Staying Safe While on Vacation

Fire Safety

When you and your group arrive at your vacation home, be sure you know where all of the entrances and exit points are located. 

Your vacation home is equipped with smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are checked frequently, but we cannot overemphasize their importance. Upon arrival, double-check that all smoke detectors are operable and call Twiddy at (252) 457-1100 if batteries are needed.

Pools & Hot Tubs

If the home you are renting has a private pool and/or a hot tub:

• Keep all gates and doors leading to the pool and hot tub areas locked at all times to prevent children from wandering into the areas unattended. Please call Twiddy immediately at (252) 457-1100 if any locking mechanism leading to the pool or hot tub is not functioning properly.
• Do not turn off or disable alarms on doors with pool or hot tub access.
• Do not leave children unattended or use flotation gear as a “babysitter.” There are no lifeguards on duty; adult supervision is required at all times (even when children are able to swim).
• Diving is prohibited and may result in severe back and neck injuries.
• Do not enter pool pump rooms or tamper with pool heater equipment or hot tubs.
• Pets are not permitted in the pool and hot tub areas. Additional cleanings necessary due to misuse will incur a fee.
• Pregnant women, individuals taking medication, and those with diabetes, high or low blood pressure, heart disease, or other cardiovascular conditions should consult their physician prior to entering a hot tub. Persons with open sores or any type of infection should not use a hot tub.
• Do not remove floating chemical dispensers from the hot tub at any time.
• Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from entering hot tubs at any time.
• Limit hot tub sessions to 15 minutes or less. Overuse or misuse of hot tubs results in a higher possibility of infection; sanitizers are not able to combat abnormally elevated levels of bacteria.
• Do not enter a hot tub while consuming or after consuming alcohol.

Elevators

If the home you are renting has an elevator:

• Children and pets should not play in or around the elevator.
• Do not allow a child to stand between the elevator gate and the landing door.
• Do not allow children or pets to ride the elevator unattended.
• Never enter the elevator hoistway above or below the elevator cab for any reason.
• Do not operate or attempt to operate the elevator if the cab gate or landing door locking system is not functioning properly.
• Do not operate or attempt to operate the elevator if you detect any unusual sounds or if the ride seems abnormal.
• If the elevator is not operating properly, do not attempt to service or repair the elevator yourself.

Seasonal Insects

Midges are small, non-biting flying insects that play an important role in the natural ecosystem of the Outer Banks. Midges are common year-round, especially in the warmer months, and tend to emerge in areas near channels, creeks, and large bodies of water such as the sound. They gather in very large, dense masses on the sides of homes, decks, vegetation, and carports, and they are highly attracted to light. Swarms can be dense enough to interfere with outdoor activities. The presence of midges naturally attracts spiders and other insects that feed on them. Unfortunately, extermination and pest control of midges is ineffective due to their breeding habits and 24-hour lifecycle as adults. The best way to reduce the presence of midges at your vacation home is to:

• Keep all exterior lights off
• Empty any containers of standing water
• Keep windows and doors shut
• Close window shades at night

If midges are present during your stay, we suggest using a broom or hose on the exterior of the home. If midges get inside the home, we suggest using a vacuum with a hose extension.