Holiday Traveling? Remember these travel tips!

In our last blog “Protect your Home for the Holidays” we discussed ways to ensure the safety of your home while you are away.  Today we want to discuss some important tips for not only Holiday Travel, but traveling year round.

Air Travel – it’s convenient, faster and safer than road travel on most occasions but what are the best tips to remember for your safety when visiting airports of flying on a plane?

• Never leave your luggage unattended at the airport! 
  Aside from the obvious threat of theft, there is also the possibility of something dangerous and/or illegal being added to your suitcase that you are unaware of.  If you do not have a travel buddy to watch over your luggage, keep it at your side at all times. Also, never let anyone other than airport staff handle your luggage for the same reasons.
• Do not accept packages or watch over luggage for strangers.  
  While you may see a desperate person who requests your help for just a brief moment, do not fall for this.  I know that sounds harsh, but criminal masterminds know how to prey about the weaknesses of others.  What may appear to be a struggling mother trying to manage a child, could actually be a woman acting as such who’s carrying highly illegal or dangerous content and has chosen you as her scapegoat. Obviously, you want to be helpful and kind but you must also be smart.  Advise those who seem desperate for your help that you will help them find airport staff to handle their needs.
• If you see abandoned luggage or packages at the airport do not touch it!
  Instead, leave it exactly where you found it and report it to the nearest airport employee for handling.
• Airport and Airplane rules and restrictions exist for a reason.
  These are created based on history and experiences over time and are for your safety.  Be sure to listen to all announcements and follow any instructions provided as well as reading any instructions that are posted in the airport or on the plane.  It is best to visit the website of the airline you are using in advance of purchasing your ticket so that you can view their rules and regulations to be sure you are able to comply.
• If you see suspicious activity report it immediately! 
  You should be able to recognize what is suspicious such as seeing a person leave a bag unattended or a person who vocalizes threats.  Do you remember our blog about practicing situational awareness? Read it again for some great tips on recognizing suspicious activity and potential threats!

Road Travel – Sometimes it’s easier to hit the road and sometimes we just prefer a road trip.  We’ve shared some great driving safety tips and vehicle safety tips throughout the year that would apply to holiday travel as well as for your daily commute such as how to get a grip on road rage, the dangers of distracted driving and driving safely in inclement weather.  But here’s some more useful tips for the road ahead:

• Have your vehicle inspected by a professional prior to a long road trip. 
  It is important that your tires are in good shape, your fluids are all fresh and at the proper levels, filters are clean and in working condition and all the mechanical parts that keep you safe are in proper working order such as brakes, belts, and more.  A professional will know best.
• Have your trunk stocked with emergency preparations such as a spare tire in good condition, a jack and the tools you may need to change a tire as well as a good flash light, roadside flares or reflective flagging and jumper cables.  If you will be driving in an area that may have inclement weather such as sleet or snow be sure you also have a bag of kitty litter or sand on hand to help you with traction in the event you get stuck. If you’ve never driven in snow, be sure you not only have tire chains but also that you know how to use them. Also, if your tires are not all-weather or snow tires you should not drive in snow conditions.
• You should always have a first aid kit in your vehicle! This is a must at any time but especially when traveling long distance.  You can create your own first aid kit or purchase one like this one sold on amazon.com. You can create your own just by viewing what pre-packaged ones include. Also, don’t forget to pack your prescription medications in your first aid kit!
• Be sure to get plenty of rest prior to a long drive.  Do not rely on energy drinks, caffeine or energy supplements to combat being tired.  A full night’s rest prior to the journey is the safest bet. Statistically, tired or sleepy drivers cause the majority of accidents on the road during holidays.  If you find you are tired on the road, take a break from driving and get a nap at a safe location such as a roadside rest area.  Remember your safety is more important than any deadline.
• Be sure to eat well before traveling and bring snacks.  Hunger can cause mood swings, disorientation and other issues.  Make stops along the way to snack as well.  Just as your vehicle needs fuel to proceed so does your body.
• Stay hydrated! Have plenty of water on hand and keep yourself hydrated to avoid headaches and other health issues as well as tiredness.
• Planning ahead is the best way to travel: 
  1) Research the traffic laws, speed limits and gas stations you will encounter along      your journey.
  2) Plan your stops for fueling, snacking and resting.  Some stops, of course, cannot be planned ahead but do all the planning you can in advance.
  3) Keep an eye on the weather conditions you will be encountering along the way and plan around them.
  4) Examine the facts about the cities you will be passing through – are they safe? Learn where you should and shouldn’t stop to fuel or break along the way and plan around this.
  5) Plan your driving time with breaks so that you don’t feel rushed or frustrated and you don’t end up not taking breaks when you should.
• Know yourself & don’t push it! If you feel tired, frustrated, hungry or uncomfortable don’t ignore what your body is telling you and keep on driving.  We recommend you take a break every 2-3 hours to stretch your legs, relax and regroup along the way.  Do not drive on through your normal hours of rest.  Stay overnight at a hotel and keep your usual sleep schedule.

