DID YOU KNOW?
Even if you’ve travelled to a popular destination before, there are health and safety related practices you need to consider before embarking on your trip.
TRAVEL ADVICE & ADVISORIES
Ensure to check for any updated travel advice and advisories, as well as any travel health notices for your destination(s).
The Government of Canada’s official source of travel information and advice, the Travel Advice and Advisories (www.travel.gc.ca) will help you in making informed decisions regarding your health and safety before travelling outside of Canada. Ensure to check often for updates, because health, safety and security conditions may change. In addition, check often for essential advice for safe travel outside of Canada at the Global Affairs Canada website (www.international.gc.ca).
WEATHER OUTSIDE CANADA
Before you travel, check your destination(s) on Travel Advice and Advisories (www.travel.gc.ca), as well as on weather apps etc. for severe storms, such as hurricanes/cyclones/typhoons, monsoons and tornadoes, which can happen anywhere at any time.
CHOOSING A HOTEL/MOTEL
Choose a hotel/motel that is protected by both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
HOTEL/MOTEL FIRE SAFETY
Recently, a tragic fire at a hotel overseas killed at least 78 people. The fire was tragic, but it was extremely upsetting and heartbreaking to learn … many of the victims were children … so many years of potential life lost!
Early fire detection (working smoke alarms and heat detectors) and occupant notification through a properly installed, maintained and functioning fire alarm system is essential for saving lives. As well, in residential buildings like hotels/motels, which are characterized by occupants who are asleep for a portion of the time they occupy the building, a functioning fire alarm system is a CRITICAL LIFELINE. Early detection and notification gives occupants critical time to escape a fire, which can mean the difference between life and death.
Additionally, many people assume that when they stay at a hotel/motel, the required safety systems are in place, but unfortunately, as well as tragically at times, that’s not always the case! People need to confirm that the hotel/motel that they are staying at has working smoke alarms in their room, a fire alarm system, a fire sprinkler system, as well as carbon monoxide detection if the hotel has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or an attached garage.
HOTEL/MOTEL ESCAPE PLAN
Upon checking in at your hotel/motel, always take a few moments after your arrival to review the hotel/motel escape plan posted in your room; it is usually posted on the back of the door. Note the location of the smoke alarm inside your room and all fire exits and emergency staircases. As well, locate the nearby fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers.
TRAVELLING SMOKE & CO ALARMS
Believe it or not, there are some people that travel with a battery operated SMOKE ALARM or a combination SMOKE & CO ALARM along with command hooks to temporarily hang them on their hotel/motel wall. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) does list requirements if you choose to bring a smoke alarm (smoke detector) and batteries with you in your carry-on baggage and/or checked baggage.
FINAL DESTINATION
Unfortunately, the majority of travellers will never inquire if the required life saving safety systems are in place at their hotel/motel they are travelling to. Tragically, complacency could lead to serious consequences … making your next trip … your final destination.
Safety—it starts with you.
