How to protect yourself while traveling

These tips are designed to help you protect yourself on campus, in town, at your home, or while you travel.  These are preventative tips and are designed to instruct you in crime prevention tactics.

Many times you are required to travel on official business as a part of your job.  When you are staying in an unfamiliar city, don't become a victim.  Protect yourself by following these suggestions.

1. Find out where the safe and unsafe neighborhoods are located.
2. When you can, travel with a trusted colleague.
3. Ask if you can be seated with other guests in the hotel dining room or in restaurants to avoid being targeted as a woman traveling alone.
4. When you leave your room, always lock the door.
5. When you are in your room, keep the deadbolt locked and the chain on the door.
6. Don't open your door unless you are expecting visitors.
7. If someone knocks on your door, verify that your caller is the person you're expecting, before you open the door.  Even if you're expecting someone, if your door has a peephole, look through if before opening the door.
8. If you like to jog or work out while you're on travel, ask the hotel/motel to recommend a safe place.  Don't jog in areas that are unsafe.
9. Take taxi's after dark. Don't walk alone at night. And even during the day - be alert!