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Hotel Fire Survival Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,520 hotel and motel fires each year, which accounts for 1% of all structure fires in the United States. These fires led to annual losses of 9 deaths, 120 injuries and $84 million in direct property damage. The leading cause of fires in hotels and motels is cooking equipment, which accounts for one-half of fires that take place in this type of property. Although the percentage of fire-related deaths in hotel fires is very small, there is a high potential for loss of life when such fires do occur. There is a unique fire risk in hotels as they are packed with large numbers of people who may be sleeping and it may be highly likely that they are in surroundings that are not familiar. Fire can spread quickly through corridors and it can be deadly to escape from a window on high floors. Safety measures like firewalls and sprinklers are required in hotels across the world and have helped to save thousands of lives. Knowledge can save lives as well, so it is important to know how to survive a hotel fire.

Prepare and Increase Your Chances of Survival

Here is a look at how you can increase your odds of survival through preparation.

  • Pack for survival – It is vital to make sure that you pack items to help you survive. You should carry a flashlight and if possible, a battery-operated smoke detector. It may seem like you are going too far, but they are not too expensive or take up too much space in your luggage. Make sure that you are well organized.
  • Always get a room in the lower levels – If there is a fire, you want to make sure that you can quickly get out of the hotel building. This will be difficult if your room is on the upper floors. When making reservations, ask the hotel staff for a room on the ground floor or one of the lower floors. You can also make a request when you check in.
  • Learn where the exits are when you arrive – It is critical to learn your escape routes as soon as you arrive at your hotel. Make it a point to ask for a map from the front desk. Study the map and find the nearest exit. You should also make sure that you find alternate exits. Check for potential obstructions and hazards along the way to the exits and also try to ensure that the exit doors are open.

A Law Firm that Stands Head & Shoulders above the Rest

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hotel fire, you should immediately seek the help of a personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. You can find out if you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent hotel during this free meeting. What is your side of the story? What do you have to say? Do you want to win your case – if you have one? You need to give us a call. We have won big money for past clients and you can be on this magical list.

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