WPSN: Safety while Traveling

Traveling should be fun, carefree, and safe.
It can be - if you take the precautions necessary.
Plan your travel with security for you and your belongings.
And then, go and enjoy yourself!

Because of the continuously evolving nature of crime as well as new techniques or technology in
crime prevention, be sure to check this page periodically for new or updated tips.

OVERALL TRAVEL SAFETY

In Your Hotel

Use the main entrance when returning to your hotel late at night.
If a person comes to your hotel door claiming to be an employee of the hotel, call down to the front desk to verify and to find out
why the employee was sent to your room. NEVER ANSWER THE DOOR WITHOUT VERIFYING WHO IT IS.
Whenever in your room, close the door securely and use all the locks provided on the door. Also, check windows and door to
an adjacent room to see that they are locked.
Don't invite strangers to your room.
When leaving and returning to the hotel/motel, be observant and look around before entering parking lots.
Place all valuables in the hotel's or motel's safe deposit box. Do not leave valuables in your room or in your vehicle.
In restaurants, at the pool, or at other places, do not display your room key or card in public or leave it on tables.
Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
If you see any suspicious activity, report your observations to the management.

PERSONAL SECURITY

Do not put your full name and address on your luggage.
Do not allow the hotel clerk to announce your room number aloud. If he/she does, request another room.
Follow the local safety customs (i.e., when traveling in [city], do not carry valuables on the street after dark).
When first arriving at your room, use your suitcase to prop the door open while you check out the room before closing the door.
Do not open your hotel or motel door until you know who is outside and you have determined that there is a reason for this
person coming to your room (verify the identify of hotel staff with the office before opening the door).
If something looks suspicious, call the management.
When being followed in your car, drive to a well populated location: police station, fire station, convenience store. Use your
horn to attract attention. Stay in your vehicle, keep windows up, and lock all doors.
Minimize amount of cash you take; use traveler's checks. Keep duplicate copy of check numbers separate from the checks.
Keep this list in a place other than a suitcase, wallet, or purse (in case either of these are stolen or lost.
While traveling via airplane, train, bus, or just sightseeing, it is ideal to wear cargo pants with pockets that either have a button
flaps or zippered flaps. Everything of value can be worn inside these pockets. If this is not possible, use a fanny pack instead
of a purse. Carry only the items you need to pay for the purchases (your checkbook, a charge card, cash, etc.).
Do not leave your bags unattended in an airport. PUSH YOUR LUGGAGE IN FRONT OF YOU, IF POSSIBLE. If you must pull
the bags behind, be vigilant and stay alert.
Do not accept a ground floor room in a hotel in a questionable neighborhood.
Check for security lock or chain on the door, locks on the windows, locks on door to an adjacent room. Test the smoke
detector to see that it works, and check that the telephone is in working order.
Never leave the "Please make up this room" sign on the door.

SAFETY WHILE ON VACATION OR TRAVELING FOR BUSINESS

If you have an alarm system for your house, contact the alarm company to notify them that you will be away. Supply them with
contact information for a local contact and your cell phone number. Discuss the process to following should your house alarm
go off.
Notify the post office to hold your mail and have a neighbor that you trust pick it up every day.
Stop the newspaper delivery.
Tell the police department you are going away.
Have someone keep your yard in its usual condition, if you will be away a long period of time.
Tell the landlord of your apartment building that you will be away.
Use an automatic timer for lights.
Be careful who you tell that you are going away. Also caution your children to do the same.
Use a suitcase that can be locked.
Check to make sure that your luggage has identification tags (those that have a flap to cover the address information are
best). Do not put your residence address on the ID tag. Use a business address or a friend/relative's business address and
your first initial, last name, and a phone number other than your home number. Put this information inside your luggage as
well.
Do not put your corporate position on the tag.
Minimize the amount of cash that you take; use traveler's checks instead. Remove any credit cards that you will not need from
your wallet before you leave.
Leave a list of the numbers of your travelers' checks at home with someone, so that you can call them if you lose the checks.
Also, take a copy with you and keep it separated from the checks.
Turn down the volume on your phone, so that it cannot be heard ringing from outside.
Ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway.
Do not leave your bags unattended in an airport, etc.
Do not accept a ground floor room in a hotel in a questionable neighborhood.
Before you accept a room, ask to see it. Check the room for the following: a working lock on the door, security chain on the
door, window locks, lock to door to adjacent room, and that the smoke detector and the telephone are in working order.
Be alert for pickpockets in crowds. Be especially alert if someone bumps you from behind.
For men, keep the wallet inside the front jacket pocket or in the front pants pocket. Again, cargo pants would be ideal.
For women, carry handbag closely, with the strap across your body and the bag carried in front. Wearing your purse under your
coat is preferable but, again, cargo pants would put the valuables on your person, not in a bag.