It's a scenario familiar to any business traveler. Your airline flight was delayed, the cab line at the airport was endless and check-ins was a mess. Jet lag has struck. It's very late, you're tired and you have a breakfast meeting with a key client at 6:30 AM. You grab your key, avoid the bellman and head to your room to collapse into bed. Stop. Take the next 5 minutes to perform these safety, security, and cleanliness checks and prepare for the next day. These "how to's" will save you time the next morning, they could even save your life some day.
1. When you enter the room prop the door open, turn on the lights, and check the closets, bathroom, under the bed, and behind the drapes. Mistakes do happen and sometimes someone else has been assigned to your room. This happens more frequently in suites with adjoining bedrooms that can be sold as separate rooms. Or there could be a thief. In any case, don't close the door unless you are sure the room is empty.
2. Check that the connecting doors, windows, and sliding doors are locked. In general, avoid first floor rooms with sliding doors.
3. Once you lock the door and attach the safety chain, check the diagram on the back to review the nearest exits and mentally plan your escape route. Look out the door to check that exit signs are illuminated. If the lights are out, be help full and contact the front desk to let them know. The few seconds that it takes to review the exit information can save your life in the event of a fire, earthquake, or other emergency. Just do it. FYI, most fire engine ladders only reach to the sixth floor.
4. Be sure that the heat or air- conditioner, lights, phone, radio, and TV are working. Turn on the shower and sink to check the water pressure and temperature. If they aren't working, switch rooms now. It's not worth waiting for someone to fix the problem, especially late at night.
Just a few more tips from Lethal Defense
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Personal Protection Items
It seems we all need to varry more of our personal possessions around with us these days.
Cash in your wallet or purse, checkbooks, credit cards, personal organizers and mobile phones are just some of theeveryday items that are sorely missed if they are stolen.
All these possessions might seem invaluable, but according to the police the best advice for hanging on to your possessions is "only take what you need with you".
They suggest you learn to minimize the amount of possessions you carry with you. If you don't need to a camera with you, don't take it and the same goes for cash and credit cards, only take what cash you need and don't take all your credit cards with you, just the ones you are likely to use.
Keep your purse or wallet somewhere where you can feel it, such as an inside jacket or trouser pocket. Pockets you can zip or button are the best. Check every now and then to make sure you still have your wallet or purse on you, but don't make this too obvious as pickpockets can spot you doing this.
Likewise, keep your mobile phone out of site - in a zipped up pocket is best. If you carry a bag, strap it across your chest and keep hold of it, but at the same time try not to look overly cautious. Keep the zip or opening towards you. Be aware that back pack style bags are especially vulnerable to thieves.
Do not leave your bag unattended in a public place, such as in a pub, coffee bar or shop. If you're trying on shoes in a shop for example, don't walk even a short distance away from your bag. Keep it with you or ask the shop assistant to hold it for you.
Try to appear relaxed, but at the same time be thoughtful about your surroundings. Pickpockets like busy streets and crowded places, and someone bumping into you could well be a pickepocket. If this happens, check you still have your things with you, but again don't make it too obvious that you're doing this.
If something is stolen, go to the nearest police station or call the police. However, don't dial 911 unless you have actually caught someone in the act and managed to apprehend them. Think carefully before chasing after someone or trying to restrain a thief. The value of what they have stolen may be minor compared to the consequences of being attacked. Always put your own safety first.
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