Seasonal Safety Tips

Seasonal Safety Tips - March Break Travel

Seasonal factors can create profound changes in our home and driving environments. This can result in increased risks and criminal opportunities. Adjust your daily routine, around yourself, your home and in your community, to the seasonal and daily weather factors. 

Planning a trip?  Then don't forget to plan for safety.

Before you leave

• Check for travel warnings - travel section of the newspaper.
• Obtain traveler's cheques and record the numbers.
• Record passport information in two safe places.
• List emergency phone numbers.
• Passport office phone number
• Credit card numbers
• Traveler's cheque phone number.
• Do not announce travel plans to people you don't know well or post  on-line through social media sites.
• Purchase a money belt.  Don't carry all your cash, traveler's cheques etc. in one place.
• Take only the valuables you need and properly secure those valuables such as jewelry you leave behind in a safety deposit box

Travelling Alone?

• Let a friend or family member know your daily plans and plan to call.

Securing your home

• Ask a trusted family member or friend to regularly pick up flyers and mail when you’re away.  Invitethem to use your driveway.
• Arrange for snow removal.
• Place lights on at least two timers.  Try to duplicate the way your house would normally look.

At the Airport

• Place your destination or business address on the luggage tag.  Leave your home address inside yourluggage.
• Do not leave jewelry or other valuables you require for your trip in checked luggage.
• Carry your passport in a shirt pocket if you can.
• Constantly monitor and/or hold onto your bags.
• Be aware of the potential for distraction thefts.

At hotel

• Don't allow hotel staff, service people or any other visitor into your room without confirming who they are with the front desk.
• Do not leave small valuables that can be pocketed in your room.  Use the hotel safe if not required.
• Limit the valuables you carry around pool and beach areas.
• Keep doors and windows locked including balcony door.

Car trips

In addition to normal precautions that you would take:

• Don't leave maps on display.
• Accompany children to the washroom.