Whether heading out on a vacation or a business trip, knowing your surroundings should be on your "to do" list while traveling. While hotels and motels are safer than ever thanks to modern construction, fire-resistant materials and strict fire codes, fires still can and do start in any type of building! So as you check in, don't check your safety with the desk clerk. Get to know your new surroundings and what you should do if you hear a fire alarm during your stay.

If you have the luxury of selecting your lodging consider a hotel that's protected by both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers. Then as you check in, ask the desk clerk what the fire alarm sounds like for their facility. Next be sure to locate the escape plan specific for your room-typically they are posted on the interior side of the door or found in a guest information book. Be sure to note the location of the fire alarms on your floor as well as the doors between your room and nearest two fire exits. Remember, smoke will make it difficult to see their location-you will have to be comfortable in finding them in the dark.

A common mistake that guests make when staying in a hotel that undergoes a fire emergency is leaving their room keys behind. During an evacuation your exit routes could be blocked, forcing you to return to your room to wait for rescue-and without your keys, you have eliminated your safest location.

Escape Tips

• Test doorknobs and spaces around the door with the back of your hand before exiting into the hallway. If the door is warm, you'll need a different escape route.
• Close your room door and all other doors behind you as you leave to prevent the spread of smoke. Take your keys with you!
• Use the stairs-never the elevator.
• If you encounter smoke or flames, go to your second exit route.
• If you have to escape through smoke, crawl on your hand and knees, keeping your head as low as you can. The air is cleaner and cooler down low.
• If all your escape routes are blocked, return to your room!

If you are in a high-rise hotel you may be instructed to stay in your room either by a paging system or local firefighters. Many times fires in high-rises can be contained to the floor of origin and it may be safer for you to stay or move to a single area inside the hotel rather than evacuate. Be sure to follow instructions so that fire crews can extinguish the fire quickly and avoid needless injury or rescue!

If You Become Trapped

• Stay in your room and call 9-1-1 to let firefighters know your floor and room location.
• Shut off fans and air conditioners that could draw the smoke into your room.
• Stuff wet towels or bedding under the cracks around the doors to keep smoke out.
• Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or light-colored cloth.

Be sure that your trip doesn't end in a tragedy! Staying calm, although difficult, is your best way to survive a fire emergency. Preparation helps keep most people in that calm state of mind! So, take a few minutes while unpacking your bags to review how to be safe during your hotel stay.

Wendy Krajewski is the Public Information Officer of North Metro Fire Rescue District. North Metro Fire Rescue provides fire protection, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response and rescue services to the City and County of Broomfield. For more information or to contact Wendy, please call (303) 452-9910 or visit the North Metro Fire Rescue web site at www.northmetrofire.org.