Data Re: Fires at Hotels and Motels

Whenever we get the chance to stay in a hotel, even if it’s for something mundane like a business trip, it still can feel like a mini-vacation, something out of our typical routine. Generally speaking, hotels go to great lengths to give their guests a relaxing, satisfying experience, as well as see to it that their experience is a safe one. If you happen to be a hotel or motel owner, you know how much work it takes to attend to these details. One important element to pay attention to for your guests’ safety is fire protection and prevention. Today we are going to discuss the occurrences of fires in hotels and motels, and how to prevent them.

Thanks to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), we have access to data on these occurrences. Their most recent study on hotel and motel fires are from 2009-2013. So we are all on the same page, the NFPA defines hotels and motels as locations used both year-round and seasonally,which may also have multi-purpose uses such as restaurants, banquet halls, meeting rooms, stores, etc.

Over the span of 2009-2013, there were approximately 3500 fires annually that occurred at motels and hotels.  Of all the fires during this period, these fires were just 1% of the yearly fire incidents. Each year, on average, 9 civilian lost their lives, 120 civilians were injured, and there was about $84 million in damage.

As for the main cause and locations of the fires that broke out, we can look to the kitchen for that. Approximately 41% of the fires started in the kitchen, with about half of those beginning with some sort of cooking equipment. Of the total deaths, kitchen fires were responsible for 8%; kitchen fires also accounted for 25% of the civilian injuries as well as 8% of the property damage.

Another interesting statistic is regarding the fires that occurred in the bedrooms, where guests were staying. While bedroom fires accounted for only 12% of the overall fires (compared to 41% kitchen fires), the damage from those fires was $14 million (compared to $6 million from kitchen fires). So, we see that while it’s less likely for fires to occur in the bedroom, the damage sustained from those fires is more than doubled that of kitchen fires.

So what does that mean for a hotel or motel owner? Well, first, it highlights the great importance of flameproofing. Flameproofing treats decorative items such as upholstery, curtains, drapes, carpets, hangings, etc., all of which are located in guests’ bedrooms, where the most potential damage can occur. By having these items treated with fire retardants, the fire stays localized to those treated items and will not the fire to spread. That’s a huge factor in the reduction of losses in a fire!

It is vital for a hotel owner to have every area of the premises protected from fire and treated with flame repellents when possible. If you have need for flameproofing services, we’d love to help. NYC Flameproofing has been an industry leader for over 50 years and can meet all of your flameproofing needs in order to keep your hotel or motel safe from fire. Please call us today for a free, no-obligation estimate and to answer any questions: 1-800-291-0904.

 

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