01 Jul Assessing Security When Staying at a Hotel, Airbnb, or Vacation Home
Vacation is an opportunity to relax but the security and the safety of your family should never take a backseat. Staying at a hotel or AirBNB is generally safe, but there are things to take into consideration in order to remain secure. Here’s how you can assess security when spending time away from home.
Check the security system
Before you choose a hotel or AirBNB for your vacation, inquire about the security they have in place. At a hotel, this may include measures such as surveillance, access control, and various alarms.
AirBNB security can vary greatly as homeowners have different preferences for security. AirBNB has specific rules about camera placement and disclosure in order to protect vacationers’ privacy, but some properties have exterior surveillance systems, which can offer peace of mind. Most AirBNB operators want their guests to feel safe.
When you arrive at the hotel or AirBNB, familiarize yourself with the security. Be aware of any codes you may need throughout your stay and learn how to use all functions. This will help promote a greater sense of security during your stay. Other security features you should check for include:
- Fire alarms
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Well-lit walkways and driveways, including motion detectors
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras
- Security guards
Staying at a hotel will provide you with more in terms of security, but you shouldn’t be deterred from staying at an Airbnb or other vacation home. As long as you know how to secure the residence with additional measures, you can remain safe. Legally, whether you stay at a hotel or Airbnb, the property owner and manager must meet legal standards in the duty of care provided to their guests, says Whitney, LLP.
Secure windows and doors
It’s important to use all the locks in your hotel room or AirBNB. Any doors and windows that aren’t currently being used should remain secured. Check all windows and doors before heading to bed for the night.
You may want to bring extra security devices with you so that you feel more safe staying in an unfamiliar home or hotel. These items can include a door wedge, portable door locks, and a travel door alarm. These can give you peace of mind when staying away from home even when the vacation home you’re staying in is fully secure.
Personal security
Whether you’re traveling with your family or solo, prioritize your personal safety. If you’re visiting an unfamiliar area, always be aware of your surroundings while sightseeing. Wear a personal alarm device if you plan to be walking alone, especially in the evening hours.
Call the authorities quickly if you see or hear any suspicious behavior. It’s easy to second-guess yourself when you don’t know a neighborhood, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If someone comes to the door claiming they know the owner of the home, don’t open the door or tell them when the owners will return.
They are strangers, and they may not be who they say they are. Your vacation home or hotel may be a getaway, but dangers still lurk. According to Northeastern Global News, between 2011 and 2018 was a period of rising concern about crime in neighborhoods with Airbnbs.
It was found that certain violent crimes, including fights, robberies, and reports of someone wielding a knife, tended to increase in a neighborhood a year or more after the number of Airbnbs increased.
It’s important to keep security top-of-mind even when on vacation. Even when the accommodations are fully secure, you may feel more in control by using additional measures.
Check for smoke and CO detectors
Most properties will have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, but it’s not something you should take for granted. You’ll sleep better having checked that they’re in place. It’s especially important to check for CO and smoke detectors if you’re traveling abroad, where laws around these devices may differ from what you’re used to in the US.
Before your trip, review your hotel or AirBnb listing for mention of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they’re not listed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the property manager to ask if they are installed. If you’re unsure, or you want additional peace of mind, consider purchasing a portable, battery operated carbon monoxide detector to take on your trip.
Keep an eye on your home from afar
Just because you’re away doesn’t mean you have to be out of touch with the happenings at home. Your home security system at your residence makes it easy to check on the status of your home from anywhere in the world. You can log into your mobile monitoring app and review your camera footage, watch for security alerts, and more. This can offer great peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling during storm season and want to ensure your home hasn’t been damaged.
Using your common sense and being mindful of your surroundings is the first step to personal security, but security technology can be a helpful asset as well, especially if it helps you feel more at ease.
NEXT STEPS: Contact Elite Protective Services For All Your Boston Security Needs.