad such as an alert system in the case of emergencies (war, natural disasters, epidemics, etc).  In certain cases, they'll coordinate an evacuation for us, but they'll only be able to let you know if you are listed on our US Embassy's list of Americans living/travelling abroad.  

They have an alert system where they send you a text message and also an email newsletter they send out when there is an alert out (they don't send it routinely, but only if there is an alert out).  Sign up if you guys want to!  It was fairly quick and easy for me.  I signed up for the notification and email  :]  So here are the links:

Overview & Info

http://seoul.usembassy.gov/acs_emergency_preparedness.html

STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) - It's not just for travelers, but for citizens who live abroad too.  This enrollment is also how the Embassy communicates with you:

https://step.state.gov/step/

Email and text message service:

http://www.asktheconsul.org/

There are two US Embassies in Korea - one in Seoul and one in Busan, so if there ever is an emergency head for the nearest one to you.

Not saying there is any immediate threat, but it's always nice to know we have an emergency backup plan  :]

So there you have it. Quick, easy and covered by the government. Better safe than sorry folks. Thanks Hannah!