Vacation Vigilance: Ways to Stay Safe While Still Having Fun

Whether you are off to the big city or enjoying a quiet country getaway, here are 4 ways to stay safe on your vacation.

If gone for an extended period of time, consider stopping paper and mail delivery or have someone pick up your mail and newspaper. You may even want your trusted key holder to alternate the lights that are left on or use light timers.  

1. Cell Phones 

Your overall awareness is SEVERELY compromised by fixating on your phone or any personal computing device, in public. The longer your eyes are looking at the  screen, the more compromised your safety becomes; yes, this includes texting. Being aware of your surroundings is a basic principle in defense. Program emergency numbers for quick access.  

2. Prepare for your return 

Consider leaving on some lights, inside and outside. Also think about leaving on the television and/or Alexa. Timers here again are useful devices. Change it up! Try to come home from a different direction or at a different time every now and then so as not to be completely predictable.  

3. Neighbors 

Get to know your neighbors and if you feel you can trust them, learn each others’ schedules. Watch out for each other. Talk about emergency phone numbers for  notification purposes. Come up with a “safe” word you will use if in danger and unable to speak freely. (Example: Maybelle is the safe word. The only attachment  to the name is “I’m in danger.” You’re outside and see your neighbor with a stranger close to them and you wave and say hi. She responds, “Hi Neighbor! I’m waiting for Maybelle.” Then you will know you need to call 911 ASAP)

4. Returning Home 

BE CAUTIOUS. We tend to let our guard down because home is familiar and it becomes routine. If not parking in your garage, have keys out and ready to unlock your door. If you see ANYTHING out to the ordinary, CALL THE POLICE. Let the police investigate!

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