Stay Safe at a Hotel

Stay Safe at a Hotel


Traveling to places you've never been can be exciting but also poses hidden dangers. Here is how you can make sure your hotel visit is a safe and worry free as possible.

DETERMINE YOUR HOTEL'S SAFETY RECORD
First, call the hotel and ask to speak to the "property manager" (not the "on duty manager"). Ask them about the hotel's police/fire activity. You can also look up the area's non-emergency police contact number. Ask them about problems they've had at the hotel.

PICK A FIRE-SAFE ROOM
Make sure that you choose a room that is on or below the seventh floor. Currently, there are no fire trucks that have ladders that can reach higher than that. Also, if available choose a room close to the floor's emergency exit (this is also beneficial since these exits are usually far from elevators, minimizing foot traffic).

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INTRUDERS
Buy a cheap, rubber doorstop and take it with you. Place the "Do Not Disturb" sign outside your door at night and place the doorstop under the door on the inside so that anyone attempting ingress will not be able to open the door.

TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS
Always ask for an extra bucket for ice and keep both filled at all times. In case of a fire where the water mains are damaged, the runoff from the ice can be used to wet a towel to put under your front door. This water can also be used for drinking.