Safety Checklist

"Safety Sense" should follow you wherever you go. There are several basic precepts of safe travel which apply to all destinations. These general safety and security tips are offered whether you are traveling for business or pleasure.

Pre-Trip Planning

	Make sure you have 2 forms of identification that are an identical match to your ticket documentation
	Pay for tickets with a credit card and carry it with you for confirmation
	If a packing list will help, put one together
	Review your baggage and be familiar with the contents
	Plan your trip to allow for delays. Arrive at the airport early to avoid the rush, unforeseen parking challenges, and security backlogs
	Call your air carrier several hours prior to departure to confirm status, determine any restricted items, and learn their security requirements
	Consider being dropped off at the airport, using a shuttle service or taxi
	Know how to use your text messaging cell phone option, if you have it
	Remember to bring your adaptors, ie. car and re-charger - regardless of whether you think you will need them
	Always trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, avoid it
	Consider a pre-paid calling card

Planning For Your Safety and Security Begins at Home

	For the flights, dress in tightly knit natural fibers, such as cotton, denim, leather or wool
	Avoid restrictive clothing and synthetic fibers. Cover as much of your body as possible
	When in doubt, pack black. It's easy to match and hides dirt
	Reduce to a bare minimum the amount of metal on your person so you aren't held up at the metal detector. Things to consider: belts, key chains, etc.
	Shoes should be low-heeled, laced, leather or canvas. No nylons, high heels or slip-ons
	Wear a safety strap for glasses and always have a back- up pair of glasses or contact lenses as well as medication in your carry-on luggage
	Carry a small flashlight with you on your person
	Bring an essentials kit, moist towelettes, reading material, snacks, flight schedule as well as a CD/tape player
	Take a copy of prescriptions should you need to have glasses or medication replaced
	Carry with you a list with your blood type, allergies, medical conditions and special needs
	Do not pack sensitive or proprietary information in your checked luggage. Double envelope the material and hand carry it
	Tag your bags, inside and out, with your business address and telephone number
	Consider shipping heavy items ahead of you to your destination
	Seek out pre-departure briefing and determine what special security precautions should be taken during your trip
	Do research on the country you will be visiting. Check with the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs and U.S. Customs regarding any special requirements
	Request from the Embassy of the country you plan on visiting, a list describing customs restrictions or banned materials
	Learn the basics about the destination country's history, culture, laws, norms, and language. The OK sign (making a circle with the thumb and forefinger) is considered terribly obscene in Spain and Brazil. In Japan, it tells the cashier you want your change in coins. Get educated.
	Carry your international shot record, just in case
	Do not publicize your travel plans. Leave an itinerary at the office and with a family member or friend
	Advise all parties of changes to your travel plans when they occur
	Make photocopies of your passport, visa, and other important documents. Put copies in your carry-on and checked luggage and leave one at home and at the office
	When traveling with someone, always use the buddy system, from the start of your trip to the end. Help each other, whenever possible

At The Airport

	Never leave bags unattended or carry any article given to you by a stranger
	Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security, so say your goodbye's before you reach the security checkpoint on your way to the gate. Arriving passengers should arrange a meeting point in the main terminal building, not in the gate area
	Report anything unusual to officials immediately and cooperate fully with security
	Follow bags through all security checkpoints and don't let them out of your sight
	Always familiarize yourself with emergency equipment and exits, wherever you are
	Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look for safe areas to move if there is trouble, look for people paying too much attention to you, and watch for traffic. Remain alert and focused

