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By Steve Day, Chair, SDV Neighborhood Watch Last month we left off with room location. Now, we have arrived. Here are more tips for the travel wise person. Arriving at Your Room • Determine the room's safety features, locks and exits • Lock your suitcases so they cannot be used to carry your belongings out of your room • Use the interior locking device or bring a "door stopper" when in the room Valuables • If you have valuables or important documents (e.g., a passport or airline ticket, computer), store them in the safety deposit box at the front desk and get a receipt • Use an in-room safe to store items of moderate value. Large sums of money and jewelry should be placed in the safe at the front desk • If there is not an in-room safe, put valuables in a wearable money belt, or bring a portable safe such as a hollow book, shoes with hollow heels or suitcases with secret compartments Elevators • When on an elevator, stand next to the controls • Do not enter an elevator if it is occupied by anyone you consider to be suspicious • If someone is watching when you enter an elevator, press several floor buttons so they won't know which floor is yours Door and Window Security • Sturdy locks and Reliable key system • While in or out of your room, use all locking devices on doors and windows. (Consider purchasing a portable door lock for traveling) • Windows should open and close easily from the inside • Use the extra lock or "stick" on sliding or patio doors • If you have a physical disability, request a room where locks are reachable and easy to operate Telephone Tips • Learn the number for the front desk • Memorize your room number and the name of the hotel • Place a flashlight or your cell phone next to your bed in case of emergency General Hotel Safety Recommendations • Keep your room key in a safe place, such as safety-pinned to the inside of your clothing • Report missing or lost keys immediately and move to a different room • Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry • Do not leave magazines with your home address around your room or the pool • Ask the front desk staff for the safest areas for jogging, walking, shopping, etc. Ask for a map of the area you are staying in • Hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the outside doorknob when you exit, leave a light and radio on to discourage burglars What to Take When Leaving Your Hotel Room • Take only enough cash and one credit card for the outing • Wear minimal jewelry, consider only a simple wedding band in place of a diamond ring • Protect money, credit cards and passports with a body-hugging money belt or other secretive clothing Tips are like "travel training" and must be refreshed from time to time to obtain the optimum benefit. Travel Safety Continued 6 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JUNE 2021 Wine Tasting with Kirk Green

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