Hotel Security – Yes but you too have a role to play!

Hotel/motel companies implement security procedures to help protect guests to their properties, but guests also have a role to play to help ensure their own safety and security.

Here are just a few tips to remember when staying in hotels:

? Drive up appeal: Does the property look welcoming and inviting? If not, it maybe in indicator of how the property is managed or other issues.

? Parking: Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Lock it and Hide it.

? Hotel Check-in: Front desk staff should not verbalize your room number during check-in, but they should identify your room number on the key card holder or paperwork. As you read the number, do not vocalize it should someone be trying to identify what room you are staying in.

? Luggage: Do not leave your luggage unattended. Keep your luggage next to you or within eyesight when using bellman.

? Identify emergency exits for the property and the guestroom floor. Higher floors of a hotel are great for memorable views but during a fire emergency you will have to exit down the stairwell and ladder trucks typically reach somewhere between 5 th and 7th floors

? Guestroom locks: Guestroom doors should have both a primary and secondary lock. Ensure that both are operational use both when inside your guestroom. When exiting the room, ensure that the guestroom door closes completely before walking away.

? Peephole: Every guestroom door should have a peephole that is clear, not cracked nor compromised in any way.

? Smoke detectors: Every guestroom should have a smoke detector and guests should confirm that the device is operational by observing a test light on the device.

? Phones: Each room should have a phone that works and has the phone number and room number indicated on the front of the phone.

? Window locks: Ensure that windows can be locked. Ground floor windows should have screens and be able to be locked in the open position.

May all your travels be safe and secure.

Vince Vittatoe, Principal/Owner of Vittatoe Consulting, LLC has over 30 years of combined law enforcement and hospitality/restaurant Safety & Security experience. He provides strategic director level expertise and services to clients to help them “Protect their People, Property and Profits”