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Tips for a safe hotel stay

Travel should be carefree and worry-free. However, it's not the time to let go of your common sense. Here's a list of some common-sense safety tips to make your hotel stay safe and enjoyable. While nothing is totally fool-proof, following these safety tips will give you that extra piece of mind and make you far less vulnerable to becoming a victim:

• Request a key that doesn't have a room number on it.
• If paying by credit card, be sure that the clerk returns your card to you. Take a look at your card when it's returned to be sure that it's really yours.
• If you lose your room key, report it immediately and move to another room.
• If you see loiterers in the hallways or anything or anyone that makes you uncomfortable, pass by your door and turn around the corner or pretend you forgot something. Then go to the front desk and report the incident.
• Check the locks on your door as soon as your arrive in your room. Be sure that the door closes securely and the deadbolt works. Then keep your door locked at all times and use all auxiliary locks.
• Ensure that sliding glass doors, windows and connective room doors are locked.
• Don't immediately open the door to anyone. Instead, use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry. When in doubt, call the front desk to verify the person's identity.
• Never prop your hotel room door open. Anyone could walk in.
• Learn how to get an outside telephone line from your room in case you have to reach the local operator or hotel security or dial 911 in an emergency.
• Note the location of emergency fire exits. Use stairs instead of elevators during an emergency.
• Unpack and place your belongings in the closet and drawers. Arrange your things so you will know if anything is missing.
• Never leave money, checks, credit cards or car keys in your room. Always take them with you.
  Use your hotel safe to store extra cash, expensive jewelry or other valuables.
• When you go to sleep at night, keep a flashlight next to the bed. That way you won't be stumbling around in the dark if there's an emergency or the electricity goes out.
• Use caution if you receive a phone call to your room and the person claims they are a hotel employee and needs to come to your room to repair something. Always get the employee's name and call the front desk to verify that the call is legitimate before letting the person into your room.
• When you leave your room, leave the television on. To anyone listening through the door, they'll think the room is occupied.

Please remember: your common sense is your best protection. Don't leave home without it!

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Volusia County, Florida.