The Unexpected Safety Hazard You Might Want To Start Checking For Before Booking A Hotel

There are plenty of points to consider when choosing a hotel. You'll likely compare prices, the property location, hotel star ratings, and other factors to narrow down your options. However, to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch, you shouldn't forget to rule out safety hazards, including a lack of fire safety features.

You might assume that hotel fires are a rare accident that'll never impact your vacation. Unfortunately, the risk isn't as small as you may think. A 2018 report published by the U.S. Fire Administration estimated that 3,900 hotel and motel fires occurred each year from 2014 to 2016 in the United States, caused by cooking, electrical issues, and "other unintentional or careless actions."

If a fire breaks out, you don't want to be trapped in your hotel room or snoozing away, oblivious to the flames spreading in the building. Therefore, it's critical to stay in accommodations that are equipped with fire safety tools and plans. You can contact the hotel before booking to inquire about its fire management features, but an even easier option is to search the U.S. Fire Administration database of approved hotels and motels.

A hotel with no fire safety equipment is a major red flag. The same idea applies when making sure your vacation rental is safe, even if these properties aren't regulated the same way hotels are. According to the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990, hotels in the U.S. must have a hard-wired, single-station smoke detector in each room and an automatic sprinkler system in all buildings taller than three stories. The accommodations listed in the U.S. Fire Administration's approved properties database meet these guidelines and are considered safe enough for federal government employees (which means they're likely safe enough for the average traveler, too).

Smoke detectors and sprinklers may be the minimum requirements, but there are a couple of additional things to look for when choosing a hotel. One is a clear fire evacuation plan available to all guests. Knowing where to go can be crucial in an emergency and may even save your life. (On that note, you should think twice about booking a hotel room on a high floor if you want to make a quick escape.) Fire extinguishers are also vital in the event of a fire. Ideally, your hotel should supply these devices on every floor in an easily accessible location, such as the hallway. Note that these amenities aren't usually mentioned on online booking websites, so when in doubt, contact the property for extra peace of mind.