Fire safety in hotels

Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan, along with the National Fire Protection Association, recommends the following fire safety tips for travelers staying in hotels.

Before a fire

• When making reservations or checking in, ask about the fire safety features of the facility, and choose a facility that is protected by both smoke detectors and is fully equipped with fire sprinklers.
• Become familiar with the fire escape plan for your room.
• Locate the two nearest set of stairs, and count the number of doors between your room and the stairwells. In a fire, the hall might be dark, and it might 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; then, if 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. If the door is warm, stay in your room or possibly use a window as an exit and begin procedures for “If you are trapped” section. 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 is no fire in your room, stay put.
• Call the fire department (911) and let them know your exact location, including your room number.
• Shut off fans and air conditioners because they 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 firefighters by waving a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

-Submitted by Homewood Fire Department