Road Warrior’s TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS

Road Warrior’sTRAVEL SAFETY TIPS Americans are a traveling people, Be it on Business or Pleasure For a safe, secure and enjoyable trip just take a few precautions.

Acknowledgement Travel Safety Tips From a Retired Road Warrior My wife, Nancy Presented By: John P. Golding Superintendent Postal & Distribution Services Northern Virginia Community College ( adopted from a presentation by: Rob Lindsay – CSP OHST Butler Rural Electric Co-op)

Subjects Covered : Trip Preparations - Driving Trip Preparations - Flying Airport Arrival & Check-In Airport Security & Boarding Gate While on the Plane Destination Airport Arrival Renting a Cars & Driving in a Strange Area Hotel Procedures & Safety Thoughts on Hotel Rooms Out & About in a Strange Location Someone @ Home Loves You

Trip Preparations - Driving Ensure your vehicle is in safe operation condition. Pre-plan you travel route, secure maps and ect. Leave a copy of your driving itinerary with your company and family. Plan and schedule in rest stops, meals and fuel stops add this to your driving time. Judge when Metro Area Rush Hours will occur while in route, adjust your schedule to suite.

Trip Preparations - Driving Rule of thumb for safe overall travel time: 500 mile trip: All Interstate driving figure @ 60 miles travel per hour. 8-1/2 hours of driving + 1 hour off the road = 9-1/2 hours. Regular 2 lane highways figure @ 50 miles travel per hr. 10 hours driving + 1 hours off the road = 11 hours Traveling on some Rural roads adjust in the rural road mileage @ 45 miles traveled per hour. Hedging with extra travel time is better than being behind schedule and driving in an unsafe manner.

Trip Preparations - Flying Try to book and travel on flights that depart and arrive during daylight hours. Reconfirm your flight 24 – 48 hours prior to departure. Identify your baggage inside and out. Protect yourself and your valuables by placing medicine and expensive items in your carry-on luggage.

Trip Preparations - Flying Keep a pen & notepad handy throughout the trip to make notes about gate numbers, departure times and connecting flight information. Photocopy all credit cards, airline tickets, passports and other important documents. • Copy the front and the back of each item! Consider photographing luggage, jewelry and other valuables prior to trip.

Trip Preparations - Flying When flying bring only 2 carry-on items due Airport Security Screening requirements. • TSA & the Airlines will limit you to two items Leave a detailed itinerary with the office and with your family. Read your ticket or E-ticket in advance. They can provide helpful information about policies set by the airline and the TSA.

Trip Preparations - Flying Visit the TSA, Airline and Airport websites for security information. Visit a mapping website such as: MapQuest to find detailed directions to your hotel, meeting location or attraction. Print & Keep these maps in your carry-on luggage for review during your flight.

Trip Preparations - Flying Leave early for the airport • Arrive at the airport up to two hours before departure for domestic flights and up to three for international flights. Anticipate delays do to TSA Security Checks & Screenings. In addition during the Holiday Seasons. • Highway Traffic may be heavy – Airport Parking lots may be fuller – Check-in lines may be longer in the airport • Expect delays at the security area. – Airport will be crowded & congested. People will be in a hurry!

Airport Arrival When checking baggage verify that the correct ID Tags for You & your destination are applied to your luggage. • Insure that you correct destination city code, flight # and any connecting flight # ‘s & city codes are applied.– for example MCI is Kansas City Airport & CVG is Cincinnati-No. KY Airport & MOC is Orlando FL. Check in early. • Check in at your airline ticket counter or with a E-ticket you can use the Kiosks if you don’t have a boarding pass. • You can go directly to the security area for clearance if you have a boarding pass and are not checking baggage.

At the Airport Check-in Area Carry at least one form of Government Issued photo I.D. at all times. • A second photo I.D. might be required at some airports Ask the agent to write your departure gate number on your ticket envelope or be sure it is printed on your e-ticket boarding pass. Be sure to be at your departure gate at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.

While at the Airport… Keep close control of your bags at all times. NEVER leave your bags unattended or with strangers. Do not carry ANY item from a stranger. Keep your money, tickets and passports on your person and not in your luggage. • Consider using a money belt

Airport Security Checkpoints Do Not Lock Your Travel Bags & Be prepared to have your belongings and your person searched by security personnel. • This may include the use of a wand, frisking and removal of your shoes. Don’t wear large metal buckles, belts, or jewelry, Remove heavy metal at security checkpoints, that will activate the metal detector’s alarm.

