Master Lock's Keys to Smart and Savvy Summer Travel

MILWAUKEE, WI--(Marketwire - Jun 28, 2011) - The summer travel season is officially in full swing. Despite high gas and airfare prices, more than six out of every ten Americans say it's important for them to get away this year^* . Travelers should pay attention to security along the way to ensure their time spent away from home is as pleasant as possible.

"Vacations can serve as a wonderful respite from everyday life and allow family members to reconnect," said Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. "Taking the proper security precautions before and during a trip allows families to relax and enjoy their time away."

Before you load the family into the car or hop on a plane, Master Lock has developed a series of travel tips to ensure your vacation is an ideal time spent making lasting memories. To help avoid stress and frustration before, during or after a trip, follow these five guidelines:

1. Secure all points of entry to your home, including dead bolting doors, windows, sliding glass doors and garage/shed doors to bolster your home's security. If you have an alarm system in place, be sure it is activated before departing. Leaving just one of these areas open or unlocked can lead to theft.
2. Keep your home active. Whether you've hired a dog walker or a neighbor is headed over to water plants and pick up deliveries, ensuring your home still appears to have people coming and going regularly can deter thieves. Store your house key in a key safe such as the Master Lock 5400D Key Safe to allow these individuals to easily enter and exit your home, locking it up as they leave. Make sure these approved visitors know the code to your home alarm system, if applicable, so they can deactivate it and reset it after finishing their tasks. If you do not have anyone visiting your property while you're away, consider placing lights on a timer and stopping your mail delivery by visiting www.usps.com.
3. Lock up your luggage. Airports are full of people and distractions. Items can be easily stolen from bags while awaiting your flight's departure, or before you pick up checked luggage from the baggage claim area. A TSA-accepted lock like the Master Lock 4688D luggage lock will help keep your possessions safe while in transit and allow you to move through security lines with ease.
4. Secure important items in your room. Whether you're staying in a hotel, cabin or resort -- it's important to lock up valuables when not in your room. A secure document storage or cash box will help ensure your passport, traveler's checks, cash and jewelry safe while you and your family enjoy the sights and sounds of your destination. If you're taking your small valuables out and about with you, consider a Master Lock 5900D Safe Space to keep your belongings secure while you're on the go.
5. Create an emergency plan. It's no doubt you will have several activities planned throughout the course of your vacation. In the event that a member of your family becomes separated from your group while out and about, each individual should have a list of important numbers as well as a plan detailing how to reconnect with the group.

For more information on security solutions, please visit Master Lock's website at www.masterlock.com or the Master Lock Facebook page at www.facebook.com/masterlock. Visit www.masterlockvault.com to utilize the free, secure online data storage application and download a smart phone app for easy access on the go -- an ideal place to keep important bank account and other information for emergencies while on vacation.

About Master Lock
Master Lock is the world's largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products providing innovative security solutions for home, automotive, campus, power sports, bike and storage security needs for consumers and contractors alike. Master Lock Company L.L.C. is an operating unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., a leading consumer brands company. Headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO) is included in the S&P 500 Index. (www.masterlock.com)

*According to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll: http://travel.usatoday.com/news/story/2011/05/Americans-ready-for-vacation-despite-high-gas-prices/47199314/1