BEFORE YOU GO
- Ensure that your passport, if needed, is good for at least three or four months.
- Make a copy of your credit card and traveler check numbers and the telephone numbers needed to report a theft.
Keep the copy in a location separate from the documents.
- If possible, carry any required prescriptions in the original containers.
- Check with your medical insurance carrier about coverage away from your home and work.
Know coverage protection for out-of-country travel.
BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF
- Make copies of yoru passport photo page; put a copy in your carry-on and leave a copy at home.
- Make sure your luggage is tagged inside and out, but don't use your position or affiliation.
- Dress casually when traveling to avoid attention; avoid showy jewelry.
- Be alert at security checkpoints.
Don't place belongings on conveyor until you can keep an eye on items being screened.
AT YOUR HOTEL
- In a hotel, try to secure a room between floors two and seven.
Some fire departments may not have the capability to resuce above the seventh floor.
- Always check for the nearest fire stairwell, hoses, and emergency telephone when checking into a hotel.
- Avoid hanging the "Please Clean Room" tag on your door. It is an obvious signal that you are not in.
- Do not leave sensitive information or documents in your hotel room.
Hand carry and personally protect your documents, as well as laptop computers and other valuables.
- Stay with your luggage until it is brought into the lobby or placed in your taxi.
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AT YOUR HOTEL: IN CASE OF FIRE
- Locate the nearest stairwell to your room.
- Check your door by placing the palm of your hand on the door or the knob.
If either feels hot, do not open the door.
- If you cannot leave your room or the stairwells are unsafe, notify the front desk that you are in your room.
- Stay low but alert to any sings of rescue from the street or the halls.
Let firefighters know where you are by waving a towel or sheet out of the window.
ON THE STREET
- Be aware of your surroundings.
Look up and down the street before exiting a building.
- Ask the bellman, concierge, and front desk personnel regarding safe-- and not-so-safe --areas around the city to jog, dine, or sightsee.
Be aware of local traffic regulations and driving habits.
Joggers have been seriously injured by failing to understand traffic conditions.
- Keep in mind that purse snatchers and briefcase thieves often work hotel bars and restaurants.
Keep your purse or briefcase in view or in hand.
- Be alert to scams involving an unknown person spilling a drink or food on your clothing;
an accomplice may be preparing to steal your wallet, purse, or briefcase.
WHEREVER YOU ARE
- Always be alert for distractions that may be staged by pickpocketers, luggage thieves, or purse snatchers.
- Consider wearing a money belt or other secure storage device; waist pouches are not advised
because potential thieves will know the location of your valuables.
- Keep briefcases and purses in view or in hand when using telephones.
If you're using a credit card, block the view of the key pad when entering the number.
- Be cautious when entering public restrooms.
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