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Hotel / Motel Safety
Now that the summer vacation season is here, we must remember that crime prevention doesn't stop when we leave home. To help ensure that a vacation will be an enjoyable experience for everyone, here are some crime prevention tips that will help protect your family and property when staying at a hotel or motel.
Arriving at a Hotel
Arriving at a Hotel
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area close to the lobby where you can see your vehicle and occupants.
- Before getting out of your vehicle, check your surroundings for suspicious looking people.
- When leaving your vehicle, put valuables out of sight and be sure to lock it.
- Memorize your vehicle license information so you don't have to go back outside.
- Make reservations ahead of time to prevent being stranded with no vacancies or unsafe accommodations.
- Women traveling alone may prefer to sign in using only a first initial and last name.
- Register using your business address.
- Store valuables in a hotel safe and get a receipt instead of leaving them in your vehicle.
- Don't enter your room if someone is loitering in the area and watching you. Report this to the front desk immediately.
- Be sure the locks on your door are working properly.
- Familiarize yourself with the closest fire evacuation route.
- Make sure you know how to use the phone in your room and that you can dial out to 911.
- Memorize the name and address of the hotel and your room number.
- Use the "peep hole" to identify visitors. Do not open the door to strangers.
- Hang the "do not disturb" sign on the doorknob and leave a light and radio or TV on when leaving.
- Do not enter an elevator if someone inside seems suspicious.
- Inquire at the front desk about safe places to eat, shop, walk, or jog. Ask for a map of the area.