Keeping your family safe and healthy

With so many beginning their summer vacation plans it’s important to remember some safety tips.
1.     Don’t post your plans on social media
2.     If you have a taxi pick you up, do not share your plans and in fact you may want to mention that someone is still at home, even if they are not.
3.     Complete a PVE PD Vacation Check form
4.     Share your plans with a trusted neighbor and ask them to pick up your mail, newspapers and packages and check on your home.
5.     For more tips see the article below
 
Home safety
Before you leave for your summer vacation, you need to do what you can to make sure your home and belongings are protected while you are gone. Safeguard against crime and other issues by taking the following precautions:
 

• Stop your mail and newspaper delivery. If your mailbox is overflowing while you are away, criminals will be alerted that you aren't home. If you don't have a friend who will be bringing in your mail, contact the post office to temporarily suspend delivery. Do the same with your newspaper — if you are one of the few who still actually gets the paper delivered.
• ·        Keep quiet. You don't need to broadcast to everyone (especially on sites like Facebook) that you are going to be away. You never know who is going to be reading or listening. Instead, tell a few select people in your neighborhood so that they can keep an eye on your house.
• ·        Fake them out. Set up an electrical timer to turn lights and TVs on at various time to fool potential intruders into thinking you are at home. Set the timer to reflect your normal routine.
• ·        Consider shutting off gas and water. If you are going to be gone an extended period of time, consider shutting off your utilities to avoid potential flooding, fire or gas leaks.

COMMENT FROM PVEPD: BE AWARE IF YOU SHUT OFF YOUR GAS, IT SHOULD BE TURNED BACK ON BY THE GAS COMPANY.

While traveling, don't make yourself a target for thieves and pickpockets. Leave your jewelry and other expensive belongings locked up at home. If you are in crowded, unfamiliar areas, keep your money in a money belt rather than in your purse. When traveling with kids, bring along an updated photo of each child — in case you become separated from them. Talk with your family about who to call and what to do in case they get lost or another emergency arises while you are on vacation.
 
If you are traveling by car, keep an emergency road kit in the trunk with jumper cables, flares and other necessities. Also take along a first aid kit, bottled water and nonperishable foods.