Fire Safety While Traveling

Few scenarios are as terrifying as the thought of dealing with a fire — let alone while traveling. Whether you are in tight confines, like those of a cruise ship or a high-rise hotel, or in the forest when a wildfire breaks out, it is easy to get intimidated and overwhelmed.

Before you go …

Before traveling anywhere, and as a regular routine at home, make sure to run through proper fire procedures with the entire family. Having regular fire drills, even in the familiarity of home, can make kids more comfortable with the idea of disaster striking.

Kids learning fire safety in school. Photo: Wave Break Media Ltd | Dreamstime.com

During …

The most important thing when confronted with any type of emergency is maintaining a level head. Taking all the lessons you have learned and instilled in your children and putting them to use will go a long way. Things like stop, drop and roll and feeling door temperatures before walking through can go a long way in keeping the family safe.

At the Hotel …

The first thing you should do when checking into a hotel room with the family is take a look at the fire escape plan. This can usually be found on the back of the door, and it details the best way to reach safety in the event of an emergency. After getting into the room and before settling in, make sure to take a look at the plan with the entire family. If the route is not especially clear, take a minute to walk it to the prescribed spot for safety.

If any of the routes are confusing, ask the front desk for advice. Also be sure to ask where certain pieces of equipment, like potential fire extinguishers, are if that information isn’t clear. Modern hotels have safety precautions built in.

Anywhere …

Make sure the family follows proper safety procedure, no matter where you are. In hotel rooms, unplug personal devices when they are not in use and be careful with the in-room appliances like hair dryers and irons.

When camping, much of this responsibility will fall on the parents. Camping, typically involving fire itself, doesn’t need to be any extra dangerous. Make sure the fire is contained in a designated space. Before  bed, make sure the flame is appropriately and completely extinguished, including any small embers and live coals.