Steps to Help You Stay Safe on Summer Vacation

For many of us, it’s time to take a break and get away from it all. Get prepared before you leave, think about where you will be staying — a vacation rental, a hotel — and follow these steps from the American Red Cross to help you stay safe during your trip.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL Research what natural disasters may occur at your destination and how officials notify everyone about an emergency.

• In the notifications setting on your cell phone, make sure “emergency alerts” are turned on.

• Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

• Let family and friends know your itinerary and how to reach you. Include where you will be visiting, staying, and be sure to let them know if your plans change.

• Make copies of your travel documents and keep electronic copies as backups.

• Make sure the people in your group know everyone’s cell phone numbers and other emergency contacts. Select an out-of-area person to contact in case your group is separated during an emergency and local phone lines are overloaded. Also learn to text. When phone lines are busy, text messages can often work better than voice calls.

• Pack a small emergency supply kit to include water, snacks, first aid kit, flashlight, travel size battery operated radio, extra batteries and an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers.

• Don't forget to pack extra supplies such as prescription medications, baby formula, etc.

• If your plans include international travel, register with the U.S. State Department through the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
   

ON YOUR TRIP

• Check the forecast for your destination and along the route you are using if traveling by car.

• Learn county names you are going through or at your destination. Weather warnings are normally issued by county emergency managers.

• Don’t use social media to let people know where you are. Advertising you’re away from home is an open invitation to thieves.

• Keep your wallet in your front pocket — not your back pocket — to make it harder for pickpockets.

• Credit card skimming is still a danger. Criminals attach these devices to card payment terminals to steal your card’s information. If your card has a chip, insert that instead, it’s safer.

VACATION RENTALS Rent from a reliable company. Get a contract. Ask questions such as what amenities are close by, do you need a car to get around, who do you call if something breaks, are there laundry facilities, are linens included, do you have to clean before you leave.

• Make sure everyone knows the address where you are staying.

• When you arrive, check the locks. Check for hidden cameras.

• Store valuables such as jewelry, electronics and passports in a safe location.

• Check that there are working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home.

• There should be working carbon monoxide alarms on every level as well.

• Everyone should know two ways out of every room if there is an emergency.

• Make sure you can open all doors and windows that lead outside.

• Know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.

HOTELS, MOTELS Check your locks and use all of them — the actual lock and the deadbolt. Make sure any door to an adjoining room is locked. Check that the windows and patio doors are locked, especially if you are staying on a lower floor.

• Keep an eye on your room key and other belongings while using amenities such as the pool or the gym.

• Be aware in parking garages. If you’re uncomfortable going to your vehicle alone, ask a hotel employee to go with you or use valet parking.

• Be prepared. Keep your wallet, room key and cell phone next to your bed for quick access in case of an emergency.

• Stay in places that have hard-wired smoke alarms and an automatic fire sprinkler system in each guest room.

• Read the evacuation plan carefully.

• Find the two closest exits from your room.

• Count the number of doors between your room and the exits. This will help if you need to get out in the dark.

• Know how to activate the building’s fire alarm.