Fire safety on holiday

In Norway and in other Nordic countries there are strict regulations for fire safety. The EU also has regulations that are designed to ensure fire safety at overnight accommodation and restaurants, bars etc. However, this does not mean that all places actually comply with these requirements.

In other parts of the world, there are countries that do not have good fire regulations, some have a completely different safety culture than the one we are familiar with. Here is some advice on how you can secure yourself and others on holiday.

At your accomodation

• Take a smoke alarm with you and place it as high up as possible in the room, e.g. on a shelf. There are also smoke alarms that can be attached to various surfaces.
• Read – and understand – the evacuation plan and fire instructions. If these are not available, ask at reception.
• Make yourself familiar with, and preferably check out, alternative escape routes (not the way you came in).
• If you are travelling with children, agree with them on what you will do if a fire occurs. Agree on a place to meet up close by in case you do lose each other.
• Notify reception if you find blocked escape routes or other things that can represent a fire hazard.
• Make yourself aware of the locations(s) of fire extinguishers etc.
• Read reports from other guests before you book.
• If you feel unsafe, consider changing to alternative accommodation.

In the event of fire

• Follow the hotels’ fire instructions and orders given by personnel.
• If the escape routes are blocked by smoke or fire, consider whether it is safest to stay in your hotel room until the rescue services arrive. Make them aware of your location from a window or balcony.
• If you do try to extinguish a fire using manual extinguishing equipment, be sure that you do not put yourself in danger.

Nightlife in general

• Stay away from overcrowded nightclubs, bars and other places where people gather.
• Leave the premises if you see that the overcrowding is making it difficult to move around.
• Stay vigilant if open flames are used or fireworks/pyrotechnics are used indoors.
• Check that the premises have good escape routes, in case of an emergency situation.
• Always be aware of the location of your nearest emergency exit.