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Travelers' Safety Tips

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Before you leave

Doors and windows: Before you leave home make sure you lock all doors and windows.

Neighbors: If you plan on leaving your home for an extended period of time tell a friend or a trusted neighbor to check your home periodically.

Social media: Don't post on social media that you're away.

Timer: Use a timer to turn your inside lights on and off. It's also a great idea to have a radio on on a timer.

Blinds and Curtains: Close your blinds and curtains to make it harder for people to see if you're home or not.

Mail and newspaper: Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries. You don't want to make it obvious that you haven't been home for a few days.

Security system: If you have an alarm company let them know the dates that you're going away.

Thermostat: Set your thermostat to a minimum of 50 degrees so that you don't come home to frozen pipes. The air conditioning should be set to 85.

Appliances: Unplug smaller appliances such as your coffeemaker and mixer.

Plants: Water all your plants. If you have someone checking on the house ask them to water your plants once or twice depending on how long you're gone. Mow your lawn.

Pets:If you have pets make sure you have a reliable pet sitter. Leave detailed instructions for them.

 

On Your Trip:

1. Always carry traveler's checks or credit cards instead of large amounts of cash.

2. Do not carry all your money, checks or credit cards in one place.

3. Do not show that you have large bills or travelers checks while paying for purchases.

4. Avoid carrying your purse and/or wallet loosely or in obvious places where they may be easily stolen. Don't leave purses on chairs or on restroom hooks.

5. Do not leave jewelry, money or other items lying loosely around hotel rooms when you go out, even for a short while (like to the hotel swimming pool). Lock them in room or hotel safes. Do not leave them unattended at poolside or the beach either.

6. Make sure rooms are securely locked and chains fastened wherever possible. Do not leave room keys lying out at swimming pools.

7. You should know who's knocking before you answer the door. If they say they are from the hotel, confirm with the hotel operator that they are in fact from the hotel.

8. Do not leave the door open while you are lying in the room. Always lock the door while you are in the room.

9. Lock any packages, cameras or other valuable items in the trunk when you leave your car. Use the hotel desk safe if possible.

10. When you go out at night, try to stay in well lit areas and travel in pairs or groups if possible. If you are unfamiliar with an area, take a map along so you will not get lost.

11. Pay attention when you are walking and/or driving through hotel and restaurant parking lots. If you see anyone suspicious, notify the hotel management. Look around before opening your hotel room door to make sure no one is lurking nearby.

 

Travel Trips