THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has reminded the public of the “fool-proof” practices to ensure the safety and security of everyone during the vacation season.
PNP spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac said the public should take extra precaution when leaving their homes to travel to other places.
Below are the safety tips for those traveling using their own car:
* Plan your drive, drive your plan.
* Run the BLOWBAGETS (Battery, Light, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires and Self) checklist to ensure your vehicle, including the driver is in a good driving condition.
* Vehicle documents such as certificate of registration (CR), official receipt (OR), as well as the driver’s license should be kept inside the vehicle in case of emergency and checkpoint.
* Install smartphone applications that can be useful during your road trip by selecting the shortest and safest route; and identifying motorist assistance points, rest stops and location of police outposts.
* See to it that the driver had enough rest and in good condition before going on a long drive.
* Keep calm while driving and always obey the traffic rules and speed limits.
For travelers using bus terminals, airports and seaports, the police recommended the following:
* Arrive early in terminals, sea and air ports especially when traveling with the elderly and children.
* Secure your tickets and passports.
* Avoid wearing expensive pieces of jewelry and other items that may be inviting to the eyes of the criminals, particularly thieves.
* Look and constantly check on your belongings.
* Be alert against snatchers and thieves.
* If possible, travel light for a more smooth travel.
The PNP also reminded the families who will be leaving their homes to not inform many people about it, or if possible, ask a neighbor or barangay watchmen to look after the house from time to time.
The public were also advised to make sure that the house doors are locked and the appliances are unplugged to avoid possible fire.
Banac said it will also be a good security measure to use burglar alarms or install a closed circuit television camera to discourage robbers, or to invest on high-security lock mechanisms to secure the houses.
He said posting real-time activities on social media will also not be helpful, as criminals are now using social media to scout possible targets.
“Do not post information of your trip real time. This may indicate that there is nobody inside your residences. You might have to delay posting your pictures/videos if you want to safeguard your belongings,” said Banac.
He also urged the parents and the adults to always look after their children while swimming to avoid any untoward incident.
“If you plan to swim on a beach, you have to make sure that you are in the company of people who know how to swim and know the first aid station in the vicinity as well as the PNP assistance desk,” he said.
As of April 10, the PNP has established a total of 4,548 police assistance desks/centers manned by 25,723 police personnel nationwide.
The PNP said the public may also report any incident that need immediate response through its Twitter account @pnppio and @pnphotline, or PNP official Facebook page, as well as through Isumbong Mo Kay OCA text line at 0917-8475757. (SunStar Philippines)