Here are some simple tips that can help you stay safe and secure. Common sense should be your guide.
- If you own a car, leave it in the garage and make sure it is locked
- The keys to the cars should be hidden somewhere in your house
- You can unplug the garage door opener to prevent anyone from opening it
- Tell people you trust that you will be away and invite them to park in your driveway
- Close all blinds and drapes to prevent people from looking inside
- Suspend newspaper and package deliveries
- Keep a light on in your house and use a timer to turn it on an off
- If it is the winter time, arrange for someone to clear your driveway of snow or ask someone to make car tracks in your driveway. You want your home to look lived in.
- Leave your house as clean as possible and consider hiding valuables
- Keeping your house clean helps us to solve the crime if your home is broken into
- If you have left someone responsible for your home make sure you tell them to report any crimes to the police
- If you are away for an extended period of time, contact your insurance broker to ensure your policy will continue to cover your home and car
- Say yes to travel and health insurance, anything can happen
- Meet with your doctor for advice on inoculations, medicine, or the prevention of diseases such as malaria, hepatitis, or the zika virus
- Ensure you have your doctor's original prescription with your medications and that the medications are in their original pill bottles
- Let your family and friends know your itinerary
- Get any required travel visas prior to arriving at your destination
- Do not travel alone at night
- When using taxi/cabs - always arrange the price prior to getting in
- Ensure the cab is a legal working taxi
- Always pack your own luggage no matter the circumstance and never leave it unattended
- Consider travel insurance that covers lost luggage, flight delay, trip cancellation and accident/health insurance
- Use your hotel concierge for booking excursions or trips or recommendations for restaurants, etc.
- Check your destination's local laws and customs prior to arrival. Local laws are different than Canada
- Never engage in any form of illegal activity or drug use
- The Canadian Consulate has little authority to intervene in local criminal matters if you get in trouble
- Be aware of your surroundings, if you feel that you are being followed, go to a place of safety
- Have fun and use common sense
- Wear a money belt or necklace
- Never leave expensive items in plain view to be stolen
- Do not wear jewellery or carry flashy expensive camera equipment
- Lock up all essential documents or items that you cannot do without in your hotel safe
- Try to travel in groups
- Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel so you are not locked out from accessing cash
- Always carry cash when going to remote areas as banks or ATMs may be difficult to find
- Have local currency prior to your arrival as criminals watch currency exchanges for easy targets
- Spread the cash you are carrying in different places
- Carry photocopies of your passport or other important documents separate from originals
- Have electronic copies of your documents saved that can be accessed from any computer and ensure they are password protected
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