Be Safe In Atlanta

Safety

Atlanta is a city with a reputation that has been blighted by high crime levels for several decades. It was in fact once listed among America’s most violent cities, but over the last 10 years it has seen a gradual decline in violent crime. In 2005 the city recorded its lowest homicide figures since 1963.

Visitors should, however, be aware that just as in any large US city, violent crime still exists and steps to avoid becoming a victim should be high on their agendas. The Atlanta Police Department website (http://www.atlantapd.org) offers some basic but useful advice with regards to protecting your valuables and your personal safety. Key advice includes not leaving anything of value on show in your vehicle and avoiding parking on deserted streets plus avoiding walking in unfamiliar areas, taking short cuts through poorly lit areas and projecting an image of self confidence at all times. A final sound piece of advice for visitors is to relinquish any cash or valuables if they are actually unfortunate enough to be held up by criminals in the street – nothing in your purse or bag is worth endangering your life for.

Police:  911

Health

There are no immediate health risks to either visitors or residents in the city of Atlanta. Tap water is drinkable although not necessarily pleasant and many people prefer to purchase bottled water which is either highly purified or from entirely natural sources. Contagious diseases are low in Atlanta and visitors are not obliged to have any special vaccinations before visiting the city.

General Hospital: +1 404 616 4800