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Would you know what to do if you were caught in a hotel fire?

By
Real Estate Agent

Would you know what to do if you were caught in a hotel fire?  Four young ladies with promising futures tragically lost their lives last Saturday night in a hotel fire in Hoover, Alabama.  Unfortunately the flames spread so quickly they had no chance to escape, as the fire was on the front of the building where the only exit to the room was.  My heart goes out to their families and friends.

This is a situation none of us ever want to be caught in.  I was in a hotel with a fire when I was young, and even though the fire was extinguished with no loss of life, it is something I will always remember. While the following is not a guarantee that you will be safe if a fire occurs in a hotel where you are staying, these tips increase your chances of survival.

•·         Upon arriving at your hotel room, immediately locate the exit nearest your room.

•·         Formulate a plan to get to the exit, if necessary.  Is the exit on the opposite side of the hall?

•·         Count the number of doors from your room to the exit...you may have to get there with your eyes  closed.

•·         Be prepared to crawl to the exit...smoke rises and will be less heavy near the floor.

If you have a plan in your head for exiting and have to do so suddenly, you will know where to go, how to get there and hopefully will be less panicked.

I hope the plan you never have to put n effect...but don't risk being unprepared.

 

 

Comments(4)

Eric J
Eric J - Dream Home Financing - Freehold, NJ
Dream Home Financing

So, stealing the soaps and towels is not a top priority?

Jan 20, 2010 01:27 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

Renee,

Good advice. Even with knowing the place, when the smoe blinds you, even known places start more like a maze and panic sets quickly

Jan 20, 2010 01:36 PM
Chris Ormsbee
Century 21 Action Realty - Montrose, CO

Wow, that is awful.  I just stayed in a hotel and never even looked at the little escape sign on the door.  Thanks for the reminders.

Jan 20, 2010 01:36 PM
Renee L. Norton
Birmingham, AL

Eric - If I grabbed a towel, it would be a wet one to cover my eyes & nose.

Jon - You are right about the smoke and panic!

Chris - You are not alone.  Most people think they will never use an emergency exit...only an elevator.

Jan 20, 2010 02:29 PM