Vacation Safety
Before Leaving
·
Complete a Vacation
House Check At Wayne Police Department.
·
Inform your neighbors
of how long you expect to be away. Inform them if you will have a housesitter.
.
·
Have a friend or
neighbor pick up mail and/or deliveries. Make arrangements to have the lawn
mowed and leaves picked up.
·
Simulate a
"lived-in" appearance by using timers to run lights and a radio on
and off during expected hours.
On the Road
·
Never carry large
amounts of cash; use travelers checks. If you must carry a large sum of money,
do not display it openly.
·
Keep a record of your
traveler's check numbers and your credit card numbers in a safe place. Have the
telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are lost or
stolen.
·
Take only credit
cards that you actually plan to use. Make a Xerox copy of all your cards before
you leave home so you have a record of the card numbers.
·
Be aware of your
surroundings and never advertise your plans to strangers. This includes travel
routes and the amount of cash you are carrying.
Car Rental and Security
·
When renting a car,
pick one whose operations you are familiar with. If not, take time to see where
the lights, brakes, turn signals, windshield wipers, and spare tire are and how
they work.
·
Don't rent a car at
night. Stay in the hotel and rent it in the morning.
·
Always lock your car
when entering or leaving it.
·
Park in well-lighted,
busy areas and check the vehicle's interior and surrounding area before
entering..
·
Always lock valuables
out of sight. Always carry wallets, checkbooks, and purses with you.
·
Do not advertise that
you are a tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment.
·
If you do become
lost, drive to a public place to check the map. Don't stop along a street or
the highway.
Sight-seeing
·
Remember the name and
address of the hotel/motel where you are staying. Take a business card or a
book of matches with the name of the hotel/motel.
·
Ask for directions at
a hotel/motel on how to get to those attractions you want to visit. Ask if
there any areas of town to avoid.
·
Select your guides
carefully.
·
Ask if there are any
areas in town you should avoid. Stick to well-lighted main streets and public
areas.
·
Only carry with you
the cash you will need, and only in small denominations.
Hotel and Motel Security
When staying overnight at
a hotel or motel, remember the following:
·
Determine the most
direct route to and from your room, to the fire escapes, elevators, and nearest
phone.
·
When occupying or
leaving your room, use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows.
·
Identify anyone
requesting entry to your room. Open the door only if you are certain that the
person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the
hotel/motel office.
·
Unpack and place
belongings in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you'll know if
anything is missing. When you leave your room, close up your suitcase.
·
Suitcases should
always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your
room.
·
Never leave money,
checks, credit cards, or car keys in the room. Take them with you.
·
Place extra cash,
expensive jewelry or other valuables (furs, gems, gold, or silver) in the
hotel/motel safe.
·
Report any lost or
stolen items to the hotel/motel management and to the police.
·
Report to the
management any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms.
On the Town
·
Never display large
amounts of cash when making purchases. It is better to use traveler's checks or
credit cards.
·
Men should carry
wallets in an inside coat or trouser pocket.
·
A woman should hold
her purse close to her side when walking. Be sure the purse is closed tightly
and that the opening is facing the body.
·
Don't stop to give
money to panhandlers.
·
Be aware of your
surroundings and those around you. If you feel threatened or uncomfortable,
seek help.
For more information, call
the Wayne Police Department at 375-2626.
