Most travelers think about hotel safety in terms of keycards and front desk staff. But former Secret Service agent Christopher Falkenberg says your biggest safety risk might be your hotel room’s location. Speaking with Forbes, he shared professional tips that could save your life.

The safest floors for a hotel room

The second through seventh floors are your best bet. “Most fire department ladders do not reach any higher than the seventh floor,” Falkenberg said. That means anything higher could leave you trapped in a fire.

Lower than the second floor? You’re an easy target for break-ins, robberies, or even terrorist attacks.

So which hotels are at risk for terrorist attacks? “An attacker will choose the most high-profile place,” Falkenberg warned, referencing the 2008 Mumbai hotel attack that left 175 dead. He recommends good hotels that aren’t landmarks. If you must stay somewhere high-profile, you’re better off avoiding the ground floor entirely.

Finally, which side of the building? If possible, choose a hotel room in the interior of the property for maximum safety. “Get a room that faces a courtyard and not the front entrance, which is more exposed to car bombs,” Falkenberg explained.

Know your hotel exits before you need them to escape to safety

Most people never do a basic safety check of their hotel’s emergency exits. But in a crisis, that could be a fatal mistake. “People who read the safety cards and plan ahead have a better chance of survival,” Falkenberg said. Before you even unpack, find the nearest stairwell. Don’t rely on elevators—power outages or fires can make them useless.

A flashlight could save your life in a hotel

One of the simplest travel safety hacks? Pack a flashlight. “This can be your most valuable escape tool,” Falkenberg said. Power outages, smoke-filled hallways, or blacked-out stairwells could leave you in total darkness. He recommends one with lithium batteries, which last longer and work better in emergencies.

Most people assume their hotel is secure, but as Falkenberg warns, “Plan ahead.” Stay off the first floor to avoid intruders. Don’t go above the seventh, or you might be trapped. Learn the exits, pack a flashlight, and stay alert. It’s not about paranoia—it’s about being ready when seconds count.