Hotel Motel Fire Safety

Make Sure to Stay Safe Away from Home

When you stay at a hotel, motel, or vacation rental property, there’s a certain expectation that your safety is a top priority. Of course, nothing is assured in life, and fires or other natural disasters can occur anywhere, at any time. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your next stay away from home is not only relaxing and rewarding, but as safe as it can possibly be. 

• Choose a hotel or vacation property that’s protected by smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system
• Become familiar with the escape plan posted in your room and/or hallways
• Count and notate the doors between your room and the nearest stairs or exit
• If exits are locked or blocked, report it to the hotel manager and fire department
• Find the fire alarm manual pull station closest to your room
• If a fire occurs, sound the alarm, leave the building, then call the fire department
• If you hear the fire alarm sound, leave the building immediately 
• Always use the stairs—and never take the elevator
• Make sure your room key, flashlight, and shoes are easy to reach from bed
• If you smell smoke, crawl low under the smoke to evacuate 
• Test doors with the back of your hand before opening them. If the door is hot, use a different exit—or stay in your room if you can’t exit safely. 
• If you find yourself trapped, call the fire department. Shut fans and air conditioners off. Stuff towels, sheets, or clothing in the crack under the door. If smoke enters the room, close the window. Stay at the window and signal the arriving VCFD professionals.