Check-In to Fire Safety

Chances are, within the next few months, you or someone you know will be traveling and staying in a motel or hotel.

 A business trip, family vacation or romantic get-away, the fire safety of the accommodations should always be considered.  After all, what's better, staying at a fire-safe hotel, or the hotel with numerous amenities that lacks a sprinkler system?  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's United States Fire (USFA) Administration and National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) have recently teamed up to provide a "Fire Safety Outreach Initiative."  As part of the initiative USFA is working with the NFPA to promote the Hotel and Motel Master List.  By law, federal employees on travel must stay in public accommodations that adhere to specific life safety requirements in order to be reimbursed for travel expenses.  The list of hotels and motels that comply with these requirements is now available to the general public.  Conscientious travelers can find the National Master List of hotel/motel properties online at the UFSFA's web site, www.usfa.fema.gov/hotel.

Last modified: December 13, 2003

Practice the following safety tips:

Choose a hotel/motel protected by both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers.

Familiarize yourself with escape plans posted in your room and in the lobby.

Keep the room key (and a flashlight if possible) easily accessible on a nightstand in case of an emergency.  Also remember to take your room key with you if you have to evacuate your room.

In the event of a fire USE THE STAIRS.

Locate the two nearest exits and fire alarms.

If confronted with smoke, stay low to the ground and crawl to safety.

When escaping, test doors before you open them.  Using the back of your hand, feel the door at the cracks and near the knob.  If the door is cool, open it with caution.  If it is warm, try another escape route or stay inside and call the fire department to let them know you are trapped in your room.