Disoriented and Confused- Home Safety

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Just want to pass this information to everyone that September 26th is Safety Saturday. This is a fantastic site. The local Lowes Stores are helping to kick off Fire Safety Month with The Home Safety Council® (HSC) to help you make the most of Fire Safety

I was in a hotel fire years ago. We never think it can happen to us.

Please check out Home Safety Council's Safety Guide.

Even though I was not in my home, but was a guest at a major hotel, I think you will find the subject matter very important and something worth thinking and discussing with your family.
Because of my past career as a flight attendant, I found myself staying in hotels all over the world. I am lucky that I was trained in hotel fire safety and what we should do if we found ourselves in our room when a hotel fire occurs.


The very first thing you should always do after checking into your room is look for the nearest exit. I happen to do so that day. I retired early that evening and was awaken about 1:30 am by a faint knock on my door. As I turned over to go back to sleep, I smelled a faint odor of smoke. Of course, I did what most people would do; I got up and looked outside my door. The heavy black smoke took me by such surprise. In the distance, I heard someone say, "everyone is out!"

I WAS NOT OUT! I grabbed my robe and started to crawl toward what I remember to be the exit. The sign I had remembered seeing earlier was blurred. I was somewhat disoriented and confused. After all, I had just been awakened only seconds before and could not believe this wasn't a dream! A pilot who was staying near by knocked on doors as he made his way to the exit. Thank God, I heard the knock, I never heard the fire alarm!!

I reached the fire stairs and yelled to anyone who was there, "I'm here." The fireman below yelled for me to keep coming. I did escape unharmed, but the memory still haunts me today- it has been over 20 years ago. The fire was discovered to be electrical and in the elevator shaft.

Now for some advice...
Always check for your nearest exit.
Take hotel keys with you in case you must find refuge and return to your room.

First test the door before opening to see if it is HOT! If it is, do not open it. ( it is better to use the back of your hands making sure not to burn your fingers.)

Begin to fill bath tub with water. Soak towels and place under the door so as to block any smoke.

Always call 911 and let them know where you are, your room and floor number.

I am not the expert on hotel fires, but if this gets more discussion about fire safety, I am all for it. Most people are so excited to be on vacation, they never think about hotel fires.

By the way, I have had many times my good night's sleep was disturbed by fire alarms. I always take them seriously.

Now I am a professional Realtor- Homes are my specialty. I want to keep my firends and clients safe and happy.

Tanya Spotts
Long & Foster Realtors, Inc.
www.This SpotsForYou.com
Tanya.Spotts@LNF.com