Personal Safety

Safety While Traveling Before leaving make sure the house “lived in” with the following tips:

Hide empty trash cans
Put lights on timers, including a T.V.
Stop mail delivery or have friend/neighbor pick it up daily and keep lawn mowed or snow shoveled
Leave blinds in a normal position
Leave a key with a trusted friend/neighbor
Store valuables in a safe deposit box
Tell a neighbor or friend your departure date and return date and leave them an itinerary with a phone number you can be reached at
Put house on police vacation check
Lock all doors and windows

While on Vacation

Carry a minimum amount of cash. Use travelers checks and credit cards, but keep a record of their numbers in a separate and safe place with the numbers to call if they do get lost/stolen
Keep careful tabs on your travel tickets. Carry them in an inside pocket, not protruding from a jacket or bag
If driving, plan your route carefully. Stay on main roads and use maps have your car and tires serviced before leaving.
Don’t tell strangers about your vacation plans
Always keep car locked when parked and valuables with you inside
Never pick up hitchhikers
If you stop overnight, take all luggage and valuables with you inside
If you are in a foreign country, learn the words for "police officers" and "doctors" or "hospital." Also know the location of the nearest U.S. Consulate

Motel Security

Sight Seeing

Learn about your surroundings. Ask local residents about problem areas and avoid them
Choose reputable guided tour only
Make sure your children know the name/address and telephone number of hotel
Avoid advertising that you’re a tourist by your dress
If older children go off on their own, have them stick to prearranged meeting times