Vacation Safety

Vacation Safety

Facts: It’s a fact that almost all types of personal and household crime are highest in the warm months when people spend more time away from home on vacations or outdoor activities. Avoid this by using the following suggestions to protect your home,
property, and family while your relaxing and having fun.

Before you leave

1. Make sure your home looks lived in, not empty. Stop mail and cancel all deliveries or ask a friend or family member to make daily collections. Hide empty garbage cans and leave shades and blinds in normal positions. Put an automatic time on
   several lights, have a neighbor or family member keep your property maintained if possible.
2. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor or family member, never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
3. Store your valuables in a safe deposit box.
4. Tell your neighbor your trust your departure and return dates. Supply them with a phone number that they can contact you at in case of an emergency.
5. Lock all windows and doors, double check basement and garage doors before you leave.
6. Don’t announce your absence on answering machine messages.
7. If you’re leaving a car at home, park it as you normally would when you were home.

Tips While You’re Away

1. Carry a minimum amount of cash. Use traveler’s checks and credit cards, but keep a
   record of their numbers in a separate and safe place.
2. If driving plan your route carefully and have your car services and tires checked before leaving.
3. Always lock your car when it’s parked, even if the stop is brief. Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk. Don’t leave wallets, checkbooks or purses in the car.
4. If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside.
5. Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit in your vehicle.

Motels and Hotels

1. Use all auxiliary locking devices when occupying or leaving your room.
2. Know who’s knocking before you open the door.
3. Locate fire exits, elevators, and the nearest phone. Plan the best way to get out of a building in an emergency.
4. Take an inventory of your belongings daily.
5. Be observant; report any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms to the management.

Sightseeing

1. Learn about your surroundings, ask local residents about problem areas and avoid them.
2. Select sightseeing companies and guides carefully.
3. Make sure your children know the name, address, and the telephone number of your hotel or motel.

If older children go off separately be sure they have watches and check in with you at prearranged.