| With vacationing season hot on our heels, knowing | | | | member. Check in regularly. Let this person have your |
| how to have a safe vacation is important. Regardless | | | | phone number too. |
| of where you travel, staying safe can be easy without | | | | Be sure to check all the locks on doors, gates, |
| sacrificing the quality of your travels. Following a few | | | | windows, etc. before finally departing. |
| easy steps before and during the vacation will insure | | | | On The Road |
| you have the time of your life, but that you return | | | | Avoid carrying cash if at all possible. Traveler's checks |
| home in one piece. | | | | are good. In addition, securing your wallet or billfold in a |
| One important thing to remember to insure your own | | | | safe place can prove extra safe. |
| safety is to follow your gut instinct. If that tour guide | | | | Do not stop to ask strangers along the road for |
| gives you the willies or makes you feel uncomfortable, | | | | directions. |
| do not feel obligated to use that tour guide. Go with | | | | Always keep your vehicle's doors locked and secured. |
| your gut feelings and you will have taken the first step | | | | Do not stop for motorist stranded. Call for help. |
| to insuring your own safety and the safety of those | | | | Should your vehicle breakdown, raise the hood and |
| you love. Remember, do not let your vacation be | | | | place a white cloth or bandana on the antenna. Keep |
| spoiled because you did not follow what you knew | | | | the family together in the locked car until official help |
| was right and avoid what you thought was wrong. | | | | arrives. |
| Here are a few tips that will insure a criminal does not | | | | If you get lost, do not look lost. Stop for directions at a |
| foil your well thought out plans! | | | | local gas station or law enforcement agency. |
| Before Leaving Home | | | | At Your Destination |
| Do not hide any keys outside. If you need to leave a | | | | Always lock your vehicle regardless of how long you |
| key, leave a key with someone you trust such as a | | | | stop. |
| house sitter or a neighbor. | | | | Pick a place to meet should the family get separated. |
| Contact or visit the local postal service and have your | | | | Never let anyone in your room without positive and |
| mail put on hold. In addition, let any publications such as | | | | appropriate identification. |
| the local newspaper know you will need a hold on the | | | | Never carry excess cash. |
| service. | | | | Know where fire escapes, elevators, and other |
| Buy inexpensive timers for a couple lights in your | | | | emergency devices are located. |
| home. Set the timer to go off at night. An alternative | | | | Have a plan with the whole family in case of an |
| would be to set your television to turn on automatically | | | | emergency. |
| every evening and turn off in the morning. | | | | Ask for areas of town to avoid while you stay. |
| Have a friend, family member, house sitter, or neighbor | | | | Report criminal or suspicious activities to the |
| check on the house daily. | | | | appropriate authorities as soon as possible. |
| Leave your travel plans with a friend or family | | | | Never leave children unattended. |