Wishing you a Safe and Happy Holiday,
Close Range Safety Training Academy

Protect your Home for the Holidays!

Wether you’re traveling this Holiday Season or simply going to work, this is the time of year when burglars strike most! 

Recent news reports have shown a spike in package theft and identity theft this season starting on Black Friday.

In our last blog we discussed protecting yourself from Identity Theft and online shopping safety.  If you haven’t read it yet, be sure to check it out here!

Here are some great tips to protect your home and property:

• LOCK UP TIGHT 
  Even if you think you live in a safe, secluded neighborhood this time of year draws strangers to all areas who are seeking to steal packages, property, and even your identity by going through your mail and trash.  
  While you are likely to always lock the entry ways to your home, now is the time to be vigilant in checking all windows, doors and gateways are secured as well as making sure to always lock your vehicle. 
• MAINTAIN YOUR PROPERTY
  Is your landscaping creating a safe haven for burglars to hide? Be sure to keep hedges and bushes trimmed back and visible from multiple angles.
  Be sure there are no ladders, equipment or firewood out in the open that can be used to aid burglars in breaking into your home. 
  Do not keep keys hidden outdoors.  
• KEEP YOUR PROPERTY WELL LIT
  Burglars use the convenience of darkness to sneak around your property.  Keep your property well lit with motion sensitive lighting making sure they illuminate all angles of your property.  Motion lighting will save energy and only light up when movement is detected. 
• BE MINDFUL OF YOUR TRASH
  What you throw away can make you a target for identity theft or burglars.  Never dispose of credit offers addressed to you, credit card bills, or any documents that provide your full name and additional personal info.  Gather such documents to be shredded professionally at a local office supply store or using your own shredder if you have one. 
  Do not leave packages outside that clearly display product photos of expensive items such as TVs or computers recently purchased.  Break down these boxes and dispose of them away from your home.
• MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK OCCUPIED
  If you will be away for a few days, be sure your home appears occupied by setting timers on lights and having a friend pick up your mail for you so that it doesn’t pile up. 
• TAKE INVENTORY AND LABEL YOUR PROPERTIES
  This is something you should do on a regular basis: Make a video inventory of your valuables and email it to yourself.  Each time you add a valuable item to your household, take an additional video.  Make a detailed note of each item’s serial number, model number, and manufacturer as well. Include full descriptions of these items and dates of purchase. 
  Use an engraver to mark your valuables with your last name and telephone number. 
• BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
  If you spot suspicious activity at a neighbor’s home, be sure to call your local police department and advise them.  This not only helps your neighbors, but it also protects you by letting these people know neighborhood watch is in effect!

The Close Range Safety Training Academy team wishes all of our friends and family a joyous and safe Holiday Season.  Thank you for joining us throughout the year for health and safety tips. Please be sure to stay with us in 2018 for more useful information and share it with your loved ones.