Vacation Safety

Many families eagerly anticipate annual vacations.  Unfortunately illness, injury, crime and fire can strike regardless of your location.  In fact, being away from home carries inherent vulnerabilities.  This month’s content is offered to make you aware of these risks.  This information will help you prepare for and minimize the likelihood for disasters on vacation.

First, understand that injury and illness can strike while on vacation.  While assigned to the beach area as a paramedic, I encountered these situations frequently.   You’ll be more likely to enjoy your trip if you understand the fact that emergencies occur anytime, anywhere.  With this bit of perspective, you can address your crisis accordingly and enjoy the rest of your stay.  Here is a list of additional tips that should prove to be helpful in preparation of and management of vacation emergencies:

Become familiar with your vacation area with maps, hospital and urgent care locations

Learn evacuation routes in the event of major storms

Ensure awareness of your hotel’s fire exits

·Check the smoke detector(s) in your room

·Make note of fire alarm pull station locations

·Take ALL fire alarms seriously!  While false alarms are very common, most alarm systems are designed to detect actual smoke conditions.  The risk for real fires exists, particularly in large hotel laundering facilities.

Keep cellular phone numbers written down in the event your phone is lost or dead and stored numbers aren’t available

Be very cautious with cash, and maintain a list of serial numbers for cameras, MP3 / DVD players and other items of value

Keep your home safe prior to departure by considering the following tips:

Stop mail, newspaper and parcel deliveries

Use caution with outgoing messages and auto-replies that indicate you will be away

Consider the use of timers for lighting in your home

Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or in front of your home while you’re away

If you’re utilizing the services of a pet or house sitter, have them alternate which lights are left on at night

Make arrangements to keep your lawn manicured while on vacation

Check with your local law enforcement agency as some offer courtesy home checks while you’re away

Select a responsible neighbor or family member with contact information for your hotel and your home alarm agencies

Prepare for the potential for hurricanes and pet care if your residence is at the beach and you vacation elsewhere during hurricane season