Traveling Safety

Be Smart On Foot

• Plan your route and know where you are going, so you won't appear lost or confused.

• When approached by a stranger, such as for directions, be alert. Project a no-nonsense attitude, keep your distance and move quickly. Never go near a car to answer a question.

• Don't let yourself be distracted. Criminals often work in pairs -- one person gets your attention while the other steals your purse, wallet or shopping bag.

• Know the neighborhoods in which you travel. Learn the locations of possible "safe havens" - police and fire stations, hospitals, and restaurants or stores that are open late.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. Walk toward a busy store or restaurant or a lighted house. If you feel threatened, yell for help.

• If you are being followed, do not go home. Go to a busy well-lit area.

• If a car is following you, turn and run in the opposite direction. While the car is turning around, you'll have a chance to escape.

Be Cautious In The Car

• Keep your car in good working condition. Make sure you have enough gas to get where you're going -- and back.

• Always close windows and lock the doors when you leave the car, even if you'll only be gone a few minutes.

• If you think you're being followed, don't drive home. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station or busy store for help.

• Don't pick up hitchhikers and don't hitchhike.

Stay Alert On the Bus or Subway

• Use only well-lit, busy stops. Do not enter poorly lit tunnels or stairwells alone. Try to stay with a group of people.

• When boarding, have the exact fare ready so you don't have to open your purse or wallet in a crowd.

• The safest place to sit is near the driver but away from the door. Try to choose an aisle seat so you can easily move if necessary.

• Do not sit in an empty train car alone. Try to sit in the middle cars where there are other passengers.

• Don't take a nap. Stay alert at all times. If someone makes you uncomfortable, change seats.

• If someone harasses you, loudly say "Leave me alone!" If the person won't leave you alone, hit the emergency alarm or alert the driver.

• Observe the people getting off at your stop. If you feel uncomfortable, go to the next stop or go quickly to an area where there are other people.

• Get recommendations for lodging in safe areas. Talk to a travel agent you trust or your auto club. Get a guaranteed reservation if possible.

• Choose hotels that have electronic key systems where the rooms are re-keyed after guests check out.

• Do not pack anything that you cannot afford to lose. Travelers checks are a safer alternative than cash.

• Dress conservatively when you travel. You do not want to appear too affluent or "touristy". Both looks attract thieves.

• When checking into your hotel, ask the clerk to write down your room number, rather than announcing it so that others can overhear.

• The second to sixth floors of a hotel are the safest choices. Because they are above ground level, a break-in from the outside is unlikely, but they can still be reached by fire and rescue equipment.

• Do a security check of your room when you check in. The door should have a peephole, a deadbolt lock and a safety chain or latch that operates from the inside. Make sure any doors to connecting rooms are locked. Check that all windows or sliding glass doors are closed and locked. Make sure no one is hiding in the closets.

• Never open your door to let anyone into your room without first looking through the peephole and verifying the person's identity. If it is not someone you called, such as room service or housekeeping, do not open the door. Call the front desk and ask a manager to confirm the purpose of the person's visit.

• Do not leave money, jewelry or other valuables in your room while you are out. Use the hotel safe, and be sure to get a receipt.

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