Protecting Yourself in Dorms, Apartments and Hotels

When it comes to home security, most of theto deal with these issues before you're panicking.
available options are meant for homeowners, notNo matter where you live, it's important to be aware
renters or those who are residing in a dorm room,of your surroundings at all times. Make a mental note
apartment, or hotel. For example, a renter orof people who seem to be loitering outside the
someone staying in a hotel room for the weekendbuilding. Never let anyone inside a secure building,
cannot install a security system or surveillanceeven if they are fumbling around as if looking for
cameras.their set of keys. If someone is knocking directly on
No matter where you live, at some point in time it isyour door, do not assume that they have a good
possible that someone might try to break in. Thisreason to be doing so, and never let them into your
possibility exists whether you live in a rural mansionpersonal space unless you are sure that they have a
or a tiny apartment on the fourteenth floor of anvalid reason for coming inside.
apartment building. While some areas do have higherFinally, protect the entrance to your dwelling, as well
crime rates than other areas, no area is immune toas your belongings, with a personal alarm. Many of
crime. Even though you don't own the space, therethese portable alarms can also function as door or
are several invaluable methods you can use to lessenwindow alarms, emitting a loud alarm to scare away
the chance of someone breaking in.anyone who attempts to enter without your
First, keep your doors and windows locked at allknowledge. This is a great option when traveling; its
times. This applies even if you are staying in a securevery small size enables it to fit easily in your luggage,
building with a doorman, and you live far from theor even in your pocket, where you can use it to
ground floor. The truth is, there is no way for you toscare off would-be purse snatchers and others who
know who is in the building. What if you are attackedmight try to harm you on your travels. Personal
by a guest, or by someone who lives on your floor?alarms are a great choice for those who plan to
It's always safest to keep your doors and windowsmove soon, since they are so easy to take with you
shut and locked, no matter how safe you feel in thewhen you go.
building.Living on your own in a dorm, apartment, or hotel
Second, be aware of potential security threats. Knowcan be scary for anyone, especially if you don't know
who to call in case of any emergency that mightanyone in the town and have just moved in. Even if
occur while you're in the apartment, dorm, or hotelyour living space still feels unfamiliar to you, you can
room, from a break-in to a water leak. Even if youtake the necessary steps to ensure that you'll be
only plan to stay there a few weeks, you neversafe staying there.
know what could happen, and it's best to know how