Safety

Summer is a prime time to be staying at a vacation rental property. Below is some information from the U.S. Fire Administration to keep you and your loved ones safe when traveling away from home:

Many people enjoy renting homes or apartments for vacation. These rentals are not regulated like hotels and motels. Practice home safety in rentals just like you do at home.

Be sure:

• Everyone knows the address of the rental.
• Everyone knows two ways out of every room and out of the rental if there is an emergency.
• There are working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the rental.
• There are working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the rental.
• You can open all doors and windows that lead outside.
• You choose an outside meeting place a safe distance from the rental.
• Everyone knows where to find a first-aid kit.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Doors from the National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.):

Fire resistance–rated assemblies such as fire walls and fire barriers are a critical component to preventing the movement of fire and smoke throughout a building. However, there is a need to provide openings in these assemblies to allow for occupant movement and use of a building. The openings in fire resistance–rated assemblies need to be protected as to not compromise the fire resistance.

One of the most common type of opening protectives in fire resistance–rated assemblies are fire doors.

Fire doors must always be operable. Operability of these systems includes opening, closing, and latching. Fire doors must be kept closed and latched or arranged to be automatic closing during the time of a fire. In addition, blocking or wedging doors in the open position is prohibited, as it violates the required operation and closing feature of the door.

How often do fire doors need to be inspected?

• Fire doors be inspected and tested immediately after the initial installation and then at a minimum annually after that.

Who can complete a fire door inspection?

• This inspection and testing of fire doors needs to be completed by a qualified person who has knowledge and understanding of the operating components and the type of fire door being tested.

What needs to be inspected and tested on a fire door?

• NFPA 80 contains 13 items that need to be verified during an inspection and test. These items range from identifying and confirming that labels on the door are visible and legible to checking for damage to the assembly, looking for broken or missing components, checking the clearance around the door, ensuring any signage on the door is compliant, and completing an operational test to ensure the assembly will close and latch under fire conditions.

Can I put signs on my fire doors?

• Yes, signs can be put on fire doors, but the size and means of attachment are governed by NFPA 80.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:

More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless gas. CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly. Breathing in CO at high levels can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is called the “invisible killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. It is undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed.

Learn what you can do to protect your family from the dangers of CO:

• Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of CO.
• Install CO alarms in a central location outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of your home.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

With summer starting, more people are going to be traveling and staying in hotels. Below is information to safe when staying in a hotel from the U.S. Fire Administration:

Fire safety is important, even when you are away from home.

Keep your family safe by staying in hotels and motels that have hardwired smoke alarms and an automatic fire sprinkler system in each guest room.

After you check in, you and your family should:

• Read the fire evacuation plan carefully.
• Find the two closest exits from your room.
• Count the number of doors between your room and the exits. This will help if you need to get out in the dark.
• Find the fire alarms on your floor.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe During a Disaster from the American Red Cross:

• If it’s not safe for you to stay in your home during an emergency, it’s not safe for them either!
• Include supplies for your pet in your emergency kit or assemble an emergency kit for your pet.
• Make an evacuation plan for you and your pets. Many hotels and shelters do not accept animal guests, other than service animals.

Assemble an Emergency Kit for Your Pet –

Your kit should include:

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
• Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
• A first aid kit.
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

Create an Emergency Plan for Your Pet –

Know a Safe Place to Take Your Pets – If you have to evacuate your home during a disaster, the best way to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. If it’s not safe for you to stay behind, then it’s not safe to leave pets behind either.

• Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
• Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
• Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
• Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately.
• Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
• Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.