Most people don’t think about security when they check into a hotel. Instead, they’re much more focused on having fun, sipping drinks by the pool, and enjoying other available activities. However, as you’ll sooner than later realize, visiting a hotel can put you in all sorts of predicaments.
Visitors have to consider things such as theft, falls, fire hazards, and other dangers. What’s worse, most of these threats are out of our control, which makes it relatively hard to prevent them. In this article, we will cover the 10 most common security risks and how they might affect you.
1. Slip and Fall
The last thing you need during a vacation is to fall down and break your leg. “Slip and fall accidents are the most common hazard when visiting a hotel,” warns Chopin Law Firm, a New Orleans hotel injury lawyer. The legal experts claim these types of injuries shouldn’t be taken for granted, especially if you’re a bit older.
Most of these mishaps occur around the poolside, but you might also slip in your bathroom. Depending on the situation, you might even sue the hotel (for example, if they didn’t put proper signage around the wet area).
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2. Fire Hazard
While fire hazards might not be that common in new hotels, you see them all the time in older structures. Faulty wiring, in particular, presents a major danger for visitors and staff alike. Using cookware in your accommodation is another major issue that you need to consider.
The odds of a fire hazard increase as you travel abroad. Different electric systems and electric outlets might cause issues even if you’re using adapter.
3. Theft
We’ve heard a lot of stories where families were completely robbed while visiting another country. While most people jump the gun in suspecting the maids, almost anyone can be behind this illicit activity.
It’s worth mentioning that you can suffer theft from almost anyone. Besides stealing valuables from your hotel room, the culprit might steal your bag from a bus while you’re taking a day trip. You also have to be careful not to lose your stuff while at a pool or on a beach.
4. Food Poisoning
Food illnesses are among the most common issues that everyone has experienced at least once in their lifetime. They’re especially common when visiting foreign countries with loose food control policies.
The most common reason behind this problem is poor hygienic practices. However, there are also situations where the staff doesn’t cook the food properly. People might experience poisoning simply because they can’t digest the local food.
5. Structural Failure
A piece of brick falling on your head is improbable but not impossible. Older hotels that haven’t renovated their façade for a while present a threat to all their visitors as well as anyone else passing by.
As mentioned, structural failure is most common for older buildings, but it can also happen when the owners don’t abide by the current building regulations and codes. They might use cheaper materials to save money, which will affect the integrity of the building.
6. Pool Safety
Besides slip and falls accidents, a lot of other nasty things might happen to you when visiting hotel’s pool. Water, in itself, poses a major danger especially if you’re not a good swimmer or if there aren’t lifeguards on duty. A lack of proper signage and barriers around deeper parts of the pool can also pose a threat.
7. Harassment
During your visit to a hotel, you’ll have contact with all sorts of people. While most of them came there to relax and blow some steam, there will always be a few problematic guys and girls who might cause you trouble.
Harassment and assaults are common in cities that have legalized drugs and where there’s a lot of drinking. People under the influence are more likely to cause a mess, ranging from verbal to physical harassment and theft. Besides guests, the hotel’s staff might also attack you during your stay (although this is less likely).
8. Natural Disasters
When visiting a hotel, you shouldn’t necessarily worry about natural disasters. Still, depending on the region you’re visiting, you might be exposed to tsunamis, earthquakes, and heavy monsoon rains. Most establishments have protocols for these situations, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be completely safe from danger.
9. Security Threats
A popular hotel in the country’s capital can always be a target of a terrorist attack, especially if you’re visiting an unstable country. The only saving grace is that this hazard is even less common than natural disasters.
Besides terrorist attacks, you might also experience other security threats, such as mob shootings. Because of that, we always suggest you pick establishments that have advanced surveillance equipment and proper policies that would tackle these threats.
10. Escalator and Elevator Accidents
Faulty escalators and elevators are another hotel security risk to consider. A tourist can get stuck in an elevator for several hours, which can completely ruin their experience, especially if they’re visiting the city for just a day or two. Similarly, you don’t want to get caught by a malfunctioning escalator.
Final Thoughts
Despite the seriousness of all these hazards, you can reduce your risks by traveling to stable nations and staying at reliable hotels. In this manner, you won’t have to worry about whether there will be enough security cameras throughout the building or whether the elevators will break down. Naturally, staying at the greatest hotels will also guarantee that your vacation is lot more enjoyable.