Visitor Safety Tips

1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
2. Hotel/Motel Safety
3. Around Town
4. Protect Your Children
5. Protect Yourself
6. At the Beach
7. Conventioneers
8. Homeless Population
9. State and Local Resources

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

• Carry only the amount of cash you require in small denominations.  Be sure to never make conversation about the amount of money you have on you.
• ALWAYS wear a seatbelt, not only for your safety, but for the well being of those who care about you.  City, County, and State Law Enforcement Officers are on hand to enforce seat belt laws . 
• Respect and obey all traffic laws.  Not doing so will most likely result in a traffic citation and is a sure fire way to get your trip off to a bad start!
• In the event of vehicle breakdown, turn on hazard flashers and raise your hood.  If you are forced to leave the vehicle behind, please ensure all passengers stay close together and in an organized fashion.  Motorist aid call boxes are generally located along the interstates and roads.
• Always carry your wallet in your front pocket and purse very close to your chest, as this will deter thieves and pickpockets.
• Know where your plane, train, and/or bus tickets are at all times. 
• As an alternative to cash, try to always carry travelers checks and credit cards.  Keep a record of these serial numbers in a safe, yet easily accessible place in the event of fraud or theft.
• Items and information that cannot be replaced should not accompany you on your trip.
• If you plan to drink - don't drive.  Bring along someone who will be the designated driver and and remain alcohol free.   Do not take a chance with DUI laws.

Hotel/Motel Safety

• Always lock your front door and/or patio doors both while you are in your hotel room and when you leave.  Use the safety chain for security.  Never open the door to your room unless you know who is there.  If you did not call for hotel services offered by the person at the door, call the hotel security or front desk immeidately to see if they have sent someone to your room.
• Keep your room key in a safe place on you when at the hotel pool, bar, or dining room.  Secure your purse by wrapping the strap across your shoulder; carry your wallet in an inside pocket.  Avoid hanging such personal items on chairs or restroom hooks unless you're certain only you can remove them.
• If you notice any suspicious activity in or around the hotel, make sure to notify hotel management or the police.
• Take valuables with you, or leave them in your hotel lock box.
• Know where the fire escapes, elevators, phones, and emergency exits are in relation to your hotel room.
• It is a good idea to know how to operate the locks on both your doors as well as windows.

Around Town

• Do not advertise the fact that you are a tourist.  Place all maps, brochures, etc. in your glove compartment or concealed on you.
• Use a map to plan your route before venturing out.
• If you are uncomfortable about travel through a particular neighborhood, ask at the hotel front desk or visitor center for safety pointers.
• Always make sure the taxi/cab driver has started the meter.  Never let yourself be charged for more than the meter amount.
• Most public transportation options only accept exact change, so be prepared.
• Have a current HART Bus or Streetcar schedule available.
• Always lock your vehicle.  Lock valuables in the trunk, glove box, or luggage compartment so they are out of sight.  Secure valuables -- jewelry, cash, cameras. and travel documents -- in your hotel safe.  Only take necessary valuables when traveling.  When traveling with photography, please bear in  mind the extreme heat of a closed vehicle will damage electronic equipment and film.

Protect Your Children

• Discuss the information as a family, including what to do if you become separated. Ask your children what they would do in certain situations, and practice appropriate actions and responses with them.
• If visiting local attractions, always be sure to dress children in bright clothing.
• Designate a plan/meeting place for lost family members.
• Tell children where nearby information kiosks and help centers are located. 
• Always instruct children on who and who not to open the door for.

• Get information about the park prior to your trip, and review the park guidelines, particularly those regarding lost children.

Protect Yourself

• For emergencies of any kind , call 9-1-1 from any phone.
• Pay attention when walking through parking lots.  Avoid suspicious characters or areas with no light.  Travel with a companion in the evening.  In the unlikely event you are confronted by an assailant, DO NOT resist if demands are made.
• Plan your routes and activities in advance in order to avoid looking like a tourist.  This may make you lookan easy target for crime.
• Be aware of individuals who seem overly anxious to help you.
• Avoid traveling alone and on unfamiliar roads and/or highways.
• Never leave your vehicle with the engine running, or with children and valuables inside. 
• Its FLORIDA...don't forget your sunscreen and be sure to drink plenty of fluids, even in the winter months!

At The Beach

• Check with lifeguards concerning current conditions for the day.
• Be sure to check with local governmental agencies before bringing or consuming alcohol on public beaches.
• Invest in plastic containers.  Many beaches prohibit the use of glass containers at the beach.
• Take notice of your valuables at all times.
• Pay attention to  local regulations concerning the preservation of wildlife at the beach, i.e. animals and/or endangered species.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and hydrate properly before, during, and after your beach stay.
• Protect your skin, eyes, and feet from the typical beach elements of UV rays, and beach debris.

Conventioneers

• Remove badges or other forms of identification, that may alert others to the fact that you are not from the area.
• When and if you leave your convention site, have a plan in place and know where you are going.  Stay close to lit areas if walking at night and always try to have a companion come along with you.
• If you were given city guides or maps of the area, use them, as they were given to you for a reason.
• Laptop computers should kept in a safe concealed place.  Thieves see laptops as a very attainable, easy target.
• Remember, local guides and police officers are there to assist you.  Contact them if you have questions or notice suspicious looking people or occurrences.

Homeless Population

• The perplexity of dealing with homelessness is one that has plagued every major city and/or destination in the modern world.
• While recognized in that context, this should in no way affect your meeting, and/or vacation while in Tampa Bay.  Most homeless citizens are absolutely harmless, however, there are some chronic non law abiding emigrates who pray on those not familiar with local surroundings and practices. 
• Like any other situation, we encourage you to be aware of your surroundings and contact the police if you feel threatened or notice anything suspicious.
• If you wish to contribute to the efforts in stamping out homelessness, please take into consideration that the best way to go about this is by donating time and money to charitable organizations who speak and act on behalf of homeless citizens.  Do not to give money directly to panhandlers.

State and Local Resources

• My Florida 
• Hillsborough County Florida
• City of Tampa
• Florida Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus
• Visit Florida