Illinois Fire Marshal Urges Hotel Fire Safety As the Travel Season Gets Under Way

Urges Families to Have an Escape Plan When Staying in Hotels

[April 08, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- In the wake of a recent fatal hotel fire in northern Illinois, State Fire Marshal David B. Foreman is reminding Illinoisans of the importance of having an escape plan while staying in hotels and motels this travel season. In 2005, there were 3,900 hotel fires across the United States, resulting in 11 deaths.

"The deadly fire at Lockport's Towpath Inn (last week) is a tragic reminder of the dangers of hotel fires and the importance of having an escape plan and knowing your surroundings," Foreman said. "Knowing what to do in a fire emergency is vital to surviving a hotel fire."

In addition to creating and practicing an escape plan, the fire marshal offers the following fire safety tips for safe traveling:

• When making your reservations, ask if the hotel or motel has smoke detectors and fire sprinklers.

• When traveling, take a flashlight with you.

• Read the fire evacuation plan carefully. If one is not posted in your room, request one from the front desk.

• Locate the two exits from your room.

• Count the number of doors between your room and the exits. This will assist you in case of an emergency evacuation.

• Locate the fire alarms on your floor.

• Never smoke in bed.

• If there is a fire in your room, get out quickly. Close the door, sound the alarm and notify the front desk.

• In case of fire, always use a stairwell, never an elevator.

• If the fire is not in your room, leave if it is safe to do so. Be sure to take your room key with you in case fire blocks your escape and you need to re-enter your room.

• To check the hallway for fire, touch the door with the back of your hand to test the temperature. If the door is cool, get low to the floor, brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. Be ready to close it quickly if there are flames on the other side. Crawl low in the smoke to the nearest exit; the freshest air is near the floor.

• If your room door is hot, do not open it. Instead, seal the door with wet towels or sheets. Turn off the fans and air conditioners. Call the fire department to give your location. Signal from your window.

[Text from Office of the State Fire Marshal file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]