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 Some are OK, some are so-so and many others are way outdated and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and outdated hotel security procedures.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 6th 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.
