When you travel away from home, you will be in unfamiliar surroundings. While a new environment can be exciting, it can also present safety issues. Learn how to protect yourself when staying at hotels. Your conduct and demeanor can help you avoid being the victim of a crime. Research Hotels You have several options for looking into accommodations before you arrive at your destination. Go online and explore the city in which you will be staying and learn about areas of this venue that could have potential safety issues. Visit the websites of hotels to learn about each facility. You can usually view images of the building, the outside of the premises, and common areas such as lobbies and pools. Look for well-lit parking lots and information about on-site security staff and surveillance cameras. Call each company you consider to find out more about the accommodations. Choose Your Accommodations The unit you occupy can contribute to your overall safety. Do not stay on the ground floor, if possible. Accommodations on the ground floor may be more prone to break-ins. Instead, try to get a unit on the third to sixth floors. These accommodations are less likely for break-ins; however, they are not so high that you could be at risk in the event of a fire. Always opt for an interior unit overlooking a courtyard and not an exterior room overlooking a parking lot. Check-in Guidelines As you check into your unit, ask the representative not to say your room number aloud. If the representative does announce the number, request another room. Get the direct-dial emergency number you should use in the event of an emergency when you check in. After you get into your room, one of the first things you should do is plan your escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency. Find the closest stairway and emergency exit, remembering that you should never take an elevator if a fire occurs. Find one alternative escape route, also, to use as a backup. Make sure all windows and doors in the unit lock. Precautions During your Stay Always lock your door with every lock available on the door when you are in your room. Never leave your door ajar for any amount of time. If someone knocks on your door unexpectedly, call the front desk to find out if the visitor is authorized by the hotel. Never open the door unless you know the identity of the person and you know the visit is authorized. Keep your valuables in a room safe, if possible. When you leave your room, place the "do not disturb" sign on the doorknob to make people think you are in the room. Ask a representative to escort you out to the parking lot if you do not feel safe. With planning and common sense precautions, you can remain safe while you stay in hotels. If some type of crime does occur, file a report with the police and the hotel. When looking for Lansing hotels, visitors consult the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau. To learn more, visit http://www.lansing.org/visitor/hotels/.
Related Articles -
lansing, hotels,
|