Vacation Security
0I recently returned from a week long vacation in Gatlinburg, TN. While there, and traveling to and from, I took notice of several security related issues that should be addressed by anyone while on vacation. They are as follows:
I. Prior to, or while on vacation, don’t post to your facebook page, twitter account, myspace, etc. that you’re on vacation. Just as you wouldn’t put a large sign in front of your house, notifying everyone you’re 800 miles away, you shouldn’t do the same on social networking sites. Sure it’s tempting to let all your friends know that you are about to have the time of your life, but what about those who aren’t really your friend, but just a statistic. Do you really want the Twitterverse to know that you won’t be home to stop them from entering your house?
II. Don’t take a wad of cash out of your pocket or purse to see how much you have left. I honestly saw people counting $100′s of dollars while sitting at an outdoor cafe. Can you say “invitation for a purse snatch”!
III. So you’re shopping and have all four of your hands (two of yours and two of your kids) filled with shopping bags. Why not walk back to the parking garage and throw them in the backseat of your car. How many people just saw you do that? Trust me, more than one vacationer has returned to find they no longer have bags in the back of their car and are missing a window as well. Once you place your bags in the car, get in as if you are leaving. Drive to another level of the parking gargage and park in a different location. And, if you have a trunk, make sure you use it instead of the backseat.
IV. Tourist areas mean there are a lot of unsecured valuables in hotel rooms and cabins. Burglars know that you’re busy having fun and your temporary home is probably vacant during the daylight hours. Leave lights and a TV on throughout the house or hotel room. Do what you can to make it look like tired Aunt Salley stayed back to enjoy some peace and quiet.
V. When you filling up your gas tank or putting air in the tires, take your keys out of the ignition. It’s best to keep them on your person, but at the very least throw them in the passenger seat. This will prevent someone from jumping in your car and driving off while you’re not looking.
VI. I’ve said this hundreds of times and will continue to stress this. Gentleman put your wallet in your front pant’s pocket. A busy area with lots of people milling around close to each other makes for a perfect “pick-pocket” environment. It’s much harder to reach your wallet if it’s in your front pocket.
VII. Ladies, if you set your purse on the ground while at a restaurant or on a ride, or anywhere else for that matter, wrap the purse straps around your foot. You want to know if someone tries to slide it away from you.
These are just a few of the security issues that I observed while traveling. Please keep these in mind the next time you’re on vacation.
