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YOU CAN AVOID HOLIDAY BLUES- PART II

If anyone is loitering around and appears to be suspicious, go to another ATM. While you are carrying out your transaction at the ATM stand such that those behind you cannot see your PIN as you enter it. Never write your PIN nor carry it with your ATM card.

As you shop, return to your vehicle from time to time to check it and reduce the amount of material you are carrying and keep track of it. Remember to store your packages in the trunk or, if your vehicle doesn't have one, out of plain view (on the floorboard, under a blanket or clothing, etc). When possible, have purchases delivered instead of taking them with you; many businesses offer free delivery at your home. Avoid dark areas, short cuts and suspicious characters. Stay near lights and people. In case you are feeling panicky, don’t make it too obvious.

• When travelling and REGISTERING anywhere, for anything, do so using your last name and only your FIRST initial.
  
• The most common places for women to be ROBBED are the least expected; i.e. bus and train stations, airports, crowded streets.
  
• It is common for a would-be thief to use razor blades to cut PURSE STRAPS, take the purse, and then get away in a thick sea of bodies.
  
• Carry all valuables- i.e. tickets, money passports, etc. in under the clothes body belts. Just keep what you might need for the day out of the belt!
  
• WALK with a purpose; don't look like you are sightseeing or lost. Be aware of who's around you including using eye contact.

Be prepared to flee potential problems. If apprehensive about any location for any reason, leave. Consider carrying a whistle. Weapons are not recommended, and may be unlawful. If you are being followed adopt the following strategy.

If you are on foot and being followed, cross the street, vary your pace, change your direction as quickly as possible and walk the wrong way down a one-way street. If you are in a vehicle and are sure that you are being tailed execute several turns to cross check. Get on to the several side roads so that you are sure that you are being followed. Also try to note and record the description of vehicle and its occupant(s). Don’t forget to make a note of license /registration number of the vehicle.

Even if you have made advance reservations and are about to check in to the hotel, ensure the following so that you are assured of your safety.

The exterior of a hotel speaks much about its safety.

• Is the parking area well lighted?
  
• The parking area is in the front or the rear?
  
• Are their tall trees or shrubs that obstruct the view of the entrance or the road?
  
• Is the main lobby attached to the main entrance?
  
• Are the corridors and room entrances well lit?
  
• Is the exterior of the hotel well kept?
  
• In what type of area is the hotel situated?
  

• Is the lobby staffed round the clock?
  
• Does the hotel have a locker facility?
  
• Are any safety and security precautions displayed around the premises?
  
• Do you have direct dialling facility from the rooms or all the calls go through the hotel switchboard?
  
• Ask if you have ready access to emergency medical services?

While you are still in the lobby you can still do the following

• Familiarise yourself with the layout of the lobby and the exit so that you are not lost in an emergency.
  
• Find out the most direct route to and from your room, to the elevators and fire escapes.
  
• Check on the check-out procedures for an emergency

Position of your room can also help you a lot in an emergency

• Stay away from the rooms on the ground floors. They can easily be entered in to through the windows.
  
• Seek a room on the second floor or a floor with rooms, close to the lobby.

When you are in your room, you have a right to refuse it if it does not have the following

1. Auxiliary locking system on doors and windows.
   
2. Toilet has an open and easily accessible ventilator.
   
3. A door viewer.
   
4. A working phone.
   
5. Working air conditioning system.
   
6. Fire alarm system.
   
7. Running water supply
   

• Check the room for cleanliness, if you are not satisfied, ask for another one.
  
• Put up the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ board outside your room for your entire stay. Intruders don’t generally enter the occupied rooms. Before you leave your room, turn on the TV or Radio, loud enough to be heard outside your room.
• Keep all curtains drawn on windows that provide unhindered view of your room from outside.
• Use the door viewer before you open the door for anyone.
• Arrange your belongings in a fashion that will tell you if anything is missing.
• Keep all your things in the closets/drawers provided and lock them.
• Look on the phone to see how to report emergencies.
• Does your hotel have child friendly rooms, covered outlets and tub faucets, rounded furniture corners and access to baby supplies.
• Write each child's name on a slip of paper, along with the number of a close friend or relative at home; then tuck or pin the paper in the child's pocket. In case you have a local contact number mention that too.
• Look for hotels that have supervised play centres.

Draw up rules and regulations for children with you

• Forbid them from roaming unescorted in the hotel.
• Familiarise them with your emergency plan in case it has to be put in action.
• Set rules for your stay and they should abide by them.
• Don’t send them out to buy odds and ends from the nearby shopping centre, restrict your purchases for once a day and preferably finish it before you check in to the hotel