FACTS

Emergency exits play a critical role in ensuring the safety of guests and employees in hotels. Here are some important facts regarding emergency exits in hotels:

1. Blockages and Obstructions: Emergency exits may become blocked or obstructed by furniture, equipment, or stored items, hindering swift evacuation during an emergency.
2. Poor Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance can lead to malfunctioning exit doors, broken hardware, or damaged signage, compromising the usability and effectiveness of emergency exits.
3. Locked or Blocked Exits: In some cases, emergency exits may be intentionally locked or blocked by unauthorized personnel, preventing occupants from using them during emergencies.
4. Inadequate Signage: Insufficient or unclear signage may confuse occupants, leading them to overlook or struggle to locate emergency exits during stressful situations.
5. Congestion and Crowding: During emergencies, panic and congestion near emergency exits can impede egress, causing delays and increasing the risk of injury or trampling.
6. Inaccessible Routes: Some emergency exits may be located in areas with limited accessibility, such as staircases without proper handrails or ramps, posing challenges for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments during evacuation.

STATS

• More than 80% of reported injuries due to use of slides during emergency evacuation have been minor injuries. While relatively rare, the most serious evacuation-associated injuries were the result of jumping out of exits or off of wings.
• According to a recent report released by the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 Americans make a trip to the emergency room each year.
• Canadians are among the most frequent users of emergency departments in the world, with an average of 17 million visits a year.