Airport Security Checkpoints Laptop Computers and other electronic devices must be presented in an open manner and will require additional time to clear security. Present these items first, followed by your other personal items. Keep your eyes on your Laptop Computers and other electronic devices at all times when presenting then and as they pass thru and are to cleared by security.

Airport Security Checkpoints Attempt to delay putting your luggage, laptop, purse or other items on the conveyor belt until you are sure you’ll be the next person through the metal detector. • As you move through the detector, keep your eyes on the conveyor belt and watch your luggage and laptop come through (as well as keeping a ‘sharp eye’ on what those in front of you are picking up) Don’t let anyone but uniformed airport security personnel handle or watch your bags.

Airport Boarding Gate Go directly to the departure gate after clearing security. • You may receive boarding instructions and any last minute information you need for the flight. Have Your Government Issued Photo I.D. handy. Be sure to board when your row number is called. • Empty seats will be counted and given to standby passengers.

While on the Plane Know where you placed your Carry On’s and insure that no-one moves them. Check your seat area and seat pockets prior to sitting down. Keep track of your items in flight. Take your handbag with you if using the lavatory Insure you retrieve all your items prior to departing the plane.

Destination Airport Arrival Know in advance which baggage carrousel your flights luggage will be delivered to. Go immediately to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage. Have your baggage claim stubs available. Be on the look-out for staged incidents, like someone bumping into you and spilling a drink on you. It could be a pick-pocket or theft ploy to divert your attention from your possessions. Have a question? Ask only from Uniformed Airport or Law Enforcement employees.

Rental Car Procedures At the check-in counter, protect your bags personal items and credit cards. Verify everything on the rental agreement. Insure that your credit card is returned to you and that it’s yours. Do not divulge any unnecessary personal information or your destination.

Rental Car Procedures Request an escort to your rental car if the area is dark and/or deserted. Place & keep valuable belongings in the trunk. Keep items out of sight like maps and guidebooks. This identifies you as a tourist or business traveler. Ensure that your cell phone works. Secure & Place the local Emergency phone number on speed dial.

About Your Rental Car Check it over inside & outside, ensure that the rental agreement matches the vehicle you have been given, note any dents, scratches & defects on the check-out paperwork prior to accepting the vehicle. Set and adjust your seat & mirrors. Next learn the locations of the vehicles standard operating items, lights, windshield wipers, heater/air conditioner and insure they work. Prior to driving away in it check out the locations of all the features the vehicle has including the radio/tape/disk player and any other electronic item, give them a try. In doubt about anything ask the Rental Agent or check the owners manual.

On the Road If someone tries to get your attention or your car is bumped, don’t stop until you arrive at a well-lit and busy area. Secure the license # of the other vehicle Immediately call the local Emergency Phone Number or lacking that, stay in your car and blow the horn until someone comes to your aid. If suspicious about “phony” police, call 911 first, don’t open your window. Instead, keep your car running & hold your license against the glass. When possible, park so you won’t have to back out. It makes for a speedier departure.

Hotel Safety Stay only at a hotel which has installed modern electronic guest room locks. • The majority of these locks automatically change the lock combination with every new guest so there is little chance of someone having a duplicate Electronic Pass key to your room There should be privacy for guests checking in: No one should be able to overhear or observe: Your name, Room number • or other Personal Information.

Hotel SafetyLook For the Following It is important that the hotel has well lit interior hallways, parking structures and grounds are lighted, cleared & free of brush & over growth The parking garage elevators should not go directly to guest floors. This elevator should only go to the lobby.

Hotel SafetyLook for the Following Is Your room equipped with a dead bolt lock, chain or sliding latch device? Does Your door have a peephole? Windows should have secure locks.

Hotel Safety Your room telephone should allow direct outside dialing Room numbers should be written on the key envelope, not mentioned aloud or inscribed on the Electronic Pass Key • this way, anyone finding your key won’t have access to your room

Thoughts on Hotel Rooms Request a room below the 6th floor. Most fire department ladder trucks cannot reach past the 6th floor. Do not accept a room on the ground floor that has doors and windows that open to the outside.

