Travel Fire Safety

While staying at a hotel or motel, fire safety is likely the last thing on your mind. But it’s a good idea to know your surroundings and have a plan. Whether traveling alone or relaxing with the family, safety should always be a top priority.

• Begin preparing for a hotel/motel fire before you leave home — Request a room closer to ground level and ask if the hotel/motel has smoke alarms and sprinklers.

CHECK THE EXITS:

• At check-in, identify all exits, stairways and escape routes.
• Locate the two exits closest to your room and count the number of doorways between your room and the nearest exit.
• Check room windows for operation; identify roof or deck that can be safely used in the event of fire.
• Keep room key and eyeglasses on nightstand or a place where they can be easily located.

IN CASE OF FIRE:

• If the fire is in your room, get out quickly. Close the door, sound the alarm and notify front desk.
• If the fire is not in your room, roll out of bed and crawl to the door; take your room key so you can get back in to take shelter if necessary.
• Use a wet cloth, or cover your nose/mouth with the top of your shirt to protect from smoke/fumes.
• Feel the door with the back of your hand. If hot, do NOT open it. If not, open the door slowly and be prepared to close it quickly if smoke enters.
• Check the hall. If it’s clear, walk quickly to the fire exit and get out and away from the building. If there is smoke in the hall, crawl to the exit and get out. If there is fire and thick smoke at lower levels, return to your room and call for help.
• If you become trapped in your room turn on the bathroom vent, open the windows, phone 9-1-1 for help and give your room number, fill the bath with water, stuff the cracks of your door with wet towels and sheets.
• Use stairs (never elevators), for escape!

Vehicular burns are, for the most part, preventable. Common sense and awareness of specific hazards will go a long way in keeping you and your family safe.

Safety Tips:

• When the vehicle’s interior is hot, check the metal portions of seat belts before fastening. A quick check with your hand, especially with infant car seats, is all it takes. If too hot to the touch, it’s too hot for the baby.
• Cover metal parts when possible and never place a child in a plastic or leather seat without checking first!
• Allow radiator to cool before removing cap; wear long sleeves and gloves to protect hands and arms and keep your face averted to prevent any liquid from spraying into your face or eyes.
• Never lean over the radiator when opening it!