A flight attendant has shared her vital security tips for anyone staying in a hotel while on holiday.
American cabin crew member Cici has a security routine which she follows to the letter whenever she checks in. Sharing her tips on her TikTok account, she said security is always in the front of her mind when on a stop over with work or in a rented room for leisure, the Express reports.
Before even entering the room, the travel expert advises counting the number of doors to the exit stairwell. This is crucial in the rare event there is a fire and "it is too dark or smokey" for hotel guests to see where the exits are.
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Cici also advises holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with the security and evacuation maps that are frequently displayed in hotel corridors. When you finally make it to your room, it's important to check that the door is fully shut whenever you leave - Cici highlighted that people often forget to do this.
"I see doors not fully shut all the time walking through the hallway," Cici said. It's common for hotel doors to be heavier than average so they may need a little extra push to close properly.
When in her room, the flight attendant also checks the peephole to ensure that it is closed. If there is no cover for it on the door, she advises people to "take some tissue and shove it in there so nobody can see inside your room".
Another handy tip for extra security includes taking a small towel from the bathroom and wrapping it around the safety latch. Cici then closes the latch lock with the hand towel, which makes it more difficult for others to open.
She went on to explain that she uses "a personal safety alarm like the Birdie". Birdie is a personal safety alarm "made for women".
It produces "a loud alarm and flashing strobe light designed to deter an attack" and can be bough for less than £20 online. "I bought one for all the women in my life," Cici said.
The flight attendant is also on high alert whenever it comes to letting strangers in her room, even if they claim to be hotel staff. "If someone knocks at the room and says they are housekeeping, but you didn't order anything, call the front desk," Cici added.
"This could also be room service, security or anything you weren't expecting."
Finally, "for added protection at night", the flight attendant recommended using door safety alarms, which are set off if someone enters the room.
"Always bring two door wedges or door stop alarms just in case you have an adjoining room and they weren't able to accommodate your room request," she continues.
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