Be Safe in Key West

Key West is on the whole a safe city, and visitors wont feel in danger or intimidated when walking the streets at daytime or after dark. However, as with most destinations, the city comes with its fair share of criminal and unwanted elements and its sensible to follow some fundamental courses of action to make sure that you dont fall victim to them.

Safety

Divers and snorkellers are advised to always use red and white diver down flags to make boaters aware of their presence. Boaters should know that the Keys are home to many shallow areas. They should also steer their vessel at sensible speeds, particularly in channels and harbour areas. Bicycling is permitted down U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway, but officials are hopeful that cyclists will make use of the paved Overseas Heritage Trail, which runs parallel to the highway in many places. In Key West, where cycling on the historic streets is hugely popular, city leaders stress that cyclists are required to use lights at night. Because they are on the northern edge of the Caribbean, the Florida Keys are sometimes threatened by tropical cyclones.

Emergency: 911

Health

If you plan to enjoy the wonderful weather conditions of the Keys, please be aware that the sunshine at latitude 24 is very powerful and can burn unprotected skin in a matter of minutes. Sunscreen is strongly recommended. There are three well-equipped hospitals on the Keys, but in some serious emergencies patients are airlifted to facilities on mainland Florida.

Lower Keys Medical Center: +1 305 294 5531