Travel

Plan your route ahead of time. Share the route and expected times of departure and arrival with family, so they will know when to expect you and where to look if they can’t reach you.

Keep your cell phone with you and charged.

While driving, keep your doors locked, follow the law, and take your time.

Don’t pick up hitchhikers!

Don’t advertise your travel plans by posting them on social media websites. Your friends may not be as close as you’d like. There will be plenty of pictures and stories to post after you return!

Consider having an alarm installed and active while you’re out of town. Porch lights on timers can make it look like you’re home when you’re really out of town, but don’t just leave a porch light on day and night. That lets burglars know no one is home to turn off the lights, and no one is house sitting for you, either.

Have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspaper daily.

Don’t forget to arrange for pet care if you can’t take your furry friends with you.