These suggestions and tips should help ensure that your visit to our host city is a safe one.
Conventioneer
Hotel Security
Kids’ Safety
Sightseeing
On the Road
Vehicle Security
Homeless Citizens
Conventioneers
- Remember to remove badges when leaving the convention area.
- Walk "smart" by researching the best way to get to your desired destination.
- When traveling at night, choose sidewalks in lighted areas and avoid walking alone.
- Establish a "buddy" system with another delegate to the convention, share schedules and check up on each other periodically.
- Carry a map - if you're lost or have wandered into an unfamiliar area, this will be a valuable tool.
- Ask hospitality personnel to call you a cab. In the car, take notice of the company and driver names in case you leave something behind.
- Keep a charged cell phone with you at all times. When using a phone, stay focused on your surroundings.
- Pick pockets usually work in groups. Keep your handbag secure at all times and avoid placing it on the ground. Put a rubber band around your wallet and keep it in your front pants pocket.
Hotel Security
- Determine the quickest route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators, and emergency exits.
- Be sure to lock windows and doors when leaving your hotel room.
- Always use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry.
- Report any lost or stolen items to hotel management and to the police.
- Never leave money, checks, credit cards, jewelry or other valuables, or extra keys in your room. Take valuables with you or store them in the hotel safety deposit box.
- Don't keep all your valuables in one place; keep some money and IDs locked in a safe at your hotel.
- Have the desk clerk write down your room number instead of saying it aloud. Be careful not to repeat your number when talking to others.
- Look in the elevator carefully before you enter. If you are uncertain of any occupant, wait for the next one. Stand away from the door when waiting alone.
- Exit before the elevator door closes if a suspicious person joins you. If accosted push all the floor buttons.
Kids’ Safety
- When visiting local attractions, dress kids in bright clothing and designate a meeting site for lost family members. For small children, write down their names and where they're staying and put it in their pockets.
- Instruct kids not to open hotel room doors to people they don't know.
- Make sure kids are familiar with hotel emergency escape routes. Create an emergency plan and meeting site.
- Children should not be left alone at any time.
Sightseeing
- Ask front desk staff at your hotel for directions to those attractions you want to visit.
- Be wary of strangers who seem overly anxious to help you.
- Visitors are major targets for pickpockets in many cities throughout the world. Stay alert to what's going on around you.
- Use protective gear when biking, skating, riding and exploring Boston.
On the Road
- Obey traffic signs while driving.
- Don't drink and drive, and always use your seat belt.
- Be sure to bring important documents, including driver's license, passports, credit cards, plane/bus tickets, and hotel confirmation before leaving home.
- Leave all non-travel related items such as local credit cards and irreplaceable photos at home.
- Carry small amounts of cash.
- Use traveler's checks and credit cards. Keep records of their serial numbers in a separate and safe place in case they are lost or stolen.
Vehicle Security
- Do not advertise that you are a visitor. Place maps, travel brochures, and valuables in the glove compartment or trunk before you get to your destination. Carry wallets, checkbooks, and purses with you.
- Check the back seat before getting into your car.
- Always lock your car. Don't hide spare keys on or around your vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle with the engine running.
- Park in busy areas with plenty of lighting.
- Remove all personal items when parking your vehicle overnight.
Homeless Citizens
- Every major city in the world has a homeless population. This social problem is common to urban areas. Their presence need not prevent people from enjoying our host city and its amenities. Most homeless people are harmless; however, some transients are chronic law violators who often infringe upon the rights of others. We suggest using a combination of caution and respect around panhandlers and other strangers.
- Beware of people who approach asking directions or panhandling; keep a polite but safe distance and keep moving. If you feel you're being followed, duck into a store.
- Contributing to panhandlers will not help the problem. If you wish to help, contribute to a charity, mission, food bank, or social service agency that assists the needy.