your passport to a safe trip abroad
during your stay in a foreign country
personal safety (continued)
- When
traveling on foot, walk only on well-lighted,
heavily traveled streets whenever
possible.
- Avoid
shortcuts through alleys or side streets.
Walk in the middle of the sidewalk
and secure your belongings.
- Avoid
being the target of a thief on a passing
motorcycle trying to grab a purse
or shoulder bag. Try not to walk next
to the curb.
- Be
wary of street vendors and innocent-looking
youngsters. While one person has your
attention, someone else may be picking
your pocket.
- Should
you be approached by a suspicious
looking person on foot, cross the
street or change direction. If you
are threatened by the occupants of
a car, move in the opposite direction.
- Learn
a few phrases in the local language
so you can obtain assistance if needed.
You should also learn how to use the
public telephone and carry the coins
necessary to do so.
- Remain
alert, and if you have a problem,
go to the local police department.
Avoid
taking a street level room. Choose
a room between the second and seventh
floors, i.e., too high for easy outside
access and low enough to be reached
by fire equipment. - Use
elevators rather than stairwells.
Stand near the control panel so if
threatened, you can push the alarm
button.
- Locate
exits within the hotel and develop
a plan in case of fire or other emergency.
- Report
lost keys immediately and consider
changing rooms.
- When
in the hotel room, secure the door
and windows and keep them locked.
When you leave your room, do not leave
indicators showing that you are out.
In fact, leave the television or radio
on, giving the impression that the
room is occupied. Do not leave anything
of value (money, tickets, camera,
etc.) or work-related items (briefcases,
computers, etc.) in your room when
you go out, even if it is locked in
your suitcase.
- Do
not accept deliveries to your room
unless previously arranged and you
are certain of the source and contents.
- Keep
your room key with you instead of
leaving it at the front desk.
- In
some countries, you may be required
to leave your passport at the hotel
reception desk overnight so it can
be checked by local police officials.
These are normal procedures required
by local laws in many countries. Be
sure to obtain a receipt for your
passport and any valuables you leave
in the hotel safe.
- When
you are out, put the "Do Not Disturb"
sign on your door, to give the impression
that the room is occupied. Consider
leaving the light or TV on when you
are out of the room.
- Don't
advertise to others when you are out
of your room. For example, request
that housekeeping make up your room
while you are at breakfast, rather
than leaving a "Please Service This
Room" sign on the door knob.
