Hotel Fire Protection Tips

September 24, 2007

The National Fire Protection Association offers fire protection tips while staying in a hotel.

Before a Fire

When making a hotel reservation or checking into a hotel, ask about the fire safety features of the facility and choose a facility that's protected by both smoke alarms and is fully fire sprinklered.
When checking in, ask what the fire alarm system sound is for the facility.
Become familiar with the fire escape plan posted in your room.
Locate the two nearest stairs and count the number of doors between your room and the stairwell.
In a fire, the hall may be dark and it may be difficult to see the exit stairway. Counting the number of doors may help you find the stairs.
Look for exit signs wherever you are in the facility.
Check to make sure the exits are not locked or blocked. Notify the hotel manager if exits are not accessible.
Keep your room key by your nightstand so that you can easily reach it in an emergency.
Travel with a flashlight and fresh batteries in case the power goes out.
Report any unusual behavior or fire hazards to hotel management.

During a Fire

If the fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. Take your room key with you, in case the exits are blocked by fire or smoke, you can return to your room.
Test doors before you open them. If there is fire on the other side, it will feel warm around the cracks. If the door is warm, use your second way out or stay in your room and begin procedures for "If You Are Trapped." If the door is cool, open it cautiously and check to make sure your escape path is clear of fire and smoke.
Always use the stairs, not an elevator, during a fire.
If you must escape through smoke, crawl low under the smoke on your hands and knees to your exit.

If You Are Trapped

If you can't escape and there's not fire in your room, stay put.
Call the fire department and let them know your exact location.
Shut off fans and air conditioners because they can draw smoke into the room.
Stuff towels or sheets in the cracks around all doors and vents between you and the fire.
If you can, open the window at the top and bottom, but be prepared to shut it if smoke comes into the room. Do not break the window so that you are able to shut it if needed.
Stay at the window and signal the firefighters by waving a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

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