GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

What safety protocols are standard for hotel guests during a fire?

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Standard hotel fire safety protocols include evacuating immediately upon hearing the alarm, using stairs instead of elevators, and following exit signs to the nearest emergency exit. Guests should stay low to avoid smoke and never use elevators or hide in rooms during a fire.

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First actionEvacuate immediately when you hear the fire alarm
Use stairs, not elevatorsElevators can trap you or take you to floors with fire
Stay lowSmoke rises, so crawl on hands and knees to breathe cleaner air
Feel doors before openingPlace your hand on the door to check if it is hot before opening
Assembly pointMeet outside at a designated location away from the building
Never go backDo not return to your room for belongings or pets

What to do when the alarm sounds

When you hear the fire alarm, leave your room immediately and close your door behind you. Do not stop to gather your belongings, call family, or investigate the fire. Every second counts during an evacuation. If you are in bed, get up immediately and get dressed only if clothes are within arm's reach. Otherwise, proceed to the exit as you are.

Finding and using the emergency exit

Look for illuminated exit signs in the hallway and follow them to the nearest stairwell. Check the hotel room door before opening it by placing the back of your hand on it to feel for heat. If the door is hot, do not open it. Instead, use an alternate route or wait for help at the window. Never use elevators during a fire because they can fail, trap you inside, or take you to floors with heavy smoke.

Moving down the stairs safely

Move down the stairs quickly but carefully, holding the railing. Stay to one side to allow firefighters and emergency personnel to move up. If you encounter heavy smoke, get as low as possible by crawling or crouching, since smoke rises and breathable air is closer to the floor. Move steadily without panicking, and help others if you can do so safely.

Exiting the building and assembly point

Exit through the ground floor doors and move away from the building to a safe distance, at least two building lengths away. Go to the designated assembly point or meeting area specified in your room's safety information. Stay there until emergency personnel or hotel staff tell you it is safe to re-enter or direct you elsewhere. Do not leave the area without permission or information.

What not to do

Never hide in your room, bathroom, or under furniture, as this traps you with smoke and heat. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire yourself unless it is very small and you have been trained. Do not go back to your room for any reason, including to retrieve money, documents, or pets. Do not open windows unless you need to signal for help and cannot exit the building.

Before the emergency: Know your hotel

When you arrive at your hotel, take time to locate the nearest emergency exit and count the doors between your room and the exit. Read the safety information card in your room. Know where the assembly point is located. This preparation helps you evacuate faster if a fire occurs.

Sources

  1. fema.gov (fema.gov)
  2. nfpa.org (nfpa.org)
  3. ready.gov (ready.gov)