It’s always in the back of your head when you travel. Or should be. Travel safety. So we’ve mentioned safety issues and concerns whenever we can. Things like:
- How incredibly simple it is to break into a zippered suitcase, even if it has a lock on it
- How easy it is for someone to break into the safe in your hotel room
- If you’re using the hotel’s Wi-Fi, you’re at risk of hackers getting your personal information unless you’re prepared
Of course, some people are 100% entitled to enter your hotel room, whether you like it or not. But hotel room invasions are a real concern for some, depending on where you are. And unfortunately, there are lots of ways for unscrupulous people to easily get into your hotel room, if they really want to.
Fortunately, there are several ways to increase your security, many of which were listed by Home Security Consultant LLC a few years ago:
- Make sure your room has solid doors, locks and a peephole
- Beware of strange males that exit the elevator on your floor. Let them exit first and you return to the lobby if they’re suspicious
- Change rooms or hotel if not secure or locks are worn/broken
- Request a room away from fire stairs or end units
- Lock all doors and windows at all times
- Use the peephole to see who’s knocking
- Never use a chain-latch to partially open the door
- Never open the door to strangers or solicitors
- Call the police or front desk if the stranger acts suspicious
- Call the front desk if someone claims to be with the hotel
Some “safety experts” will also suggest physical barriers to help ensure your door can’t open. Like the guy in the video below.
Dutchintheusa claims himself to be a Royal Marine and his TikTok videos tend to focus on a lot of safety and escape techniques. This one, about hotel room safety, went viral, with (as of this writing) 5 million views.
@dutchintheusa Hotel room safety you should know #safety #psa #alone #viral #safetytips #lifehack #survival
I have no issues with the “glass on the handle” technique. But the first and third one? DON’T DO IT.
Why they’re dangerous
A physical barrier is admittedly a good to a great way to stop someone from invading your hotel room. Unfortunately, it will also detain, if not completely prevent YOU from getting out.
Let’s say, heaven forbid, there’s a fire and your room is filled with smoke. Or there’s an earthquake. Or a loss of electricity. Trying to undo that belt, shower rod, or anything you’ve bought to ensure your door can’t be opened from the outside will be difficult and take up precious seconds when you can’t see or think clearly.
Some might think the chances of someone entering their room are larger and/or more dangerous than an emergency where you’d want to leave the room as quickly as possible. I guess that would be a Your Mileage May Vary situation. But to me, it seems as if you’re trading one safety hazard for another, doesn’t it?
Feature Photo: Piqsels
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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