Hotel & Motel Safety

Vacations and business travel make hotels and motels our home-away-from-home. It is just as important to be prepared and know what you would do in a hotel/motel emergency as it is in your own home.

  • Select accommodations equipped with sprinklers and smoke alarms in guest rooms.
  • Count the number of doors down the hall to the nearest fire exit staircase. Never use elevators in the case of fire.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, request a "handicapped room" that will be outfitted with a horn and strobe smoke alarm for added safety.
  • Keep the room key, eyeglasses, and a flashlight on the night stand. If a fire occurs, take them with you and go to the door.
  • If the door feels cool, open the door a crack. Be ready to close the door if hot air, flames, or smoke rush through the crack.
  • If this does not occur, yet the hall is hazy with smoke, crawl down the hall counting the doors to the nearest stairway exit.
  • If this exit cannot be reached, turn around and count the doors back to your room. Unlock the door and reenter.

If It Is Unsafe to Leave Your Room During a Fire

  • Fill the tub with cold water.
  • Stuff wet towels around the door to keep smoke out.
  • If possible, open a window and hang a sheet outside to signal for help.
  • Cover your face with a wet cloth and stay low if smoke gets in your room.
  • Do not jump.

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