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Section 7:Accident Prevention and First Aid
7.1. Fire Safety

7.1.2. Fire Escape Plan and Procedures for Guests

One of the requirements for accommodation is to have an escape plan. The escape plan should include a graphical presentation of the escape route – the quickest and safest way from the upper level (or the most in depth spot in the building) out of accommodation, with clearly marked emergency and normal exits as well as with locations of fire extinguishers on the way. The extinguisher must be kept out of children’s reach, but within adult’s reach, in working order, near the exit to provide a free escape route for the user. The escape route and emergency exits should be kept clear of any obstacles (e.g., furniture, skis, sledges, etc.). You should provide an alternative to the escape route, since the main route can be blocked by fire.

Emergency exits from each room should be also drawn on such a plan. If among your guests are disabled or children, you should think through the measures of their evacuation in advance and include them in the plan. Also, the meeting place should be indicated – the one away from the accommodation building where the personnel and guests could come after the escape and where first aid will be provided to the injured.

The fire escape plan should be placed at a well-visible spot at the reception and located in each room (usually on the door). The fire emergency information needs to be presented to the guests in such a way that the latter know all the possible ways of escape at a glimpse. It is useful also to place near the escape route map some brief instructions for the tourist to follow in fire emergency. The information for tourists can take the form of safety tips.

Fire safety tips for guests:

  • If a smoke detector goes off and wakes you up, alert the other people by calling FIRE and try to get out of the building as fast as possible. Always feel the door of your room to see whether it is hot overhead.
  • If the door is hot, never open it – it could kill you, as oxygen would be added to the fire allowing it to spread into your room. Use the alternative escape route or exit from the room (see the plan placed in the room).
  • If the door is cool, stay low to the ground and escape by the nearest exit from fire.
  • Crawl on your hands and knees to have some air to breathe (more oxygen and less smoke is in the range of 30-60 cm above the floor). Wet some cloth to cover your mouth and nose.
  • Always close the door after you passed it – a closed door can block the fire for 20 min.
  • If the hallway is blocked, use an emergency exit from the room and escape through the window/ balcony. Adults shall guide and help the children and elderly people down the ladder providing safer escape than jumping.
  • If you caught the fire, stop where you are, drop on the ground and roll over and over. Running for help would only increase the flames.
  • Never re-enter the burning building. Many lives are lost like this.
  • Go to a location where it is arranged that everyone can meet after they have escaped.
  • Call the local Fire Dept. with your mobile or from a safe neighbours’ building.
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