The Lenten season usually starts the long-awaited break for most people. Before heading out, plan your trip and let somebody you trust know about it. Orient the house help or anybody who is going to be left behind about fire prevention and safety, as well as the schemes of petty thieves and criminals such as Akyat Bahay, Budol-Budol and and other gangs. Here are some safety tips when planning and travelling for your vacation:
If nobody is left at home:
- Check and unplug all electrical outlets.
- Disconnect LPG connectors.
- Padlock your doors and gate, close your windows, and keep the perimeter lights switched on. Make sure your house appears “lived in” when you are away. Set household lights on timers.
Inspect and ensure the readiness of your car—battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas/fuel, fluids, tires, accessories, cleanliness, tools and horn. Make sure the spare tire is usable.
Vehicle owners must keep all doors locked; keep valuables out of sight and park only in well-lit areas that are closest to the building where you are going. Do not stop alongside the road if possible. If your car is bumped from behind or if someone indicates there is something wrong with your car, go to a service station or a well-lighted populated area and call for help. Fill the gas tank before dark, and if you need to step away from the car for any reason, lock all car doors and roll up the windows.
When stopping for rest, food and personal stuff don’t leave small children unattended for long especially beside busy roads. Time your departure to avoid driving over isolated roads late at night.
When at chosen destination, the Telco advises people to keep a low profile so as not to be a target of carjacking, hold-up, highway robbers, vandals and other road criminals. Observing road safety is also a must. Be alert and vigilant, especially when in isolated and crowded places.
Here are more tips for your personal safety:
-Always carry your company ID with you with information on whom to contact in case of emergency.
-Travel with friends. There is safety in numbers.
-Do not accept food or drinks from total strangers—they may be drugged.
-Never get into a car with strangers even if they show official-looking documents.
-Wear a minimum of jewelry in public. Hold on firmly to your bags when walking and keep an eye on them when seated in public areas, including inside restaurants.
-Be careful what you post in social media sites. Maximum utilization of the security features of the social networking sites for personal safety is highly encouraged.
-Carry just enough money for your needs. When going out of town, carry enough reserve for emergencies in a separate wallet. Avoid showing a lot of money when making purchases along the way.
-If you are a victim of hold-up don’t resist, surrender your wallet and your jewelry rather than risk your life.
-Rely on credible sources such as TV/Radio broadcasts for information concerning emergencies—do not listen to rumors nor always believe in text messages.
-When using public transportation, account for everybody, especially children, in your group from leaving every stop station. Keep an eye on your hand-carried belongings. Make sure you are awake as you approach your point of debarkation so you won’t overshoot your get-off point.
-Bring an emergency first aid kit, including extra dosage for members of the family who are taking maintenance or prescription drugs.
-Carry just enough money for your needs. When going out of town, carry enough reserve for emergencies in a separate wallet. Avoid showing a lot of money when making purchases along the way.
-If you are a victim of hold-up don’t resist, surrender your wallet and your jewelry rather than risk your life.
-Rely on credible sources such as TV/Radio broadcasts for information concerning emergencies—do not listen to rumors nor always believe in text messages.
-When using public transportation, account for everybody, especially children, in your group from leaving every stop station. Keep an eye on your hand-carried belongings. Make sure you are awake as you approach your point of debarkation so you won’t overshoot your get-off point.
-Bring an emergency first aid kit, including extra dosage for members of the family who are taking maintenance or prescription drugs.
Keep safe and enjoy your vacation.
Sources: https://smart.com.ph/About/newsroom/press-releases/2013/03/27/smart-tips-for-a-safe-holy-week
