You know that things are tense in Paris. Your Survival Guy just returned after witnessing a city on the edge, with riots and looting raising the tension to the breaking point. Now, a long planned NFL game in Paris is going ahead, and the Steelers and Saints will face each other at the Stade de France. The Associated Press reports that Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is confident in the players’ safety. They write:
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Friday expressed confidence in the NFL to make security decisions around staging a game in Paris amid recent civil unrest in the city.
The Pittsburgh star spoke at a news conference inside a downtown hotel shortly after the team arrived in the capital for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France.
“I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what’s going on. This game means a lot to the NFL. If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here,” Rodgers said.
The U.S. Embassy in France released a travel warning for Americans in Paris for the game, writing:
Travel advisory – French Republic
Level 2 – Exercise increased caution
Exercise increased caution
in France due to terrorism and unrest.
Advisory summary
Violence and rioting have recently occurred in France and may continue. Avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest. Stay away from areas with large crowds or significant police activity.
Pickpocketing and phone thefts are common, especially in crowded places. Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France and may attack with little to no warning. There are also regular, peaceful protests and strikes in Paris and other cities throughout France.
Pickpocketing and phone thefts are frequent crimes. They can occur in crowded areas such as:
- Airports
- Subways and train cars
- Tourist attractions
- Train stations
Terrorist groups continue to plan possible attacks in France. They may attack with little or no warning. Possible targets include:
- Tourist locations
- Transportation hubs and airports
- Markets and shopping malls
- Local government facilities
- Hotels, restaurants, and clubs
- Places of worship
- Major sporting and cultural events
- Educational institutions
- Parks
- Other public areas
Demonstrations and strikes happen often in Paris and other cities in France.
- Protests can disrupt transportation services.
- Protests have turned violent or caused property damage.
- Police may respond with force, including water cannons and tear gas.
If you decide to travel to France:
- Stay alert at tourist locations and crowded public places.
- Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
- Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Find a safe place to stay and shelter in place if you are unable to leave the immediate area of a demonstration.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Review the Country Security Report for France.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the International International Travel Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
The Embassy also published a card for fans with emergency numbers and information.
Action Line: If you’re in Paris for the game, be safe. Try to stay in my favorite arrondissements when possible, and email me at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com to tell me what you’re seeing on the ground. And click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
