Safety in Sedona

Safety is one of the most important things to consider when traveling. Of course, depending on the kind of trip, safety can mean a lot of different things. Safety in a big city might be traveling in groups and avoiding certain areas. In rural areas, safety concerns extend to wildlife, plant life, and even weather related issues. While no one would ever consider Sedona a big city, we are a combination of rural areas and town life. Sedona is a bustling locale, full of locals, tourists, and wanderers. Despite this eclectic mix, there is very little crime in the area. The Sedona Police Department is on patrol twenty four hours a day to insure the safety of everyone. In the words of Sedona Police Chief, David McGill:

“Public confidence in the criminal justice system depends primarily on the trust that the people have in their police. Police officers are often the primary liaison between the public and the justice system.  This means that police officers must be accountable to the people for the decisions they make and the subsequent consequences of their actions. To achieve and maintain public confidence and trust, the police department must be well trained, disciplined and above reproach.”

You can also sign up for public safety announcements through the City of Sedona website. These notices can be received through text messages and emails. Examples of announcements include road closures and reopenings, fire restrictions, and even the occasional bear sighting. You can also sign up for county wide warnings on the same site. These are time-sensitive general and emergency situations that are either imminent or occurring in the greater Yavapai and Coconino county areas.

Special considerations for solo travelers:

Traveling alone is its own adventure, no matter where you go. Solo travel in Sedona gets hazardous when you begin adventuring in the wilds. No matter whether you are hiking or biking, you should always have a first aid kit, plenty of water, a map, and ideally, a satellite phone. Always tell someone where you are going, such as the front desk of your hotel or a ranger. Never go too far out when alone.

Special considerations for families:

Water. Water. Water. It is very easy to get dehydrated in the Sedona heat, especially for young children. Family hikes are a amazing activities and one of the best things to do in Sedona, but without proper planning, they can be dangerous. Bring ample water on your walks and make sure your young ones are up for it. There are a plethora of easily accessible trails near the main roads.There is very little nightlife in downtown Sedona so the main strip is still family friendly after dark. Choosing a family friendly hotel is also an important step. The Southwest Inn at Sedona offers large rooms and a breakfast perfect for little ones.