Americans take vacations to escape everyday life and to experience new places and things. We certainly don’t expect to have more stress when we pack our bags and head out of town. But, what happens in the event that things go wrong? Here are some tips on keeping you prepared for the unexpected the next time you head out for a week of rest and relaxation.
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1. Prepare your home. Before you leave, put your home in “vacation mode” to minimize the risk of potential problems. Turn your hot water heater to its vacation or conserve setting; turn down the heat or air conditioning; and put your lights on timers so they will turn on and off automatically, thus giving the appearance of someone being there. It’s also a good idea to unplug TVs and appliances like hair dryers and coffee pots while you are gone, to avoid unnecessary risk of an electricity surge during a storm.
2. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out. Let your closes friends or neighbors know you will be out of town. They can keep tabs on your home while you are gone and alert you, or report to authorities, any suspicious activity. It’s also a good idea to have your neighbor bring your mail inside and collect any newspapers so they don’t accumulate in the yard and alert potential burglars or vandals to an empty home. You may even ask a friend to park his or her car in your driveway while you are gone, again to give the appearance that someone is there.
3. Take a first-aid kit. This is especially helpful if you are traveling with children. Pack a basic first-aid kit and bring it with you. That way, if you need a bandage, ointment, or another type of treatment for a minor cut or injury, it won’t be a hassle trying to get the supplies you need.
4. Bring all your insurance information with you. In the event of a car accident while you and your family are on vacation, you will want to be prepared – just in case. Bring all your insurance information with you, including agent’s name and contact information. As one Orlando auto accident attorney states on their website, having your documentation and documenting all aspects of the accident will be very important to get compensation for your car and injuries. Or, download a mobile app from your insurance provider so you can easily access their services and report an accident from your smartphone. The first-aid kit may also come in handy in the event of an accident, so you can take care of any minor injuries even before help arrives.
5. Prepare you kids for traveling safety. If you are traveling with young children, talk to them about safety at rest stops if you are driving, and airport safety if you are flying to your destination. Remind younger children to stay close to parents and older siblings in crowded places and not to wander off at an amusement park or busy city.
Taking a few extra steps before you embark on your next journey can go a long way in saving you from headaches and stresses in the event that things do not go exactly as planned. The small effort it takes to be prepared is certainly worth the peace of mind you will have while enjoying time away with your loved ones.
Writer Melanie Fleury lived in Orlando, Fl for several years and saw many tourists get into car accidents on their way to the theme parks. She wrote this article to remind people to be prepared while going on vacation. She searched Orlando auto accident attorney online for insight into accident preparation.
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