Having a job which sends me to remote oil fields around the world, this topic is near and dear to my heart.

Step 1 occurs before ever leaving home. I always study maps and Google Earth views to become familiar with major roads, rail lines, rivers, towns, and airports in the area.

Step 2 is registering with the US consulate in the country I'll be in to let them know my travel/lodging plans in the counry. If something happens the US government knows I'm there. Concurrently, my boss (and more importantly, his secretary) knows all my travel plans, even if it's a personal vacation. If something happens they'll know I'm there.

Step 3 is once I get to the country I learn how to say "I am an American." in the local language (or "I am a Canadian." if the political situation suggests that might be safer).

Step 4 is find out where other non-local hang out and make contact with them.

Once the disaster hits I have to assess the situation. Is the immediate danger over (earthquake/tsunami) or is it an on-going thing like a civil war?

If it's a natural disaster then I find some supply of drinkable water and containers to carry it. This may involve boiling or filtering undersirable water. Then I head to the expate meeting area and see if anyone there has help coming. If no one there is in any better position then I then I take my water, find a tarp or sheet for shelter, a knife or at least a chunk of flat steel, and start making my way to the nearst airport/airstrip. I figure that's where help will be flown in first, plus they are usually near major roads.

Stealing a car seems like a bad idea to me. After earthquakes/hurricanes/tyhoons roads are usually messed up. Plus in third-world countries cars are usually very protected. Jacking one is a good way to end up dead.

As for good/bad people remeber that good outnumber bad. I'll be cautious but not spend my time hiding. It'll be obvious I don't have anything of value. I will keep an eye out for a group I feel comfortable in joining.

At the airstrip I try and get world out on their com equipment that there's an American here. Judging from current events, the US military will show up in a few days to begin putting the peices back together. I hook up with them and await a chance to get flown out of there.

Civil war will be in another post.

-Blast