Children's Safety

When visiting local attractions, dress children in bright clothing and designate a meeting site for lost family members. Instruct children not to open hotel room doors to people they don't know. Make sure children are familiar with hotel/motel escape routes. Discuss which adult is responsible for which child/children in an emergency.

Hotel/Motel Security

Determine the most direct route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators and nearest telephone. Use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows. Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry. Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the front desk. Report any lost or stolen items to hotel management and to the police. Never leave money, checks, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables, extra room keys or car keys in the room. Take valuables with you or leave them in the hotel safety deposit box. Parking

When parking, do not leave valuables in plain sight where a criminal might see them. Numerous vehicle break-ins occur as crimes of opportunity. Purses, cell phones, laptop computers, wallets, face plates and merchandise should be stored in the trunk of your car or any other secure location. Lock your doors, whether driving or parked, and do not hide a key in or on your vehicle. Do not leave your car running while it's unoccupied. If you get out of the car, turn it off and take your keys with you. At night, try to park in a well-lit area. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle, try parking at another location. Observe your surroundings prior to exiting your vehicle, as well as, before entering your vehicle on your return. Parking garages normally have attendants at the entrances. When parking at a private lot, determine whether you need to pay the attendant or put your money in the receptacle that's appropriate for your spot. Beware of subjects acting like attendants at these private lots and requesting money when you should actually put it in the receptacle. If you park on a meter, please make sure to put your money in the appropriate meter. Each meter covers two spaces and you must push the button which points towards the space in which you are parked.

Personal Safety Tips Be alert!

Walk with a purpose and look confident. If you are visiting for a convention, remove name badges when leaving the convention area. Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Bring a cell phone and make sure that it is charged. If approached by a person who intends to rob you, keep your hands in the robber's view at all times and do not volunteer more than the robber demands. Don't panic. Don't argue or fight with the thief. It's not worth your life. Consider keeping your cash separate from your ID and credit cards. Do not carry your social security card or passport. Observe the thief's characteristics, clothing description, actions, weapon, mode and direction of travel without being obvious.As soon as it is safe to do so, call 911. If possible, walk with a companion. Never carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. Never leave your purse and valuables on a store counter or in a shopping cart unattended.

Avoid Panhandlers

Just say, "NO!" Anytime you open your purse, reach for your wallet or pull money from your pockets, you place yourself in a possible "snatch and grab" position. If you feel compelled to give, donate to charitable organizations.