On Board The Aircraft

	Safely secure all carry-on items. Place heavier items under the seat in front of you
	Use overhead stowage across the aisle so your bags are in view at all times
	Keep your seat belt fastened at all times while seated
	Young children should be seated and belted in an airline-approved safety seat
	On overseas flights, make sure you check under your seat for a life vest
	Locate and count the rows to the nearest emergency exists and alternates
	Be familiar with ALL exists. Mentally plan your escape
	The safest seat might just be the one where you have the most options. For emergency evacuations, the word to remember is "speed"
	Review the safety information card and pay close attention to the demonstration regardless of how many miles you have under your belt
	Remember the "10 minute rule". For 10 minutes after take-off and 10 minutes before landing be alert. Be seated flat-footed with no distractions such as books or CD/tape players
	Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (at least 8 oz. of water for every hour of flight)
	Bring bottled water and snacks that are appealing at any time
	Eliminate the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and sleeping pills
	If you take your shoes off, put them on again before landing
	If you sit in an emergency exit, you must be physically capable, aware of your responsibilities, and willing to perform all emergency functions. If not, request another seat
	Ask questions if instructions are not clear and report anything unusual
	Follow crew's instructions in case of turbulence and for any and all emergencies

What To Know In The Event Of An Emergency About:

	Evacuation Slides Jump feet first into the slide. Do not sit down. Cross arms over chest, elbows in with legs together High-heeled shoes should be removed if time permits as they can puncture slides
	Decompression Pull mask toward you to start the flow of oxygen. Put your mask on first, then assist others
	Flotation Devices Life vests, life rafts, some seat cushions and evacuation slides can be used for flotation devices Do not inflate life vests until instructed by a uniformed crewmember
	Evacuating The Aircraft Follow the instructions of crewmembers  Stay calm, leave all carry-on items behind and proceed quickly to an exit
	Fire or Smoke In-Flight or On The Ground If in-Flight, cover nose and mouth and move away from the source of fire and smoke If on the ground, stay low and proceed to the exit using your predetermined count of rows, the floor-mounted track lighting, and the small flashlight packed in your pocket or purse If outside the aircraft, move away. Help those requiring assistance, but never return to a burning aircraft

Upon Arrival

	Invest in a good map of the city. Mark your hotel, office, embassies, police and fire stations
	Make mental notes of alternative routes to your hotel, office, or other significant locations
	Select a secure hotel. The crew layover facility's security is usually consistent with U.S. standards
	If you stay at the same hotel on every visit, this can be identified as a routine, so avoid this if possible. Consider changing hotels if you are on a protracted visit
	Use the bellman. Luggage in the "control" of the hotel causes the hotel to be liable for your property
	Ground floor rooms, rooms close to the elevator core or the stairwells should be avoided
	Check fire exits and instructions carefully, and if in an earthquake zone, check what to do if one occurs
	Use the double-lock and identify visitors visually before admitting them
	If people claiming to be officials ask you to accompany them, ask the hotel management to assist you in verifying their credentials
	Keep sensitive documents, such as travel plans, with you or in the hotel safe
	In unfamiliar locations, avoid walking or jogging. If you must walk or jog, vary  your schedule
	Follow local advice on areas to avoid
	Don't go anywhere near local demonstrations
	For in-country and international phoning, find out how to make a local call, what types of coins to use and the procedures for getting a call through
	Always keep a low profile. Do not wear flashy clothing, company logos, or jewelry
	Avoid using unofficial or unmarked taxis. Arrange for taxis through your hotel. Have the address of your destination written down in the native language, and carry a hotel card to show the driver for your return trip. Agree on a fare before getting in. If possible, have the hotel negotiate the fare
	Be careful about what you photograph. Don't photograph police, military, bridges, or communication facilities
	Consider a GSM phone to simplify calling in and out of the country
	In general, be careful about getting into a taxi with other passengers you do not know. If possible, keep your luggage with you. Try to have exact change or small bills
	If you plan to rent a car, check to see if you must obtain an international driver's permit
	Park in a well-lit area and as close to a hotel access point as possible
	Remove all property from the car interior and place it in the trunk

Be aware and beware. Safety and security risks exist, not only in unfamiliar locations, such as on the airplane, but even in familiar locales. Preparing for a trip means more than packing your clothes. This trip list will help you to keep some important items in mind while you are on the road and in the air.

This is an abridged version of the Traveler's Check List. For the full text, and other Essential Travel Information for the Traveler, please visit the Plan It Safe web site.