Safety in a Hotel

There a lot of websites and safety “experts” out there that dole out hotel safety advice for women. Some are OK, some are so-so and many others are way outdated and useless. I’ve even seen government sights giving out safety advice that only address the common sense basics with no mention of the new break in techniques and outdated hotel security procedures. Well, I’ve taken much of the relevant advice, updated it, and included your new Advent Personal Security tips.

The following safety tips are most applicable for hotel stays, especially if you’re alone. (This is covered in the Advent presentation). Keep in mind that hotels are usually not at fault for thefts and assaults and try to prevent any negative experiences for their guests. The culprits are usually low wage workers with little direct supervision and their outside accomplices. These employees are usually very familiar with the building and the vulnerabilities within it.

When the time comes to book your hotel, don't just look at rates and amenities -- pay close attention to location as well. Is the hotel in an upscale residential neighborhood, a bustling business district or a seedy commercial area? Is it safe to walk around after dark? Is there a police station nearby? All of these factors could affect the likelihood of a break-in or assault during your stay. You can find neighborhood information online or in a good guidebook.

Start using the 5 Ss when approaching the hotel, SITUATION. Evaluate the layout. Are the doors facing the outside or inside of the building. Is the lot / building well lit. Is the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day.  Is the location among other business or in a residential area.

When making reservations, reserve the room under Mr. & Mrs. Name. That will give any questionable staff the impression that there will be a man present rather than a single female. If you are questioned about your spouse at check-in time, you can simply state that he will be in later. (He’s out getting ammo). Or, don't be gender specific when you reserve your room, use your first initial and your last name.

Note: In Texas, the Castle Law extends to hotel stays for handgun owners which means that you can take your gun in your hotel room. It must still be concealed though.

Do not use titles such as Dr.,  Atty. at Law, etc. when reserving or checking in. Those titles may tip off crooks that you may have currency, lots of credit cards, and other expensive items with you.

When making reservations, ask for a room between the second and sixth floor.  A first floor room is easier to break into from the outside and the second through 6^th floors are easier to access by fire ladders.

When checking in, ask that your room number be written down and handed to you rather than loudly announced. Be wary of anyone standing by the front desk waiting to hear your room number being announced. Tell the staff not to give out your name or room number to anyone.  Take a business card or matchbook with the hotel address on it. If you need to take a cab or ask for directions when returning to your hotel, you’ll have the exact location as there may be multiple hotels in a large city.

Ask if the room phone can make outside calls in case you need to make a 911 call but, be sure to ask if you must also dial a 9 or other number to get an outside line. Texas had a case where a guest could not reach the 911 operator because she was unaware she had to dial a 9 first. The victim died.

 The part time security guard in the lobby is probably not qualified to handle a break in or attack.  He is paid by the hotel to give the illusion of safety and sometimes there, more to protect the hotel from you, rather than you from an attacker or intruder.

Find out if there is an unmanned entry / exit to the parking garage.  These unmanned entries are an easy entry for crooks and thieves since many don’t go by the front desk.

SEE. When going to your room, make a mental note of exits, stairwells, elevator, and fire extinguisher locations.

SENSE. When getting in elevators, enter an empty elevator and stand by the control panel. When entering an elevator occupied by a sole male, use you best judgment or sixth sense.  A gentleman will understand if you don’t enter. You can even fake forgetting your key if you don’t feel comfortable entering the elevator with a male inside.

SECURE. Once in your room, lock the door and check all places someone could hide, closets, baths, etc. once your satisfied, install you door alarm, lock enhancer, and or door bar. Check to ensure the peephole is properly installed and place a post-it or band-aid over the peep hole. Decide where you will keep your stun gun then use your CC308 hidden camera detector to SCAN for hidden cameras. Concentrate on the bathroom, air vents, smoke detector. 

Text or call a family member to let them know you’re safe. Let someone know where you’re going when you leave the hotel. (See the Safety Location & Time Text post).

If someone knocks on the door claiming to be from the staff, call the front desk and verify.

Do NOT use the in room security safes for valuables or important documents! These safes are not covered by the hotel’s insurance and are easily defeated with default unlock codes almost every employee knows by heart. Instead, use the main safe at the front desk.

When you leave the room, do not put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, especially if you’re leaving valuables in the room.

Some safety experts say you should put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign to give the impression that someone is in the room.  If you’ve seen my demonstrations, the "Do Not Disturb" can be used to unlock the door latch. It’s best if you’re not in the room when that happens. It’s better to have something stolen rather than being assaulted. Stuff can be replaced, you can’t. Not putting the sign out also leaves a potential thieve not knowing for sure if the room is occupied. He may not want a confrontation with the unknown occupant. Your door brace or lock enhancers may prevent all this.

If you do experience a crime during your stay, don't simply complain to the hotel -- file a police report as well. Your homeowners' insurance policy may cover certain losses during your travels, and the insurance company will need a copy of the police report and any other relevant documentation.

Tip: Avoid using drinking glasses that are not in sealed plastic or use only the sealed plastic cups.

Sleep tight.