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A family trip, or any trip for that matter, requires
planning. Once you’ve decided where you’re going, where you’ll
stay and how you’ll get there, you need to make plans to ensure
the safety of your home and family while you are away. The
following are several suggestions that will ensure your trip is
a safe one.
Make
it appear as though you never left:
Keep shades and blinds in their normal position. Stop
mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to pick them up each day.
Install timers on several household lights so they go on at
different times. Arrange to have your grass mowed while you
are gone.
What
to take:
Take only essential credit cards. Use them instead
of cash whenever possible. Carry your purse close to your
body, in front of you; keep a hand on it incase someone tries to
cut the strap from behind. Pack as lightly as possible; lots
of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable
to being robbed. Keep a separate record of the contents of
checked luggage, and keep anything of value such as medicine and
jewelry in a carry-on bag. If you are carrying prescribed
drugs, carry them in their original packaging and have a copy of
the prescription with you. If you are going on an extended
vacation, consider shipping large bags to your destination in advance.
While
you are traveling:
Do not display expensive jewelry, cameras, money, and other
items that will draw attention. Use an ATM for the best currency
exchange rates, but don’t walk away from an ATM counting cash -
count it right there. Always lock your car when it’s parked,
even if the stop is brief. Keep valuables out of sight, preferably
locked in the trunk. Don’t advertise that you’re a tourist
by leaving maps and guidebooks on the seats or dashboard - keep
them on the floor or in the glove box. Use well-lighted, well-traveled
streets at all times.
If
you are traveling to any foreign country:
Make photocopies of all family passports; keep these copies
separate from the actual passports. Check with the ‘Country
Desk’ for that country at the State Department, in order to ascertain
the political and social climate or contact www.travel.state.gov.
Consider registering by phone with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
in the country you are visiting, especially if there is political
or social unrest in the region.
It would also be a good idea to visit www.tsa.dot.gov for
the latest advice on what can/cannot be carried on an aircraft.
REMEMBER
- CRIME DOES NOT TAKE A VACATION
Article submitted by Thomas W. Leo, CPP, JR Gettier & Associates,
(302) 652-2700, thomasleo@mindspring.com, www.gettier.com.
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