Traveling this summer? Make sure you pack your fire safety smarts.
U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 3,700 structure fires at hotels every year. More than 12 percent of those fires begin in a bedroom, which can often be the most deadly.
- Choose a hotel protected by smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and a fire sprinkler system.
- Take time to find emergency exits on your way to your room; if locked or inaccessible, report to hotel management immediately. Review the posted escape plan when you enter your room.
- If you are in a room that allows smoking, make sure to dispose of all smoking materials appropriately.
- Evacuation: When you check-in learn where the closest exits are. If smoke alarms sound, leave right away, closing all doors behind you. Use the stairs – never the elevator. Get low and go under the smoke if necessary to escape.
- If you can’t escape, shut off fans and air conditioners, then stuff wet towels in all cracks around the doors to keep smoke out. Call the fire department from your room – even if you think the hotel has already called – and give them your exact location. Use a flashlight or the light on your phone to signal from the window.
More fire safety tips for your summer travels available on the National Fire Protection Association’s website.