Best Security Tips for Travel Safety Worldwide
Stay Safe by Using these Travel, Hotel and Fire Safety Procedures
Jul 7, 2009
Pilots and flight attendants must constantly focus on personal safety and security. These are some of the routines they follow when travelling for business or pleasure.
A trouble-free trip for flight crews, families or business travellers begins with a little research and organization. These simple but valuable tips should be part of everyone's travel plans.
Safety Tips Before Travelling
- Make copies of passports, ID, credit cards and itineraries and stow them in a separate suitcase or tote bag pocket. Alternatively, scan and email copies to oneself
- Check government websites for updates on political issues or potential problem areas
- Write a cell phone number rather than a name and home address on luggage tags
- Substitute a simple wedding band, plain watch and earrings for expensive jewellery
- Place valuables in a carry-on bag, never in checked luggage.
Security Advice in Hotels
Frequent fliers know to remain alert even in the relative sanctity of a hotel.
- Upon check-in, ensure the receptionist doesn't broadcast room number
- Decline rooms with adjoining doors as they can be less secure
- As a reminder if using the in-room safety vault, place one shoe on top of or inside the vault
- In elevators, stand beside the control panel, close to the alarm button
- Advise hotel maintenance of burnt out light bulbs in the room or hallways
- Aways check the peephole or use the chain lock before opening hotel room doors and request ID from hotel repair staff
- Leave the Do Not Disturb sign on the door. When necessary, call housekeeping directly for service
- If the room has been burglarized or searched, leave immediately -someone may still be inside
Hotel Fire Safety
An individual or family fire briefing could save critical time in the event of a real emergency.
- Note the location of fire extinguishers, alarms and escape routes
- Leave the room key in the same obvious and accessible location and bring it if evacuating
- Check if windows open and close and learn how to turn off the air conditioner
- Agree on a family meeting place in the event of an evacuation
- Make it a habit to sleep in pajamas in hotel rooms
- Always take hotel fire alarms seriously
Escaping from a Hotel Fire
Rooms below the seventh floor are easier for most fire ladders to reach.
- Call the hotel operator or fire department if one discovers a fire
- To test for fire in the hallways, touch the room door with the back of hand. If the door is hot, do not open it
- If remaining in the room, call the fire department to advise them of location
- Turn off the air conditioner. Open windows only if assured of fresh air
- Fill the bathtub with water. Wet sheets and towels and stuff them around door openings and vents
- Use the ice bucket or waste basket to splash water on the door and walls
- Keep a wet cloth over mouth and nose and stay low
- If leaving the room, take key, proceed to the nearest stairwell and attempt to reach the ground floor. Do not use the elevator. lt might be necessary to crawl to avoid toxic smoke. Stay low and use a wet facecloth to cover mouth and nose
Personal Safety in Crowds
Situations that appear innocuous at home may result in tragic outcomes when travelling. Use common sense and caution for a positive outcome.
- Avoid rowdy gatherings and political demonstrations, which can quickly escalate into crushing stampedes or violent confrontations
- Beware of overloaded boats, bridges, viewing platforms and stadium stands, especially in underdeveloped countries
- Decline offers for unofficial guided bus or taxi tours to out of the way places as they could be a set-up for robbery
- On tour buses, sit away from the doors to gain extra time if thieves should rush onboard
- Robbers have also been known to smash windows when vehicles are stopped at red lights. Keep purses and totebags on the floor, not the seat
- Dress inconspicuously, especially where local customs mandate modest dress
- Don't stand on the street to examine maps or guide books - step into a store
- If trapped in a hotel room due to political or security issues, close the curtains and stay away from the window. Speak quietly into the phone or send text messages from a cell phone
As flight crews know, taking extra precautions does not translate into paranoia. The old adage "better safe than sorry," is especially valid when travelling.
The copyright of the article Best Security Tips for Travel Safety Worldwide in Business Travel Tips is owned by Heather Zorzini. Permission to republish Best Security Tips for Travel Safety Worldwide in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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