Car and Hotel Safety Tips When Traveling

The first and most obvious tip to safeguarding your automobile is to remove all valuable items which can be seen. That means things like packages, bags, radar detectors, cell phones, cameras and audio/video equipment. Either place these items in your trunk or take them with you. Once inside the hotel, you can use a safe to store your valuables. Also, double-check and make sure to roll up all of the windows and lock your vehicle.

Once you get to your room, keep these tips in mind:

• Keep the room door locked, especially deadbolts.

• Do not let anyone in your room without properly identifying them first. Use the door's peep hole, if there's any question concerning the person's identity, ring the front desk as soon as possible.

• Safeguard your room key at all times. Do not give your key to others. Do not leave your key in the room or in the door.

• Find the location of the two exits nearest your room. Also, count the number of doors between your room and the nearest exit so you will have a reference point if the hallway is smoky. Locate alarms and extinguishers in your area. Look out the window and note height and surroundings for reference.

• When you hear an alarm, don't investigate. If you smell smoke, immediately notify the hotel operator.

• If there is a fire in your room, get out immediately and close the door. Once you have left, pull the fire alarm and report the fire.

• If the fire is not in your room, leave if possible. First, feel your door. If it is cool, open it slowly and proceed to the nearest exit. Crawl when smoke is present (fresh air will be at floor level). Make sure to bring your key in case you can't use the exits.

• If the fire is outside your room, but your door is hot, DO NOT open your door. Your room may be the safest place to be. Seal the cracks of your door with wet towels and shut off all fans and air conditioners. If possible, signal from your window and report your location in the hotel to the operator. Also, fill the tub with water and seal cracks of the bathroom door with wet towels. Cover your face with wet towels. Wait for security and the fire department to arrive to be rescued.

• Never use an elevator during a fire. It's possible they could stop at the fire floor or not work properly.