Travel Safety
Six Ways To Ruin a Good Vacation
- Leave your backdoor unlocked.
- Don't turn on the alarm system.
- Don't tell anyone in your neighborhood that you are going away.
- Carry lots of cash.
- Let the lawn grow until you get back.
- Hide extra cash and plane tickets in the drawer when you leave the hotel room.
Before You Leave...
- Stop mail and newspapers or ask a neighbor you trust to pick them up daily.
- Use timers on household lights.
- Make sure all your door and window locks are in working order and used.
- Arrange to have the grass mowed while your away.
- Put a radio or TV on a timer so it looks like someone is home.
- Activate your home alarm ( if you have one).
- If the local police offer it place your house on the vacation check list.
Packing Your Bags
- Clean out your wallet before you go. Take only essential information and credit cards.
- Use traveler's checks instead of cash.
- Use a "fanny pack" instead of a purse. Carry your wallet in your front pocket.
- Use plain luggage instead of designer, this can attract attention to your items.
- Keep a record of what is in each bag with you in case of theft.
Out and About
- Don't flash your cash.
- Don't display expensive jewelry or other items that might draw attention.
- Stick to well lighted areas and well traveled streets.
- Always lock your car, keep valuables out of sight and locked in the trunk.
- Protect yourself against carjacking and auto theft.
In Your Hotel
- Always lock your door.
- Only open the door to people you know.
- Use the hotel safe for valuable items.
- Locate the fire exits, elevators, and public phones. Plan the best way out of the building.
- Inventory your belongings daily. Arrange items so you will know if anything is missing.
- Be observant. Report anything suspicious to management.
Airline Travel
- Allow extra time arrive early.
- Keep your baggage with you at all times.
- Bring a government issued photo ID.
- Don't carry weapons in your carry on luggage.
- Don't carry prohibited items with you.
- Remember all people must undergo the screening process.
- All items must be X-rayed.
- Don't let anyone but airport personnel handle your bags.
- Don't take any bags from anyone you don't know
Traveling by Car
Items in a Safety Kit:
- Cellular phone
- Flares or reflectors
- Send help or call police sign
- White flag or handkerchief
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Reflective tape
On the Road:
- Be familiar with you travel route before you start.
- Make sure your car is in good condition before you start.
- Keep maps concealed.
- Keep the car doors locked while you are driving.
- Store the luggage in the trunk.
- Park in well lit areas.
- Beware of the bump and run robbery.
- Carry a safety kit with you.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- If your car breaks down place a white cloth on your antenna.
- If you stop overnight remove the bags from the car.
Tips provided by National Crime Prevention Council.