Orlando Area Safety Tips for Visitors

Safety should always be your number one priority when traveling anywhere. Some people enter a bubble when in Orlando because they believe nothing bad can happen in the land of 'The Happiest Place on Earth'.

By following a few simple tips, you can ensure that you and your entire family will have a magical, safe vacation.

1) Always keep most of your identification, credit cards and money in your front pocket. Hide a little money someplace else. Keeping a photocopy of everything in a safe is a good idea too.

Pickpockets are professionals. You can have your entire visit ruined with one bump from a stranger. While there are times when a bump from a stranger can be a welcome event depending on the stranger and the dimensions of said stranger, (have you ever met a man that was upset about being bumped into by a busty blond?) it's important to protect yourself in all situations.

Keeping these important things in your front pocket rather than your back pocket sets its own sort of safety alarm. If you keep your stuff in your back pocket and are bumped, your buttocks won't mind. Besides a seat, your buttocks are designed to be a bumper for your body. You'll probably hardly notice it if it happens.

In your front pocket, your things are closer to your crotch. If someone were to bump you in that area, your body will send an alarm to your brain that there is something, someone in the area.

Don't carry more cash in your pockets then you can afford to lose without ruining your vacation. If you MUST bring cash be sure to leave extra either in the hotel safe or wear a money belt beneath your clothing to protect it. The money belt is only for DEEP withdrawals.

Keep a listing someplace of your credit card numbers and the phone numbers. Be able to call IMMEDIATELY to get them cancelled if you lose one. Lots of credit card companies will also overnight a new one to you.

2) Protect your belongings at all times.

Never leave your things unattended at anytime. Hook your purse around your body or keep it hooked around your foot when sitting down. Keep a hand on your bags, luggage or whatever at all times.

Never leave anything in your car. Remove the GPS mounting system. It's nothing more than an invitation to have your car broken into. The inside of your car should remain as naked as possible.

If possible rent a vehicle with a cargo cover. The less things that are visible the better.

Don't leave things lying around your hotel room. Lock it up! Hotels and their insurance will not cover you in the event of a theft. You can get a cable lock for your laptop and attach it to a large piece of furniture. 'Hiding' it in your luggage won't even slow a thief down.

Another thing, don't put valuables in your checked luggage. It's liable not to be there when you get here and the airlines will not replace electronics, jewelry, cash etc.

Remember, lock it up or take it with you.

3) Try to never walk anywhere alone. Stay in well lit areas.

Dangers lurk in the shadows of the night. Parking your car under a light post and keeping out of the dark is the wisest thing you can do. Keeping a small flashlight on your key ring is a good idea. Parking under a light and walking through the dark is a bad idea. Know the difference.

If you are traveling alone, find a security guard to escort you. That's what they are for, to guard you. Airports, hotels and shopping centers all have security guards.

Carry your cell phone in your hand but don't talk on it. Never be distracted. Even if you don't have the chance to use it to call the police, it can become a useful weapon.

4) Never talk to strangers.

Remember 'stranger danger' applies to adults too. If you are approached by someone with a story, for instance their car broke down and they need cab money, there is a very good chance it's a con.

There are people whose entire jobs are to provide help to people in need. Police men, tow truck drives and the like. Unless that is what you are doing in Orlando, there is nothing you need to do.

If the person is actually in need of help, call the police. Do not go anywhere with anyone for any reason.

5) Always lock your car. Weave your keys between your fingers while walking to and from the car.

Do not be afraid you use your keys as a weapon. Go directly for the eyes or throat. This is not the time to practice good manners. Do whatever you have to, to get away.

Don't think that just because you are only leaving your car for a minute that everything will be fine. Think of how long it takes to open a door. Can you move faster than that?

6) Look under the car before you approach it. Look in the backseat before you unlock the door.

If you see anything suspicious near, under or in your car, like feet or a face, run.

If you are not holding someone hostage in your backseat and you know for a fact that you didn't run anyone over when you parked your car, there should be nobody in these places. Keep your eyes open at all times.

7) Scream "fire" if you are being chased. People will look the other way if you scream help, but everyone loves a good fire.

Think about that. If you hear someone screaming "Help" your natural instinct is going to be to protect yourself. If you hear someone screaming "Fire", you'll think of s'mores and be less likely to panic.

Never be afraid to scream. It's your first defense against an attacker. Embarrassment is not a good enough reason for you to get hurt or something worse. It is physically impossible to actually die from embarrassment, trust me. I've been embarrassed before and I've seen people be embarrassed and we are all still here.

8) Use the deadbolt with the door lock on your hotel room door.

Never open your door to a stranger. If someone shows up at your door ask for identification and their supervisors' name along with his phone number. They can show you these things through the peep hole or window. There should be no reason for you to open the door unless your hotel is on fire.

If there isn't a blaring alarm going off and you don't smell smoke, keep the door bolted shut.

Immediately call the front desk and report a person at your door. Have them personally come up or send security to attend to the problem.

9) Put identification on your child and take a digital picture of them every morning.

Every parent's worst nightmare is losing their child. When you are panicked, you'll have trouble remembering your own name, let alone what your child was wearing that day.

Every morning take a digital picture of your child and put your full name and cell phone number in their pocket. If you really want to be extra safe, you can actually write the information directly on the child on a place that is under clothing, like on their backs.

There are websites that sell custom temporary tattoos that have your name and number on them that you can stick on your child.

DO NOT have this information visible to strangers. It's an open invitation for them to start a conversation with your child and establish trust.

Also make sure your child can identify 'Officer Friendly'. They should be able to point out a police officer or a theme park employee. Practice this at home with your child and make it a game.

And teach your child to scream at the top of their lungs. This might drive you straight to the Advil at the end of the day but it could save your child in the long run.

10) Know your rental car. Take a picture of it with your digital camera along with a picture of where you are parked.

Wandering around looking for a car that you aren't completely familiar with will draw attention to you. If you look lost, you look like a target. It only takes a second to snap a picture of your parking spot and makes a nice addition to your vacation photos.

Always be aware. Stay safe and have a fantastic visit to Orlando.