Take a Break and Have a Safe Vacation

Planning a family vacation?  Whether your destination is Disney World, Denver, or Denmark, there are certain things you need to keep in mind.  Making the trip fun for everyone is key, that's what is all about.  But just as important to the success of your trip will be steps you take to make it a safe one.

Six Ways to Ruin a Good Vacation

• Leave a door unlocked.

• Forget to turn on the burglar alarm system.

• Don't tell anyone in your neighborhood that you're going away.

• Carry lots of cash.

• Let the lawn grow until you come back.

• Hide your extra cash in a drawer when you leave the hotel room.

Sometimes we are in a rush and forget things or make a decision that at the time seemed like a good decision but later it backfires on us.  As you plan for your vacation, make sure part of that planning is securing your home and making your trip safe.  Below are several tips to consider when planning your vacation.

Secure Your Home Before You Leave

• Make sure your home looks lived in.  Stop mail and cancel all deliveries.

• Hide empty trash cans.

• Leave shades and drapes in normal positions.

• Put an automatic timer on at least two lights and the radio.

• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your property and maintain it.

• Have a neighbor park a car in your driveway occasionally.

• Leave a key with a neighbor or family member.

• Supply an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

• Lock all windows and doors.  Double check basement windows and garage doors before you leave.

• Test your smoke and burglar alarms.

• Consider obtaining call forwarding for your phone.  This service is provided by many phone companies.

On The Road

• Carry little cash.  Use traveler's checks and credit cards.  Keep a record of their numbers in a separate and safe place.

• Keep careful tabs on your plane/train/bus tickets.  They're as good as cash.

• If driving, plan your route carefully.  Use main roads and use maps.  Maps show the area better.

• Have your car serviced and tires checked before leaving.

• Don't advertise your plans to strangers at home or along the route.

• Always locked your car when it is left unattended, even for a short time.  Keep valuables out of sight.

• Never pick up hitchhikers or offer rides to strangers.

• Do not stop to offer help to a stranded motorist.  Instead call local authorities to report the problem.

• If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside.

• If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers and raise the hood.  Call immediately for assistance.  If you must abandon your car car, make sure it is secured.

• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.  Also carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a small took kit.

Motels & Hotels

• Use all auxiliary locking devises when occupying or leaving your room.

• Know who is knocking before you open the door.

• If available, use hotel safe deposit box.  Always take cash, credit cards, and keys with you.

• Know the layout of the hotel and where the nearest exits are.

• Leave the TV on when leaving your room to make it appear occupied.

• Be observant.  Report any suspicious persons in corridors or rooms to management.

• Hotels with room doors that lead to an interior corridor is safer than a door that leads to the outside.

Sightseeing

• Be alert to your surroundings.  Walk with a purpose and keep your head up and eyes and ears open.  Don't look vulnerable or lost.

• Learn about your surroundings.  Do some early planning by contacting the local Chamber of Commerce about the city/area you are visiting.  Or ask the hotel desk clerk about problem areas that you should avoid.

• Select sightseeing companies and guides carefully.

• Make sure your children know the name, address and phone number of the hotel you are staying at.

• If older children go off separately, have them check in frequently with you.

Making sure your family has a memorable vacation requires advance planning and making good decisions along the way.  Vacations should be filled with fun memories not disappointments.  After all, we've earned it.

Crime Prevention Tips From:
National Crime Prevention Council
Sheboygan Police Department