Important Steps to take before taking your family vacation

Around the home

• Be sure that your residence looks lived in while you are traveling, this can be accomplished by using automatic timers on lights throughout the house.

• If you subscribe to a daily newspaper ask a trusted neighbor to pick it up on a daily basis.

• Have your post office hold all mail until you return.

• If you are planning to be away for an extended period of time have someone maintain your lawn.

• Leave a key to a trusted neighbor. Advise this person of your departure and return dates. Be sure to give them an itinerary of your travel plans with cell phone and hotel phone numbers where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

• Store valuables in a safe deposit box.

• Contact your local police department and request that extra checks be made of your residence.

• Be sure to secure all windows and doors by locking them. Garage doors and basement windows should also be checked and secured.

Tips while on the road

• Clean out your wallet or purse. Carry a minimum amount of cash. Take only essential credit cards and travelers checks; keep a record of their numbers in a separate and safe place.

• If traveling by automobile, plan ahead and plan your route carefully, try to utilize main roads. 

• Be sure to travel with a cell phone and cigarette lighter power cord for 911 emergencies. An unused cell phone with a charged battery is still capable of dialing 911 even if the phone is not on an active phone plan with a cellular carrier.

• Before your departure date, be sure to have your vehicle’s cooling system, brakes, tires and engine belts checked by a mechanic. Vehicle should display a valid inspection sticker.

• Be sure not to leave without a valid drivers license, spare car keys, valid vehicle registration card, valid insurance card, motor club cards medical information on all that will be traveling with you, and names and addresses of next of kin

• When parking, lock all doors and windows and be sure to keep all valuables including portable cell phones out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk. Don't leave wallets, purses, or checkbooks  anywhere in your vehicle.

• Never stop to speak with or pick up hitchhikers. In an emergency call 911 and be prepared to give the operator your exact location. If you are not familiar with the highway you are traveling on give additional information such as landmarks, house address numbers or mile marker numbers posted on the side of the roadway.

• If your vehicle breaks down, if possible, move your vehicle off the roadway to a safe location and turn on your hazard flashers. Raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the radio’s antenna. If you must abandon your car keep all passengers together a safe distance off the roadway.

• The following items should be kept in the trunk of your vehicle at all times for emergency situations: flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, fire extinguisher, jumper cables, blanket and a first aid kit.

• Try to avoid traveling during the night hours if you can.

• When traveling outside of the United States be sure to have the necessary paperwork such as a passport or birth certificate.

When you stop at the Hotel

• Remove all luggage and other valuables from the car and take them with you to your room.
• If you have to leave your room ask the front desk to secure valuable items in the hotel safe. Do not secure them in your trunk if you are not taking your vehicle with you.
• If available use all auxiliary locking devices when occupying or leaving your room. If someone knocks on your door, know who's knocking before you open the door.
• Once you arrive in your room locate fire exits, elevators and the nearest phone. Plan and be familiar with the best way to exit your room and the building in an emergency.
• Inventory your belongings daily.

• Be observant and report any suspicious activity to the management.

Other miscellaneous tips to consider while on the road

• Everyone, adults and children traveling with you should know the name, address, and telephone number of the hotel that you are staying at.

• If anyone has a cellular phone, be sure that all individuals have those numbers including area codes.

• When traveling to a new or unfamiliar area be aware of your surroundings. Ask the hotel management and or desk clerk for safe places to see and things to do.

• Research and select sightseeing companies and guides carefully. Ask for references if possible.

• Avoid advertising that you are a tourist by the way you dress and what you carry with you. Conceal items such as cameras if possible.
• If older children go off on their own, make sure they have watches, a cellular phone if possible and make arrangements to have them check in with you at prearranged times.

By following these tips we hope your vacation will be safer and more enjoyable for all.

Have a great time!