Vacation Safety Tips

Your Home

Be sure to give your home the appearance of being occupied while you're away by:

Arranging for your lawn to be cared for
Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers, or have delivery suspended for the duration of your time away
If you choose to have a neighbor care for your home while you're away, make sure they know how to contact you in case of an emergency
Leave a key with a trusted neighbor, friend or relative
Make sure that your doors are locked
Never hide a key on your property; criminals are good at guessing hiding spots
Putting lights, a radio and even the TV on timers

If you are driving to your vacation destination, before you leave:

Carry a cell phone in case of emergency
Have road flares, jumper cables and a flashlight with fresh batteries handy
Have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic
If you miss your exit, don't panic; Sudden stops, swerving and aggressive maneuvers may place you, your family and others in danger particularly on interstate roads
If your travel brings you to the mountains, be sure to bring chains during the winter months
Make certain your insurance and vehicle registration is current
Make sure a friend or family member has your itinerary
Plan your route and be prepared for road and weather conditions to change
Take frequent breaks to help you remain alert and avoid "highway hypnosis"

If you're flying to your destination:

Arrive at the airport early to get through all the security checks and not have to rush or miss your flight
Make sure a friend or family member has your itinerary
Put your work address on your luggage tags

When you arrive at your destination:

Don't carry large sums of cash or wear expensive jewelry
Know how to contact the local police, fire and rescue services
Know the rules; Laws and ordinances change from town to town and state to state; This is especially important if you're traveling abroad; A hotel concierge is an excellent source for assistance and information
Learn the phone number and address of the place you're staying
Never leave your valuables unattended
Watch out for frauds and cons; They frequent vacation spots