Hotel Safety

Now that the summer vacation season is here, we must remember that crime prevention doesn't stop when we leave home. To help ensure that a vacation will be an enjoyable experience for everyone, here are some crime prevention tips that will help protect your family and property when staying at a hotel or motel.

Arriving at a Hotel

Park your vehicle in a well-lit area close to the lobby where you can see your vehicle and occupants.
Before getting out of your vehicle, check your surroundings for suspicious looking people.
When leaving your vehicle, put valuables out of sight and be sure to lock it.
Memorize your vehicle license information so you don't have to go back outside.
Checking In

Make reservations ahead of time to prevent being stranded with no vacancies or unsafe accommodations.
Women traveling alone may prefer to sign in using only a first initial and last name.
Register using your business address.
When Arriving at Your Room

Store valuables in a hotel safe and get a receipt instead of leaving them in your vehicle.
Don't enter your room if someone is loitering in the area and watching you. Report this to the front desk immediately.
Be sure the locks on your door are working properly.
Familiarize yourself with the closest fire evacuation route.
Make sure you know how to use the phone in your room and that you can dial out to 911.
Memorize the name and address of the hotel and your room number.
Use the "peep hole" to identify visitors. Do not open the door to strangers.
Going Out

Hang the "do not disturb" sign on the doorknob and leave a light and radio or TV on when leaving.
Do not enter an elevator if someone inside seems suspicious.
Inquire at the front desk about safe places to eat, shop, walk, or jog. Ask for a map of the area.
Following these tips will help make your vacation a safe and enjoyable experience.

Nighttime safety

With spring approaching, more and more people will be getting out to enjoy the warm evenings. Many of us like to walk or jog during this time of year. Here are a few precautions to take to protect you while walking or jogging at night:

Avoid walking or running alone at night. Instead go walking or jogging with a friend.
Don't use headphones while walking, driving, or jogging.
Always walk in well-lighted areas.
Avoid the use of shortcuts.
After dark, keep away from large bushes or doorways where someone could be lurking.
Always stay near the curb.
If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle.
If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If necessary, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Your follower will also have to reverse directions.
Do not display cash openly, especially when leaving an ATM.

your teen driver

Please! If you or your teen driver likes to blast your stereo while driving, be mindful of the churches that you are passing and turn down your music.

Require your teen to wear a seat belt and set firm penalties for breaking the rule. Seat belt use is the single best injury prevention measure a driver can take.
Eliminate distractions – including cell phone use while driving.
Spend time with your teen behind the wheel. Experience is a skill-builder.
Set a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use.
Know who your teen is riding with and whether that teen is a competent driver.
Prohibit new drivers from taking teen passengers along for the ride.
Set a curfew. Teenagers driving at night with passengers are 4 to 5 times more likely to crash than when driving alone during the day