Chicago, IL – As Illinois residents hit the road for holiday travel, fire officials are reminding hotel and motel guests to take a few minutes after check-in to review fire safety plans — a step that could make a life-saving difference in an emergency.
According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal, travelers staying in hotels should locate the nearest exits, identify stairwells, and review the building’s fire evacuation plan as soon as they arrive. Officials stress that preparation is especially important in unfamiliar buildings, where smoke or power outages can quickly cause confusion.
Fire safety experts recommend that guests identify two exits from their room, count the number of doors between their room and the exits, and note the location of fire alarms on their floor. Counting doors can help guide guests to safety if visibility is reduced during a fire.
Officials also emphasize that elevators should never be used during a fire. Stairwells are the safest option, even if they require a longer walk. Knowing where stairwells are located ahead of time can prevent dangerous delays during an evacuation.
The U.S. Fire Administration advises travelers to choose hotels and motels equipped with hard-wired smoke alarms and automatic fire sprinkler systems in each guest room. These features significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death during fires.
Fire officials say just a few minutes of preparation after check-in can greatly improve safety outcomes if an emergency occurs.
Residents traveling this holiday season are encouraged to stay alert, plan ahead, and prioritize fire safety Fire Officials Urge Hotel Escape Planningwhile away from home.
For more fire safety information and resources, visit www.usfa.fema.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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