State fire marshal offers hotel-motel fire safety tips

Summer in Oregon is prime tourist season, and State Fire Marshal Jim Walker is reminding state visitors and residents alike about steps they can take to remain fire safe when staying in hotels and motels.

“Hotel and motels always fill up during our summer tourist season,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “However, this year, with the upcoming solar eclipse, our hotels and motels are more full than ever and we want everyone to keep in mind the things they can do to improve their fire safety while staying in these establishments.”

The OSFM offers the following tips on fire safety when staying at a hotel or motel:

* When entering a room, review the escape plan posted in your room. Ensure your room has a smoke detector.
* Take time to find the exits and count the number of doors between your room and the exit.
* Make sure the exits are unlocked. If they are locked, immediately report it to the hotel management.
* Keep your room key by your bed and take it with you if there is a fire.
* If the alarm sounds, leave right away, closing all the doors behind you. Use the stairs — never use elevators during a fire.
* If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
* If you can’t escape:
o Shut off fans and air conditioners.
o Stuff wet towels in the crack around the door.
o Call 911 and let them know your location.
o Wait at the window and signal with a flashlight or light colored cloth.

For more fire safety information, visit our website at: http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/SFM/pages/index.aspx