Travel Guide

Everyone travels away from home eventually. These travels often lead to overnight or extended stays in hotels, motels or bed and breakfasts. Often, these trips are meant for vacation and relaxation. In an effort to relax, the dangers of fire never come to mind. This is especially important due to the unfamiliar environment that comes with being away from home. A few steps should be taken that can minimize these risks, then true relaxation can begin.

Fire fighting experts strongly suggest researching the hotel’s fire safety plan even before embarking on any trip. Inquire about smoke detectors and sprinkler systems. A small person survival kit is also advised. The kit should include a flashlight, roll of wide duct tape and a portable smoke detector. If traveling to a foreign speaking country then it is advised to learn the word “fire” in the native language.

Ask about the evacuation plan and the location of fire alarms when checking into a hotel. Once inside the hotel room, a check should be made for smoke detectors and a sprinkler system. Check windows to ensure that they open and close properly, identify at least two exit routes from your room (if available), learn how to unlock the door in the dark and keep your room key and flashlight near the bed.  Consider staying elsewhere if the hotel does not have a sufficient safety plan or equipment.

In the event of a fire in one’s room, take the room key, leave immediately, close the door, sound the fire alarm and quickly walk to the ground floor and out of the building to safety. Do not use the elevator.

In the event of a fire in another area of the hotel, take the room key and flashlight. Place the back of one’s hand against the door to check for heat. If heat is not detected then check the hallway for smoke. If smoke is present then crawling low to the floor to exit the nearest stairwell is strongly advised. Again, do not use the elevator.

If heat is detected by touching the door or smoke fills the hallway then staying in the room is the best option. The fire is nearby. Call for help, cram the bottom of the doorway with wet towels, and fill the bathtub with water. Use the duct tape from the survival kit to tape all of the door’s edges. Signal for help by hanging a bed sheet from a window. Wait for fire officials to come and never attempt to jump from the room’s window.

Some individuals may see these precautions as extreme and over the top. This is because many fire codes are taken for granted. However, taking the necessary precautions before a trip can ensure a safe and relaxing stay.