Community Safety News
Ways to Make Your Trip Safer and More Enjoyable
4/7/2003
Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, can be a wonderful experience, if you follow these commonsense safety tips.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
Use this handy checklist to prepare your home before you leave on your trip.
· Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
· Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.
· Put at least two lights and a radio on automatic timers.
· Ask a neighbor to keep your property maintained, if need be (grass mowed, snow shoveled).
· Have someone park a car in your driveway occasionally.
· Leave a key with a trusted neighbor in case of an emergency.
· Ask your police department if it has a "Vacation Check" program. You might have to fill out a form indicating your dates of departure and return, as well as which rooms have timed lights, and which neighbor has a key.
· Lock all windows and doors before you go. Don't forget to double-check the basement and garage doors.
· Make a record of your passport, credit card and traveler's check numbers, as well as plane, train or bus ticket numbers. Give a copy of the list to a family member or friend for safekeeping
ON THE ROAD
· Carry little cash. Use traveler's checks or credit cards whenever possible.
· Keep careful tabs on your plane, train or bus tickets - they're as good as cash.
· If you're driving, plan your route carefully. Travel on main roads and use maps. Have your car serviced before you leave.
· If you're stopping overnight, remove luggage and other valuables from the car.
· When stopping en route, conceal obvious valuables from sight, preferably in the trunk.
· If your car breaks down, turn on the flashers and open the hood or tie a white cloth to the antenna. If anyone stops to offer help, ask them to call the police.
IN YOUR HOTEL OR MOTEL
· Don't leave your luggage unattended anywhere.
· Use all auxiliary locking devices when occupying or leaving your room.
· Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or hotel room. Place them in the hotel safe deposit box. Always take cash, credit cards and keys with you.
· Locate fire exits, elevators, and public phones. Plan the best way to get out of the building in an emergency.
· Check your belongings daily. Arrange your things in the closet or dresser so you will know immediately if something is missing.
· Leave the TV on in your room when you leave, to make it seem occupied.
· Be observant. Report any suspicious activity to management.
· Look around before entering parking lots or garages. Park near lighted walkways when possible.
· Do not answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from the staff is supposed to have access to your room, and why.
IN THE AREA
· Carry your purse close to your body - don't let it dangle. Carry your wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket.
· Learn about your surroundings. Ask the hotel/motel desk clerk about problem areas and avoid them.
· Select sightseeing companies and guides carefully.
· Make sure everyone in your party, including children, knows the name, address and telephone number of your hotel or motel.
· Avoid advertising that your are a tourist by the way you dress.
· Carry only cash that you need, and in small denominations. Don't flash your cash or jewelry.
· If members of the group go off separately, be sure they check in at prearranged times.
KEEPING FIT ON THE ROAD
· There is no reason to cancel your daily fitness routine just because you're traveling - as long as you take some commonsense precautions.
· When jogging or walking, team up with a partner - a friend, colleague, or family member - especially if you go out early in the morning or late at night.
· Check to see if your hotel/motel has a health club or has access to one you can use.
· Avoid isolated roads, trails and paths. Stick to well-lighted routes. Vary your exercise time and route.
· Wear clothing that makes you visible to motorists - bright colors for day and white or reflective clothes at night. Always carry identification.
· Carry change for an emergency phone call.
· Consider carrying a whistle or shriek alarm.
· Always wear your glasses or contacts.
· Stay alert, especially If you're in a strange area. Don't walk or jog wearing headphones.