Hotel Registration When registering, sign only your last name and first initial. • If you are a woman traveling alone, you might consider booking your room as Mr. and Mrs. Don’t leave your credit card lying on the check-in counter while you complete your registration. Also, make sure the card that is handed back to you by the hotel clerk is really yours.

Inspect Your Room If possible have a bellhop enter your room before you. Otherwise, place your luggage in the doorway to hold the door open. Turn on all lights and inspect the room.

Inspect Your Room • Make sure: • Locks on the windows or balcony doors are secure. • The lock on the room door functions properly. • Doors to adjacent rooms are locked and secure. • The curtains close completely • A “Do Not Disturb” sign is provided. Immediately place it on the outside of your door.

Room Location Request a room near but directly next to the elevators and away from any renovation work. Request a room away from ice/vending rooms, as they can be noisy. Avoid the use of ice/vending rooms if they are located in a secluded area.

Other Hotel Safety Thoughts Have your pass-key readily available when you leave the elevator. The please make up the room sign tells everyone you’re not there.Call housekeeping instead. Conversely, when you step out for any reason the “Do Not Disturb” sign can make the room seem occupied.

Room Safety Don’t allow anyone to enter your room without determining his or her identity. Use the peephole and call the front desk when in doubt. Place a doorstop or a electronic alarm device on your hotel room door.

Security in Your Room Put expensive clothing on hangers under other garments. Robbers usually move fast and will take what is easily seen. Lock valuables in the front-desk & obtain a receipt for them or place them in the in-room safe.

Test Hotel Security Test your hotel’s security by requesting another key for your room. The front desk should request a photo I.D. from you to ensure that the room key you are requesting is indeed for the room you are registered in.

Security in Your Room Before leaving your room, make careful note of where your belongings are located. • Have a digital camera, take a picture of the location of your valuables. If you later notice anything has been moved or tampered with report it to the hotel manager immediately.

Security in Your Room Leave your room light and television on, when gone. This makes the room appear to be occupied. Lock the dead bolt every time you enter the room. Keep your room number to yourself. Never mention your room number around strangers.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION • While the chances of an Emergency or Fire occurring are very slight the possibility does exist. • For your own protection take a few precautions and be prepared.

Upon Checking into Your Room • Review your room fire safety & exit information poster. • Locate and know where your nearest fire exit is located from your room and note where a secondary fire exit is located.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION • If you are out of your room and about, • Do Not Return to your hotel room, follow the instructions of the Hotel Management or Emergency Scene Director.

NIGHT TIME EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS • If you awake to the sound of a Fire Alarm: • Remain Calm • Orientate your self • Prepare to evacuate the hotel • Go into action

Prior to retiring for the nightThink FIRE SAFETY • Prepare a Ready Bag & Escape Clothes, have them available next to your bed. • READY BAG: Overnight Bag or Back Pack containing your wallet, room key, cell phone, eye glasses, medical items, daily use jewelry & possibly a snack.

Prior to retiring for the nightThink FIRE SAFETY Escape Clothes: Quick & Easy pull on clothes or a Sweat Suit, Shoes, Jacket, & Hat DON’T PANIC , REMAIN CALM, STOP AND THINK

FIRE SAFETY • Prior to Exiting your room: • Check the room door for heat using the back of your hand, and for smoke coming under the door. • If neither are present, open the door slightly and observe the adjoining area. • Then Evacuate using the nearest fire exit.

FIRE SAFETY EVACUATION Do Not use the elevator Use the Fire Exit Stairwell Stairs Upon Evacuating Proceed to an area well clear of the building & out of the way of the responding Fire Department Equipment & Fire Crews

FIRE SAFETY EVACUATION Upon reaching the emergency scene staging area. Follow the instructions of the Fire Department Fire Scene Officer. Do not attempt to return inside until the all clear instructions has been given by the Fire Scene Officer

FIRE SAFETY • YOUR ROOM DOOR IS HOT • That’s a sign that there is FIRE in the Area Outside Your Door • DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR

FIRE SAFETY YOUR ROOM DOOR IS HOT DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR • Follow instructions on Your Room Fire Safety Poster • Call 911 and notify them of your presence • Give your Name, Hotel Name & Room #

FIRE SAFETY • Your Room DOOR is COOL but there is SMOKE Coming Under the door, follow instructions on the Room Fire Safety Poster & Wet a hand towel to cover your nose & mouth area to protect from smoke inhalation

Road Warrior’s TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS