1. PROTECT YOUR LOCATION.
Sharing too much information on social media may endanger your safety, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Don’t broadcast your location on Instagram; instead, save your photos and post them after you return.
2. ARRIVE AND LEAVE WITH FRIENDS.
There’s safety in numbers, especially during Spring Break. Arrive and leave with friends when going somewhere unfamiliar. Agree on a place to meet if you’re separated.
3. UP YOUR AWARENESS LEVEL.
This applies whether you’re in a city or at a theme park. It’s not easy when you have to keep track of your kids and their stuff, but don’t lose the instincts you have during everyday life just because you’re on vacation.
4. PRACTICE GOOD WATER SAFETY.
Good water safety starts with everyone knowing how to swim. Parents and families should also:
Stay within arm’s reach of young children in the water, and never leave them unattended near water. Swim where there’s a lifeguard – ideally more than one. Some hotel pools may not have lifeguards, and even if they do they may have a lot of kids to keep their eyes on.
Watch for waves; waves can come out of nowhere and easily knock kids or adults off their feet, and rip currents can carry them away from shore.
Avoid alcoholic beverages while swimming or boating. Wear life jackets while boating. Complete a boat-safety course. Check over a rental boat thoroughly before heading out. Know where you’re going when boating, and ask about areas to avoid.
5. TALK ABOUT STRANGER DANGER.
Talk to your kids about stranger danger before you leave and when you arrive. Teach your children to never to talk to strangers, particularly at night, and to report suspicious behaviors to an adult.
6. WATCH YOUR STUFF.
Keeping safe means keeping vigilant. To help do that: Keep your bags in sight at all times.
Make sure your bag or purse has a long strap that can fit across your body. When you put down strapped gear, put it between your feet and step on the strap. Don’t hang a purse or bag on the back of a chair. Keep your backpack in front of you if you’re standing in a line. Buy a luggage strap to secure additional items such as a laptop bag or coat to your suitcase so you can keep your hands free.
7. TAKE SPECIAL CARE OF YOUR DOCUMENTS.
Make copies of all important documents and keep them in a separate place. Leave a copy with someone at home and save a copy in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere. Spread cash around multiple places; don’t carry it all in your wallet. Use credit cards when it makes sense.
Original source can be found here.
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