How to Secure Your Hotel Door with an Ironing Board

Do you worry about the security of your hotel room? You’re not alone. Many travelers feel uneasy about the safety of their accommodations. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to secure your room and protect yourself and your belongings. One of the easiest and most effective ways to secure your hotel door is by using an ironing board. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that.

Why You Should Secure Your Hotel Room

When traveling, it’s important to take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe. One of the most vulnerable places during your travels can be your hotel room. That’s why it’s important to take steps to secure your hotel room, especially when you’re out exploring the city or sleeping at night. Here are a few reasons why you should take hotel room security seriously:

Protect Your Belongings

Your hotel room is where you keep your belongings when you’re not out exploring the city. It’s where you store your passport, money, and other valuables. Without proper security measures in place, anyone could break in and steal your belongings. This could ruin your trip and leave you without the essentials you need to continue traveling. By securing your hotel room, you can reduce the risk of theft and keep your belongings safe.

Ensure Your Personal Safety

Another reason to secure your hotel room is to ensure your personal safety. Unfortunately, crimes like theft, assault, and even kidnapping occur in hotels. By taking steps to secure your hotel room, you can reduce the risk of someone breaking in and harming you. This can give you peace of mind as you explore the city and enjoy your travels.

Now that you understand the importance of securing your hotel room, let’s talk about how to do it. One surprising tool you can use to secure your hotel room is an ironing board. By placing an ironing board against your hotel room door, you can create a makeshift barrier that can prevent someone from entering your room. Here’s how to do it:

Remove the ironing board from the closet in your hotel room.
Extend the legs of the ironing board and place it in front of the door.
Push the ironing board against the door with the legs extended outwards.
Test the ironing board to ensure it’s secure and won’t move.

While this may not be the most foolproof method of securing your hotel room, it can be a useful tool in a pinch. Be sure to also use the deadbolt lock and chain lock on your hotel room door for added security. By taking these steps, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve done everything you can to keep yourself and your belongings safe during your travels.

How to Choose an Ironing Board

Ironing boards can be a great tool for securing your hotel room door. However, not all ironing boards are created equal. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an ironing board for this purpose:

Check the Board’s Stability

A stable ironing board is crucial for securing your hotel door. Look for a board that has a sturdy base and doesn’t wobble when pressure is applied. If the board is unstable, it may not be able to hold the weight of the door and could collapse.

Make Sure It Fits in Your Room

Ironing boards can come in varying sizes, so be sure to choose one that fits comfortably in your hotel room. A board that is too large may be difficult to maneuver and could be more of a hindrance than a help. On the other hand, a board that is too small may not provide enough stability to hold the door closed.

Choose a Board with a Sturdy Cover

The cover of the ironing board is also important to consider. Look for a cover that is made of a sturdy material that can withstand pressure. A cover that is too flimsy may tear or rip when pressure is applied, rendering the board useless for securing your hotel door.

Remember, an ironing board can be a great tool for securing your hotel room door, but it’s important to choose the right one. By considering factors such as stability, size, and cover material, you can ensure that your ironing board will be up to the task.

How to Secure Your Hotel Door

When staying in a hotel, it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety and security. One way to do this is by using an ironing board to secure your hotel door. Here’s how:

Place the Ironing Board Against the Door

The first step is to place the ironing board against the door. Make sure the board is positioned vertically, with the end touching the doorknob. This will prevent the door from being opened from the outside.

Extend the Legs of the Board

Next, extend the legs of the board so that it’s standing firmly against the door. The legs should be fully extended and locked into place to prevent the board from collapsing.

Secure the Board in Place

Once the legs are extended, you can secure the board in place. You can use a belt, a tie, or any other strong, flexible material to tie the board to the doorknob. This will prevent the board from being moved or removed from the door.

Test the Door

Finally, give the door a tug to make sure it’s secure. If the door doesn’t budge, then you’ve successfully secured it with an ironing board. If the door does move, then you may need to reposition the board or use a stronger tie to secure it.

Remember, this is just one way to secure your hotel room. It’s always important to take other precautions, such as locking the deadbolt and keeping your valuables in a safe or hidden location. For more tips on hotel safety and security, check out Travel + Leisure’s article on hotel safety.

Other Tips for Securing Your Hotel Room

While an ironing board can be a creative way to secure your hotel room door, there are other tips you can use to ensure your safety and protect your belongings during your stay.

Use the Deadbolt or Security Chain

One of the easiest ways to secure your hotel room is to use the deadbolt or security chain. Make sure the door is fully closed and engaged before activating the lock. This will prevent anyone from entering your room while you are inside.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

It’s important to keep your valuables out of sight when you are not in your hotel room. Use the hotel room safe or lock your belongings in your luggage. Don’t leave cash, jewelry, or electronics lying out in the open. This will reduce the temptation for anyone looking to steal your belongings.

Check the Room for Hidden Cameras

While it’s not a common occurrence, hidden cameras can be found in hotel rooms. To ensure your privacy, conduct a quick sweep of the room upon arrival. Look for any unusual objects that may contain a camera, such as smoke detectors or picture frames. If you find anything suspicious, report it to hotel management immediately.

Take a Door Stop

A door stop can be an effective tool to secure your hotel room door. Simply wedge the door stop under the door to prevent it from opening. This is particularly useful if the hotel room doesn’t have a deadbolt or security chain.

Remember, your safety and security should always be a top priority when staying in a hotel. By taking simple precautions, you can ensure a comfortable and worry-free stay.

What to Do if You Feel Unsafe

Feeling unsafe in a hotel can be a scary experience, but there are steps you can take to ensure your safety. One of the most effective ways to secure your hotel room is by using an ironing board. Here are some steps you can take if you feel unsafe:

Contact Hotel Security or Management

If you feel unsafe in your hotel room, the first thing you should do is contact hotel security or management. They are trained to handle these types of situations and can provide you with additional security measures. Most hotels have a security team that is available 24/7 to assist with any security issues. If you feel that you are in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call them.

Call the Police if Necessary

If you have contacted hotel security or management and still feel unsafe, it may be necessary to call the police. The police can provide you with additional protection and can also help you to evacuate the hotel if necessary. If you are in a foreign country, it is important to know the emergency number in that country. In the United States, the emergency number is 911.

Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry. If you feel unsafe in your hotel room, do not hesitate to take action. By using the ironing board to secure your hotel room, you can take an additional step towards ensuring your safety.

Conclusion

By taking a few simple precautions, you can greatly increase the security of your hotel room. Using an ironing board to secure your door is a quick and easy solution that can give you peace of mind. Remember to also take other steps, such as using the deadbolt and keeping valuables out of sight. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to reach out to hotel staff or the police. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay wherever your travels take you.