Hotel and Motel Fire Safety
Note many readers realize that I have a full time job, because my biggest passion is travel. However, another passion of mine is fire safety. I joined the fire service as my full time career over 16 years ago and love to share the importance of fire prevention and safety in hopes of saving lives and preventing injuries.
While families have control over fire safety and security measures at their home, this isn’t always the case when traveling. Hotels and motels are required to follow certain fire safety standards, but what can you do as a traveler to insure your own family’s personal safety in case of an emergency while traveling?
Check the USFA’s Hotel/Motel Safety List – Did you know that the U.S. Fire Administration keeps a master list of hotels and motels for US Government employees that meet certain safety requirements? You can check online to see if your potential lodging choice meets the Federal requirements before booking.
Plan Ahead – When you first check in to a hotel or vacation home rental, make note of the emergency escape routes in case of a fire or other disaster. An emergency escape plan is something you may discuss at home, but being in an unfamiliar place is even more reason to talk to your family about a meeting place in case of building evacuation. If there is no evacuation route posted on the back of your hotel room door, request one from the front desk. Also, make note of the nearest exits from your room and locate the stairwell. Never use an elevator in a fire or other emergency. I always pack a flashlight in my carry on bag and keep it next to the bed in my hotel room. Also, locate the fire alarms and ask when the batteries were changed.
Protect Life, then Property – Life safety is the most important thing anyone should worry about in an emergency. Material things can be replaced. Here are some life safety steps to follow in case of a hotel emergency:
- If the fire is in your room, get out quickly. Close the door, sound the alarm and notify the front desk.
- Always use a stairwell, never an elevator. The elevator could stop at the floor of the fire.
- If the fire is not in your room, leave if it is safe to do so. Be sure to take your room key with you in case fire blocks your escape and you need to re-enter your room.
- To check the hallway for fire, touch the door with the back of your hand to test the temperature. If the door is cool, get low to the floor, brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. Be ready to close it quickly if there are flames on the other side. Crawl low in the smoke to the nearest exit; the freshest air is near the floor.
- If your room door is hot, do not open it. Instead, seal the door with wet towels or sheets. Turn off the fans and air conditioners. Call the fire department to give your location. Signal from your window.
These are just a few tips to help you maintain a safe environment for your family while traveling. Keep a few extra Rayovac batteries in your bag and remind your hotel that when the time changes, it’s also time to change the batteries in all fire and smoke detectors. While you’re at it, be sure to take this time to check the fire safety of your own home.
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Disclosure: I am a Rayovac Power Blogger and these are my own opinions.
