Fires in hotels are rare, but they are among the situations where a few minutes of preparation matter most. This guide covers general fire safety and emergency preparation for any guest. It is not a substitute for local rules or for the instructions posted in your hotel, which can differ by building, region and country. If staff or emergency services give you instructions, follow them over anything written here.
On arrival, spend two minutes on exits
Look at the evacuation plan, usually posted on the back of the room door, and find your location on it. Then walk to the nearest stairwell and, if you can, the second-nearest one, in case the first is blocked. Count the doors between your room and each exit so you could find them in the dark or in smoke. Check that exit doors are not locked or obstructed, and tell staff if you find a blocked exit or a stairwell door that will not open from the inside.
In a fire, the standard advice is to use stairs, not elevators, because elevators can stop working or open onto a fire floor. If you have a mobility limitation, ask the hotel about its plan in advance. This site’s separate article on evacuation planning for guests with disabilities goes deeper into that topic.
Know the alarms and the building
Most hotels have smoke detectors in rooms and corridors, alarm pull stations and, in many buildings, sprinklers. The exact systems vary by property and location, so do not assume features that you have not seen. Look for the smoke detector in your room, and do not cover it or disable it. Note where the alarm pull station is on your floor. If you smell smoke or see fire, activate the alarm and then call the front desk or emergency services.
Save the hotel’s main number and the local emergency number in your phone. Emergency numbers differ between countries, so confirm the correct one for your destination before you travel.
If the alarm sounds
Treat every alarm as real until you are told otherwise. A general sequence many fire authorities recommend is:
- Get out of bed, put on shoes, and take your key card and phone if they are within reach. Do not spend time packing.
- Feel the door with the back of your hand before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it.
- If the door is cool, open it carefully, and check the corridor. If it is clear, leave by the nearest safe exit and close the door behind you.
- Stay low if there is smoke, because breathable air is typically nearer to the floor.
- Use the stairs, not the elevator, and go to the assembly point outside.
- Stay outside, and do not go back in until officials say it is safe.
If you cannot leave the room
If the corridor is full of smoke or fire, stay put and protect yourself. Stuff damp towels or sheets around the door gaps, call the front desk or emergency services to say exactly where you are, and signal from the window if you can, for example with a light-colored cloth. Close vents if smoke is coming through them. Do not break a window unless you must, since it may let smoke in. These steps are general; follow whatever specific instruction the fire services give you.
Keep the key card with you
Always keep the key card in the same place, such as the bedside table or your pocket, so you can reach it when you are disoriented. If you must return to your room, for example if the corridor is blocked, you will want it. A small flashlight or your phone’s light is another useful item to have near the bed.
In-room safes and emergency items
An in-room safe is best thought of as a convenience for valuables, not as fire protection, since many are not designed to survive a fire. A few points follow:
- Keep your passport, phone and wallet where you can grab them quickly, not locked away, at least overnight.
- Use the safe for items you do not need in an emergency, and know the code.
- Check how to open the safe if the battery fails, for example by asking the front desk.
More on using the room safe properly appears in a separate article.
Other emergencies
Fire is only one scenario. Hotels also plan for medical emergencies, power cuts, severe weather and earthquakes in some regions. The principles are similar. Know your exits, know who to call, and listen to staff. In a medical emergency, call the local emergency number first, then the front desk, who can guide responders to your room. In areas with seismic activity, severe storms or other hazards, check the safety notices and ask the hotel what its procedure is.
Travel with others
If you are traveling with children, older relatives or anyone who might need help, agree on a plan before you sleep. Decide on a meeting place outside, who will help whom, and what to do if you are separated. Make sure everyone knows the room number and the hotel’s name and address.
Preparing before you book
When comparing hotels, you can ask about general fire safety. Questions might include whether the building has smoke detectors and sprinklers in rooms and corridors, and whether staff are trained for emergencies. You cannot verify everything from a distance, but the way a property answers can tell you something. Guest reviews that mention frequent false alarms, blocked exits or confusing procedures are worth noting.
Habits, not fear
The aim is not to worry. Doing the exit walk-through, keeping your key card and phone in a consistent place, and knowing the emergency number take almost no time. They give you a clear head if something does happen, and then you can get on with enjoying your stay.