Hotel and motel safety

  • Published
  • By 60th Fire Emergency Services Flight
  • Fire Prevention Office
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With Spring break around the corner, it's about time to take the family on vacation. While traveling around to great sights in the U.S., hotels and motels tend to become "our homes away from home." With this said, safety is even more crucial, when living outside the traditional home setting.

One out of 12 hotels reports a fire emergency; 80 percent of which report fires stemming from smoking cigarettes as well as overloading electrical circuits. Unauthorized cooking equipment is also a leading factor in hotel/motel fires.

Therefore, it is as important to be prepared and know what to do in case of a hotel/motel fire emergency, as it is in your own home or place of business.

The following tips will help ensure fire safety when travelling this spring.

- Choose a hotel/motel that is protected by both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.

- When checking in, ask the front desk what the fire alarm sounds like, what is the fire escape plan. All rooms should have escape routes and emergency contact numbers in a binder or placed on the exit door.

- Take the time to find the exits and count the number of doors between the room and the exit. Make sure the exits are unlocked. If they are locked, report it to management or desk supervisor immediately.

- Keep a room key by the bed and take it if there is a fire.

- If the alarm sounds, leave right away, closing all doors. Use the stairs -- never use elevators during a fire.

- To escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to an exit

If unable to escape:

- Shut off fans and air conditioners.

- Stuff wet towels in the crack around the doors.

- Call the fire department and let them know your location.

- Wait at the window and signal with a flashlight (if available) or light colored cloth (if available).

- Whether traveling for the night or a an extended "adventure," take the time to check out all the safety features of your home away from home. For more information or questions, contact the fire prevention office at 424-3683.