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Keep camera bags, backpacks, and purses on your person. Before you leave home, make photocopies of important documents, including your passport and visa, and keep them with you, separate from the originals. Also make a note of your credit card numbers (and the phone number to call if they are stolen).

Cross at marked crosswalks, obeying the “walk” signal lights. Intersections without “walk” signals indicate when pedestrians should cross the road with a combined red-and-amber signal.

Muggings are rare in Boston. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas, like Boston Common, at night, especially if alone. Know where you are going and walk purposefully. Study your map before leaving, rather than on the street. Keep only small amounts of cash in your pockets and if confronted by a mugger, give up your money promptly.

When checking in, learn the fire escape route from your room. Keep valuables in your hotel safe, otherwise hotels will not guarantee their security. Use the peephole or chain to confirm the identity of anyone who knocks at your door before letting them in.

For police, fire, or ambulance, dial 911. Stay on the line even if you are unable to speak so the emergency locator system can track you. Emergency calls are free.

The Boston area has both city-run (public) hospitals and private hospitals. Public facilities, listed in the phone book Blue Pages, can be overcrowded but are often less expensive. Private hospitals, listed in the Yellow Pages, rank among some of the world’s best and charge accordingly.

The Massachusetts Dental Society can offer referrals to private dentists for emergency work. Tufts Dental School also runs an emergency dental clinic in Chinatown.

Your medical insurer should cover all costs, but in order to avoid paying your medical bill and then have money reimbursed it is always best to contact your insurance company before seeking treatment. You will then be directed to a hospital that will deal directly with your insurer. If you need an ambulance, call 911. The Massachusetts General Hospital is centrally located for emergencies. For referrals, contact Massachusetts Medical Society.

Bring copies of prescriptions for medications you are taking. Pharmacies abound; ask your hotel for the nearest one.

Three insect-borne infectious diseases (Lyme disease, eastern equine encephalitis, and West Nile virus) have been reported in rural areas of eastern Massachusetts. Exposure within metropolitan Boston is extremely unlikely. If worried, use mosquito repellent and keep arms, legs, and ankles covered.