Although hotel fires occur infrequently, when they do happen they can have serious consequences for hotel guests. Travelers should take a few precautions and be aware of some basic information on what to do if a fire occurs in their hotel when they are on vacation.

First of all, when booking a hotel room, try and get one that is no higher than the fifth floor. In case of fire, many fire engine ladders can’t always reach rooms that are higher. It is better to be safe than sorry.

You should carry a small, battery-operated smoke detector in your travel luggage and hang it on the door knob on the inside of the hotel room door, or put it on a chair or piece of furniture near the door. Now you do not have to worry about whether or not your hotel room has a smoke detector and if it really works.

Check to see where the fire extinguishers are located on your floor. You should also check where the exit stairs are located in case you have to get out of the building in an emergency. Do not use an elevator if there is a fire, even if they are working.

If you smell smoke or the smoke alarm in your room or in the hotel is ringing, do not open the door and rush into the hall. First, carefully touch your hotel room door and if it doesn’t feel hot, get down on your knees and open it slowly. If the hall is filled with smoke, crawl on all fours to the stairs and exit the hotel as fast as possible. If your hotel door is hot to the touch, don’t open it. Instead, roll up some wet towels and cover up the space at the bottom of the door with them. Now fill the bathtub with cold water. Open or take down all drapes, curtains, or blinds covering the windows and balcony door so that emergency crews can easily see into your room. Stay in the bathroom until the danger passes or help arrives.

What should you do if an earthquake is happening when you are in your hotel room?

In case of an earthquake, get under a sturdy desk or table in your hotel room. If you can’t get under a solid piece of furniture quickly, then get under an open doorway frame or move next to an inside wall in your room. Protect your head and neck the best that you can. When the ground stops shaking you may be able to exit the hotel safely. Just don’t use an elevator. The elevator’s mechanism may be damaged, even if the elevator appears to be in working order. Even if the elevator is working properly, and people are using it, still don’t use it. Why? What if you take the elevator and a major quake occurs when you are in it? You could end up being trapped inside, so always use the stairs. When you are outside the hotel, watch out for possible falling debris. It is always a good idea to seek an open place away from all tall buildings in case they collapse due to any subsequent small or large tremors, or another possible earthquake.