Staying in hotels has become a regular part of our lives, therefore it is important to make sure that we know and follow the rules of hotel safety.

• Maximize fire safety and security by selecting a room located between the 4 and 6th floor Avoid rooms above the sixth floor--the maximum height that fire-department ladders can reach

• When possible do not except a hotel on the ground floor that has doors and windows that open to the outside.

• For security in motels, avoid ground floor rooms off the parking lot. If you can't get a room on a higher level, take one facing the inside courtyard.

• Look for information in room about fire safety and read to become familiar with nearest fire exit / stairway and locate nearest fire exit.

• When you enter your hotel room, make sure the door closes securely and that the deadbolt works. Keep the deadbolt and safety bar on at all time.

• Select a hotel with modern electronic guest room locks, as these locks automatically change the lock combination with every new guest so there is little chance of a duplicate key to your room.

• There should be fire sprinklers in hotel rooms, hallways, and meeting rooms likewise for smoke detectors.

• Each room telephone should allow outside dialing.

• Guest phones located in hallways and lobbies should not allow direct room dialing, so anyone using the phone should have to call the operator and request a room by guest name, not room number.

• There should be secure locks on windows and adjoining doors.

• The hotel should have well-lit interior hallways, parking structures and grounds.

• The parking garage should not have elevators taking passengers to guest floors. It should only go to the lobby.

• Don't answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.

• Keep your room key with you at all times and don't needlessly display it in public. Should you misplace it, please notify the front desk immediately

• Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.

• Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked

• Don’t invite strangers to your room - ever.

• Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

• Place all valuables in the hotel or motel's safe deposit box, always.

• When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening, be aware of your surroundings, never be alone, stay in well-lighted areas, and use the main entrance.

• Take a few moments and locate the nearest exit that may be used in the event of an emergency.

• If you see any suspicious activity, notify the hotel operator or a staff member.

Remember it is always "better to safe than sorry"