When guests check into a hotel, guesthouse, the receptionist often reminds them to check for cleanliness, property, and equipment in the room. Sometimes, guests are also told to hang a damp towel on the door handle. Few people know why to do so.
Why should you hang a damp towel on the door handle of a hotel room?
According to experts from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), using a wet towel or cloth to cover the nose and mouth can help us safely escape from a fire in a hotel. It’s advisable to use a cloth to cover the mouth and keep the nose uncovered because breathing through the mouth can cause respiratory burns. In case of a fire, the damp towel hanging on the hotel room door handle can serve as a lifebuoy.
If a fire suddenly occurs in a hotel, you can directly run away and use the wet towel hanging on the door to cover your mouth. At this time, you don’t have to spend 2-4 minutes running to the bathroom and wetting the towel, missing the golden time to escape.
Do you know why you should hang a damp towel on the hotel room door handle?
The main purpose of hanging a damp towel on the door handle of a guesthouse is to ensure the safety of guests in case of a fire. The biggest threat in hotels and guesthouses is the fire because they have a high occupancy rate, making it prone to fire accidents. In fire incidents, the number of deaths due to smoke inhalation is higher than the number of deaths due to burns.
Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of death in fire incidents. When inhaling smoke, humans will experience oxygen deficiency, leading to rapid and weak breathing. At the same time, a large amount of carbon monoxide generated from burning materials infiltrates the respiratory tract, creating high pressure in the airway, causing asphyxiation and respiratory burns. In severe cases, smoke inhalation can lead to seizures and unconsciousness.
Another reason to explain why you should hang a damp towel on the hotel room door handle is that it helps humidify the room. Normally, guests turn on the air conditioner, making the air in the room relatively dry. The damp towel will evaporate and humidify, making you feel more comfortable.
Regardless of the reason, hanging a damp towel on the door handle is very practical and useful. Moreover, this action is easy to do and does not consume too much time. No matter how tired you are, you should spend a few minutes to do it before resting.
8 things to do immediately when entering a hotel room
To have a safe and comfortable vacation, do not forget to do these things as soon as you enter the hotel room
Check the mattress or bed
When checking into a hotel room, the first thing you should do is to check the bed. Check under the mattress, under the pillows for any foreign objects, unusual creatures, if there is anything suspicious, report it to the receptionist immediately.
Sanitize essential items
Another important step is to quickly clean the most common items that you can touch in the room such as door handles, wardrobe handles, and TV remotes because these items contain a lot of bacteria.
Check the room key and door lock
When checking into a hotel, remember to check if your hotel room key is working and, more importantly, learn how to operate them (usually there are instructions provided). Also, check if the door lock is functioning properly.
Lock windows and balcony doors
If you have children, lock the windows and balcony doors, especially if your room is located on a higher floor. Children can be very curious, so this is a way to protect them from potential risks.
Check the air conditioner temperature
Balanced room temperature will help you have a good sleep and a comfortable vacation. When entering the hotel room, check if the air conditioner control is working and try the air conditioner temperature.
Read the escape map and identify emergency exits
Emergency escape maps may be located right behind the hotel room door, but few people take the time to pay attention and remember the nearest emergency exits. Some hotels even have evacuation plans displayed in the lobby. Many situations can happen, such as fire or natural disasters.
Pay attention to the escape map and identify emergency exits.
Check hidden cameras
Although not very common, hidden cameras can still exist in hotels. Check around your room, look for strange electronic devices or anything suspicious.
Use the door sign
Each hotel room has its own sign. Hang it on the room door if you don’t want anyone to disturb your space; or let the staff know when they can clean the room.
According to VTC.vn
What are the Benefits of Unplugging the TV Plug when Staying at a Hotel or Motel?
When visiting a new place, many of us stay in a hotel or guesthouse. After making sure our belongings are safely tucked away, we often count the items in the room to check if anything is missing or broken. What many of us forget to do, though, is a small yet important task – unplugging the TV. In the article below, we delve into why unplugging the TV is so important and the potential risks of not doing it.