Vegas Q&A: What Were Those Vegas Safety Tips?
POSTED: 9:55 am CDT May 10, 2005
Question: About a year ago you ran a piece titled 7 Ways to Stay Safe in Vegas. It was so great that I printed it out and took it with us on our trip last summer. We're getting ready to go again in June and would love to have a new copy. Can you run it again?Gina in Pittsburg
Answer: Great idea, Gina. As summer travel season approaches it's always important to keep safety in mind. We love all of our readers and want to make sure you stick around for a long time!Lucky 7 Ways to Stay Safe in Vegas1. Educate Yourself
There's a particular brand of people who prey on tourists, so one of your most important jobs is to educate yourself about where you're traveling so you don't run into those tourist traps. Know where you're going, check operating hours, study maps for alternate routes and get as much information as you can so you can look like you know what you're doing (even if you really don't). Of course Vegas4Visitors is your best resource for Vegas information, but it's not the only one. Visit Web sites, read travel guides and do your homework. Not only will you have a more fulfilling vacation, you'll have a confidence that may keep you out of trouble.2.Stick To Well-Traveled Areas
I encourage Vegas visitors to get off the Strip to explore other parts of the city, but Las Vegas, like any major city, has some bad neighborhoods, so it's important to stick to the well-traveled thoroughfares and highly trafficked areas whenever possible, especially late at night. A general rule of thumb is to go where the taxis go. Cab drivers tend to stick to the areas where people like yourself will want to travel.3.Stay Safe In Your Room
The first thing you should do after you dump your suitcase is check where the nearest emergency exits are located. Every room has a map with an evacuation route. Take two minutes to walk it so you can be familiar with the path in case something catastrophic happens. Most hotels also provide some sort of printed safety information (phone numbers, fire alarms, etc.) Read it. Finally, pack a small flashlight in your suitcase in case the power goes out so you don't have to stumble around in the dark.4.Control Crowds
It's hard to go anywhere in Vegas without being in a big crowd, a potentially dangerous situation if something bad were to happen. Be aware of your surroundings wherever you go, whether it's an outdoor attraction, a packed casino, a big showroom or even a crowded buffet. Take a moment to identify the nearest exits or quickest routes to safety so you can get out if you need to.5.Watch Your Wallet
I'm not talking about blowing your money in the casino -- that's a totally different problem. I'm referring to the fact that pickpockets love Las Vegas, especially in areas where people are distracted by things such as volcanoes, dancing fountains and bright neon lights. Carry your cash and cards in your front pocket if possible, or get a wallet with a security chain or other theft deterrents. If you absolutely must carry a purse (which I discourage whenever possible) be sure to wear it in a protective fashion (strung across your body as opposed to slung loosely over your arm) and try not to let the flashing lights make you forget that there may be someone around who wants to take it from you.6.Pedestrian Safety
It may be because Vegas is great at putting up things to distract you, but there seems to be a problem in this town with people not looking both ways before they cross the street. The local papers seem to have a story every week about someone wandering into a busy roadway without looking, often with tragic results. I know pedestrians in other cities don't always pay attention to things like "Walk" and "Don't Walk" signs, but you should here just in case the guy in the big SUV barreling toward you is distracted by everything as well.7. Don't Be Dumb
Yes, Vegas is a city built on the concept of having fun, but you should try to do so as responsibly as humanly possible. There's something unique about this town that makes people want to drop all their inhibitions, often fueled by excesses of alcohol or other mind-altering substances. I'm not passing any kind of judgment here, but there are ways to do it without being stupid and putting yourself in dangerous situations. Don't let your wild Vegas dream vacation turn into a nightmare by making the wrong decisions.If you have a question you'd like to submit, click here.
Answer: Great idea, Gina. As summer travel season approaches it's always important to keep safety in mind. We love all of our readers and want to make sure you stick around for a long time!Lucky 7 Ways to Stay Safe in Vegas1. Educate YourselfThere's a particular brand of people who prey on tourists, so one of your most important jobs is to educate yourself about where you're traveling so you don't run into those tourist traps. Know where you're going, check operating hours, study maps for alternate routes and get as much information as you can so you can look like you know what you're doing (even if you really don't). Of course Vegas4Visitors is your best resource for Vegas information, but it's not the only one. Visit Web sites, read travel guides and do your homework. Not only will you have a more fulfilling vacation, you'll have a confidence that may keep you out of trouble.2.Stick To Well-Traveled Areas
I encourage Vegas visitors to get off the Strip to explore other parts of the city, but Las Vegas, like any major city, has some bad neighborhoods, so it's important to stick to the well-traveled thoroughfares and highly trafficked areas whenever possible, especially late at night. A general rule of thumb is to go where the taxis go. Cab drivers tend to stick to the areas where people like yourself will want to travel.3.Stay Safe In Your Room
The first thing you should do after you dump your suitcase is check where the nearest emergency exits are located. Every room has a map with an evacuation route. Take two minutes to walk it so you can be familiar with the path in case something catastrophic happens. Most hotels also provide some sort of printed safety information (phone numbers, fire alarms, etc.) Read it. Finally, pack a small flashlight in your suitcase in case the power goes out so you don't have to stumble around in the dark.4.Control Crowds
It's hard to go anywhere in Vegas without being in a big crowd, a potentially dangerous situation if something bad were to happen. Be aware of your surroundings wherever you go, whether it's an outdoor attraction, a packed casino, a big showroom or even a crowded buffet. Take a moment to identify the nearest exits or quickest routes to safety so you can get out if you need to.5.Watch Your Wallet
I'm not talking about blowing your money in the casino -- that's a totally different problem. I'm referring to the fact that pickpockets love Las Vegas, especially in areas where people are distracted by things such as volcanoes, dancing fountains and bright neon lights. Carry your cash and cards in your front pocket if possible, or get a wallet with a security chain or other theft deterrents. If you absolutely must carry a purse (which I discourage whenever possible) be sure to wear it in a protective fashion (strung across your body as opposed to slung loosely over your arm) and try not to let the flashing lights make you forget that there may be someone around who wants to take it from you.6.Pedestrian Safety
It may be because Vegas is great at putting up things to distract you, but there seems to be a problem in this town with people not looking both ways before they cross the street. The local papers seem to have a story every week about someone wandering into a busy roadway without looking, often with tragic results. I know pedestrians in other cities don't always pay attention to things like "Walk" and "Don't Walk" signs, but you should here just in case the guy in the big SUV barreling toward you is distracted by everything as well.7. Don't Be Dumb
Yes, Vegas is a city built on the concept of having fun, but you should try to do so as responsibly as humanly possible. There's something unique about this town that makes people want to drop all their inhibitions, often fueled by excesses of alcohol or other mind-altering substances. I'm not passing any kind of judgment here, but there are ways to do it without being stupid and putting yourself in dangerous situations. Don't let your wild Vegas dream vacation turn into a nightmare by making the wrong decisions.If you have a question you'd like to submit, click here.
The Full Story
- Deal To Combine MGM, Mandalay Companies Closes Fix Makes Expensive Food Worth It Vegas Q&A: What Were Those Vegas Safety Tips?
In Next Week's Column
Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.Plus, don't forget to send your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.Rick Garman is the head writer for Vegas4Visitors
