Hotel Fires: A Solo Female Traveler's Worst Nightmare (and How to Prepare)
The fire at the Somerville Holiday Inn on February 6th, as reported by WCVB Channel 5 Boston, served as a stark reminder of the importance of hotel safety, especially for women traveling alone. It's been a few weeks now, and I've been reflecting on that day and wanted to share some of my thoughts. While thankfully, no injuries were reported in this particular incident, it highlights a crucial aspect of travel that often gets overlooked: emergency preparedness. We book hotels for comfort and convenience, but we must also consider the 'what ifs.
As women traveling solo, safety is paramount. Proactive steps are essential to protect against potential threats, both outside and inside a hotel room. A fire, like the one in Somerville, can happen anywhere, anytime. Being prepared can make all the difference.
This incident underscores the need for a solid hotel safety routine, a set of steps taken every single time a hotel is booked, no matter the location. It's about preparedness and peace of mind.
A Hotel Safety Sweep (for Women Traveling Solo):
Room Location, Location, Location: Request a room on a lower floor (but not the ground floor for security reasons) and as close to an exit as possible. Upon arrival, immediately locate the two closest exits and mentally map out the quickest escape route. Count the number of doors between the room and the exits – this is crucial in case of smoke-filled hallways where visibility is limited.
Fire Safety Check: The first thing to do upon entering the room is locate the fire extinguisher and ensure it's easily accessible and appears to be in working order. Check the smoke detector to make sure it's functioning. Don't hesitate to test it! It's better to be safe than sorry.
Door Locks and Peephole: Double-check that the door locks securely and that the peephole offers a clear view of the hallway. If anything seems amiss, immediately request a room change.
Personal Safety Devices: Carry a personal safety alarm and keep it within easy reach, even when sleeping. Share the itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, including hotel details.
Emergency Numbers: Program local emergency numbers into the phone, as well as the hotel's front desk number. In a chaotic situation, fumbling for these numbers can waste precious time.
"Get Dressed" Plan: Keep a set of clothes and essential belongings (passport, phone, wallet) within easy reach of the bed. In the event of a fire alarm or other emergency, there's no time to waste searching for these items. The goal is to be able to grab and go quickly.
Trust Your Gut: If anything feels off about the hotel or the room, don't hesitate to speak up or request a change. Intuition is a powerful tool – trust it.
The Somerville fire is a reminder that we can't take safety for granted. By implementing these simple steps, women can significantly increase their preparedness and peace of mind, allowing them to focus on enjoying their travels.
Want to learn more safety tips and access other resources? Check out my community, Travel with Confidence Community.
