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Making the Most of Your APHA Conference Experience

By Laura Larsson, HAS Newsletter Editor, and Colleagues+

Security, Safety Tips and Cautions

Remove your badge outside the convention site. When you walk around the city, remove your conference badge. It’s a dead give-away that you’re a tourist and are likely carrying cash.

Phone. Set your cell phone, if you own one, to quick dial 911 or the police in the event of an emergency.

Be very careful in the hotel. Read the safety card provided by the hotel management. Do not answer the door unless you are expecting someone, no matter what ID they have.  Call the front desk.

Know where the exits are. Be sure to look at the card posted on the door to your room to determine where the fire exits are. Walk to the exit to determine how long it would take you to get there.

Create traps and barriers. Wedge your suitcases in front of your door and in front of the connecting door.  Or better yet, refuse a room with a connecting door.  It is acceptable to refuse a room if you are concerned about security. Check out the room before you unpack.  Refuse the room if they announce your room number to the lobby.  There’s no need for anyone to know which room you are in.

Be aware. One of the simplest rules is to keep your eyes open to what is going on around you and be prepared to react quickly, if necessary.