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Fire Safety EvacWhile we plan for fire emergencies in our own homes, business and leisure travelers often neglect to prepare for an emergency while staying in a hotel. It is important to check for fire safety measures prior to selecting a hotel and to review potential fire evacuation routes upon arrival.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) urges travelers to practice the following fire safety tips:

Be Safe When Traveling

  • Choose a hotel/motel that is protected by both smoke alarms and a fire sprinkler system.
  • When you check in, ask the front desk what the fire alarm sounds like.
  • When you enter your room, review the escape plan posted in your room.
  • Take the time to find the exits and count the number of doors between your room and the exit. Make sure the exits are unlocked. If they are locked, report it to management right away.
  • Keep your room key by your bed and take it with you if there is a fire.
  • If the alarm sounds, leave right away, closing all doors behind you. Use the stairs — never use elevators during a fire.
  • If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.

If You Can’t Escape …

  • Shut off fans and air conditioners.
  • Stuff wet towels in the crack around the doors.
  • Call the fire department and let them know your location.
  • Wait at the window and signal with a flashlight or light colored cloth.

Victims of Hotel Safety Negligence: What Are My Legal Options for Justice and Compensation?

As each case and property is unique, victims of hotel safety negligence should speak with an experienced premises liability firm as soon as possible to ensure all evidence, such as surveillance footage or faulty wiring, is preserved and their best interests are protected.

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ECA_006As the holiday season ushers in cooler temperatures, it is important for nursing home staff and family of nursing home residents to review fire safety plans. Reduced staff during holidays and winter fire hazards, such as space heaters, can be a deadly combination. Family members should check with nursing home administration to be sure they have an emergency preparedness and evacuation plan, particularly for residents with limited mobility.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers a safety checklist for both family and administrators:

Families: Are Your Loved Ones Safe?

Having a loved one in a nursing home can be stressful and can often make people feel somewhat helpless….You can play a role to increase the safety of your loved one. Here are a few things to consider when either choosing or checking on someone already in a nursing home.

  1. Is the building well maintained? Make sure that paper and other storage items do not block doors or hallways needed for escape.
  2. Check to make sure there is an evacuation plan in place that involves all staff and is practiced regularly.
  3. Are there safety systems in place such as alternative exits, smoke detectors, and sprinklers?
  4. Check on the staff-to-patient ratio. How many staff per resident during the day and especially at night or on weekends and holidays? Is supervisory staff available to carryout an escape plan if there is a fire?
  5. Are there guidelines for people who smoke such as a separate room or staff supervision?
  6. Does nursing home management take your questions regarding safety seriously and are they forthcoming with information?

You have a right to get answers regarding the safety conditions that effect your loved one.

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Workers have a right to a safe and secure workplace. According to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) report, “late-night retail establishments, such as convenience stores, liquor stores, and gasoline stations, experience relatively high homicide and assault rates.” Employers must protect late-night retail workers and patrons exposed to this potential for violence by taking a proactive approach to security and violence prevention.

Read highlights of OSHA’s “Recommendations for Workplace Violence Prevention Programs in Late-Night Retail Establishments” below:

 Risk Factors
A number of factors put late-night retail workers at risk. These include:
  • The exchange of money (making them targets for robbery);
  • Solo work and isolated work sites;
  • The sale of alcohol;
  • Poorly lit stores and parking areas; and
  • Lack of staff training in recognizing and managing escalating hostile and aggressive behavior.

Violence Prevention Programs

At a minimum, workplace violence prevention programs should:

  • Establish a clear policy for workplace violence, verbal and nonverbal threats and related actions. All personnel employed in the retail establishment should know the policy.
  • Ensure that no worker who reports or experiences workplace violence faces reprisals.
  • Encourage workers to promptly report incidents and suggest ways to reduce or eliminate risks. Require records of incidents to assess risk and measure progress.
  • Outline a comprehensive plan for maintaining security in the workplace. The plan should include establishing a liaison with law enforcement representatives and others who can help identify ways to prevent and mitigate workplace violence.
  • Assign responsibility and authority for the program to individuals or teams with appropriate training and skills. Ensure that adequate resources are available and that those responsible for the program develop expertise on workplace violence prevention in late-night retail settings.
  • Affirm management commitment to an environment that places as much importance on worker safety and health as on serving store patrons.

Know Your Rights

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