4 Elements of Fire Safety for Hotels
Hotel fires have claimed thousands of lives over the years. Even as recently as 2006, a fire in the Mizpah Hotel in Reno, Nevada claimed 12 lives. Thankfully, hotel fires have become less common and less deadly as technology and building codes have advanced over the years. But in order to make the most of these advancements and truly protect your guests, you need to keep fire safety in the forefront—always.
Here are the four main elements of fire safety to focus on as a hotel owner.
1. Maintain the Sprinkler System
The building codes require sprinkler systems to be installed in most hotels. But in addition to having this sprinkler system installed when the hotel is built, you need to have this system tested and maintained regularly.
Arrange to have a sprinkler company like Pyro Fire Protection to come and maintain the system once a year. They'll clean any sprinkler heads that may have accumulated dust or debris. They will also test the system to ensure it responds adequately when triggered by smoke or heat. If your sprinkler company informs you that the system needs some repairs or needs to be partially replaced, make that your priority.
2. Eliminate Fire Hazards
There are a number of ways a fire can start in a hotel. Faulty electrical equipment and appliances are common culprits. Make sure you keep a close eye on any appliances, like washing machines and stoves, and replace or repair them promptly if they begin malfunctioning. Inspect outlets and light switches often. If a customer complains that a switch is not working, flickering, or getting warm, have an electrician take a look. What seems like a mild annoyance can actually be a fire hazard.
3. Enforce Rules for Guests
Sadly, many hotel fires are caused by guest behaviors. They may smoke inside and leave a lit cigarette on the sofa, or they may light a candle and tip it over. If you actively enforce rules that prohibit smoking, lighting candles, and so forth, guests will be more likely to abide. Do not be afraid to fine guests who light up in your rooms.
4. Make Sure Guests Know the Escape Plan
If the worst happens and there is a fire, you need to make sure guests know how to get out. Pass out a map showing the best fire escape route from each room when your guests check in. Make sure you actually tell guests to take a look at it; do not just assume they will. Leave a copy on the back of each room's door, too.