7 Safety And Security Tips To Know Before Going On A Family Trip

Families look forward to the summer when they get to plan and go for a vacation. More so now that many are reclaiming their chances at getting some much-needed R&R (rest and recreation) after two years of being stuck at home due to the pandemic.

With looser travel restrictions, many families are set for a long drive or flight to their dream destination of choice. But before you set off on your well-deserved family bonding experience, always remember: safety first!

7 Must-Know Safety And Security Tips Before Traveling

Here's a checklist of some basic safety and security tips every parent should know, so you can enjoy and have a worry-free vacation with the kids.

1. Secure the house

If the whole family is leaving and no one will remain at home, make your house burglar-proof by doing the following:

• Close and lock all entry points such as doors, windows, and gates.
• Talk to a trusted neighbor, security guard, or barangay official and ask to keep an eye on your house.
• Invest in technology barriers like CCTV, burglar alarms, and programmable lights that can make it appear like someone is staying in the house.
• Keep important documents and expensive items safely hidden.
• Be discreet with your travel plans, especially online. As much as possible, never give a hint that your house will be empty to keep it from being a target of intruders.
• Do not leave expensive items outside that can be of interest to intruders.

2. Make house accident-proof

Aside from ensuring the house is burglar-proof, you also have to prevent any risk of accidents like fire from happening.

• Make sure not to leave lit candles.
• Unplug electric appliances.
• Shut close the gas stove.
• Do a quick check and close all water faucets.

3. Take note of emergency numbers

Always keep with you copies of numbers and hotlines that can come in handy during emergencies like that of local police in your destination as well as local hospitals and local authorities. You can also ask for assistance from your accommodation to compile these emergency numbers.

Emergency contacts should also include trusted friends or relatives back at home. It will also help to keep them updated about your itinerary.

4. Scan important documents

In case of theft during the travel or unexpected instance and you lose documents for identification like passports or driver's license, it's handy to have a backup ready.

Scan these IDs and keep with you printed copies of them. It's also recommended to upload the scanned copies to a secured online folder and have them shared with your trusted friends or relatives.

5. Road Safety

When driving your own car, remember the acronym BLOWBAGETS and check your vehicle:

• Battery
• Lights
• Oil
• Water
• Break
• Air (tire)
• Gas
• Engine
• Tools
• Self (make sure you or your driver is in the proper condition before hitting the road!)

Arrive at the terminal earlier than your scheduled trip when riding public transportation. Avoid wearing flashy accessories or expensive pieces of jewelry. Keep your eyes on your belongings at all times.

6. Do a security and health sweep of the hotel/accommodation

Check for any questionable features in your hotel or accommodation room, like holes in the walls or faulty door locks. 

Despite the fact that hotels are ramping up their cleaning efforts in response to the pandemic, you may want to be more sure of your safety and do some extra disinfecting yourself.

7. Prepare a child anti-lost toolkit

Losing your child in a public place can be the most distressing incident that can happen during your family trip. Here are some tips you can do to prepare yourself for this untoward incident:

Make sure your child memorizes important information.

When traveling with big kids, always have an agreed meeting place (like the information area or hotel lobby). Put calling cards on your child and in your child's belongings.

Make your children their own wearable ID.

Make sure these cannot be easily removed. The ID can follow this format:
Child's nameCountry/Province of originIf found, please call mother/father/guardian (contact number) 

Click here for more tips on how not to lose your child during vacation.