Keeping Your Group Safe: Orlando Safety Tips
Orlando has a relatively low crime rate compared to other popular tourist cities, but as the person in charge of planning a group trip it’s up to you to understand the safety tips everyone should be aware of. Some will be common sense and apply to virtually any destination, while others are unique to Florida.
Safety tips for your resort hotel or vacation home
These are general safety tips that will apply anywhere you’re staying and are most applicable when you’re at your resort hotel or vacation home.
- Keep the front door locked when inside your hotel room. Use the safety chain or deadbolt when you’re in for the night.
- If you’re renting a vacation home don’t forget to check the lock on the patio door before leaving.
- Don’t answer your hotel room door if you don’t know who is there. If they claim to be someone from your resort, call the front desk and make sure they were indeed sent on their behalf.
- Put your valuables in a safety deposit box located in your room. If there isn’t one in your room, ask to have them stored in the hotel’s safe. Don’t ever leave valuables in your car, van, or other vehicle.
- Immediately upon checking into your hotel room, check out the floor plan map on the back of your door. Familiarize yourself with all fire and emergency exits.
- Keep the doors locked when you’re driving.
- Make sure everyone on your trip has the cell phone of the person in charge of coordinating the event.
- If there’s an emergency don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1.
Make sure you understand Florida’s seatbelt laws
Seatbelt laws are not identical in every state, which is why you must make sure you’re in compliance with the laws of Florida. They state:- Everyone in the front seat must use their seatbelt – even if the vehicle in question has an airbag.
- Everyone under the age of 18 must use a seatbelt, regardless of where they’re sitting.
- Every passenger that’s 18 or older can be individually fined for not following seatbelt laws.
- Any children 5 or under must use a federally approved child-restraint seat.
Outdoor safety tips
If you’re traveling from a state or country far from Florida you may be surprised by the incredible variety of animals in the Orlando area. While it’s exciting to see these unique animals, there are also some safety tips that should be followed:
- Avoid feeding or provoking any kind of wildlife. This is obviously true of animals like bears and alligators, but it’s equally true of birds and small mammals like squirrels.
- State law prevents harassment of alligators, as well as killing or possessing one.
- Alligators and snakes can be found in any lake, river, and marsh – even those in residential areas. Be aware of the possibility that you might run into one and leave the area immediately if you do.
- Don’t leave children or pets near water without supervision.
- Don’t swim in areas that aren’t designated for swimming.