The Overton Hotel – Fire Safety

A few NFIRS stats 2003-2007:

In the average year - one out of every 12 hotels or motels reported a structure fire.

Cooking equipment was involved in 40% of the fires, 18% of the injuries and 7% of the property damage.

Only 5% of the fires were intentionally set, but these accounted for 17% of the associated property damage.

Only 115 of hotel fires began in guestrooms but these fires caused 70% of associated civilian deaths and 35% of the injuries.

Most hotel fires are minor – 73% were confined to the object of origin and only 8% extended beyond the room of origin.

The Fire Triangle:

Without sufficient heat, a fire cannot begin.Without fuel, a fire will stop. Without sufficient oxygen, a fire cannot begin,

and it cannot continue.

When a fire alarm sounds it is our obligation to insure the safety of our guests and staff. In doing so, the staff will have certain assignments in the event of an emergency.

Any employee discovering fire, smoke or unusual heat anywhere in the hotel must:

Immediately notify PBX by dialing 0 on any house phone.

Report in a clear/calm manner their name, the condition (fire, smoke, etc.), and EXACT location.

If the employee can safely return to the fire, they must try to contain the fire by using the nearest fire extinguisher. (PASS- Pull the pin, Aim at the source, Sweep from side to side, and Stay low!) If the employee cannot safely return to the fire then the area must be sealed off – shut the windows and doors, etc.

When reporting these conditions never hang up until PBX does.

As soon as an alarm goes off in the Front Office area – the Engineering Department and Security (3rd shift) are notified via radio.

During this time, the Engineering staff reports to the floor to investigate. All Department Heads are notified and will report immediately to the Command Center (Behind the Front Office) to await further instructions.

If a smoke alarm or “pull station” has been activated – the blinking lights and OPA announcement engage automatically.

The blinking lights and announcement begin on the guest floors –2 above and 1 floor below where the sensor was triggered. If there is water flow at the main pump, the blinking lights and announcement begin automatically.

Whenever you see the blinking lights and/or hear the announcement to “…proceed to the nearest exit,” begin to assist guests and direct them to the nearest EXIT signs

It is imperative that we have radio silence until the all clear is given by the MOD – no communication at all on the radios that does not pertain to the alarm. We never use the word “Fire” on the radios – the only term we use is “possible Code 70”.

If you are ever in doubt as to whether we are evacuating the building or not, please direct guests to the nearest exit so that they may depart the building – using stairwells only – The elevators will not be available.

Our assembly point in the event of an emergency is the Northwest corner of the parking lot. (Ave. X & Marsha Sharp Freeway)

Where to report:

Security – Go to the area where the alarm was triggered…radio the Engineer at the alarm panel as to your findings.

Kitchen – Cut power to all equipment, Proceed to the Northwest area of the parking lot.

Sales – Will proceed to the lobby to help direct guests out of the hotel to the Northwest corner of parking lot.

Catering – Will proceed to meeting rooms to assist guests in the event of an evacuation. If there is no evacuation, they should instruct the guests to remain calm and we will notify them if the need to evacuate occurs. Remain there until the all clear is given. One catering manager should proceed to the Horizon Ballrooms and direct the guests down the back banquet stairwell directing them to the Northwest corner of the parking lot. Another catering manager should proceed to the Sunset Ballrooms to direct guests outside to the Northwest corner of parking area.

Accounting – Print a duplicate set of emergency reports, secure cash in safe, lock all office doors and proceed to the command center to assist with the evacuation.

Housekeeping – Advise guests to use the stairwells since the elevators will not be working. Put Carts in a room closing and locking the guest room as they leave. Proceed to the hallway and direct guests to the Northwest corner of the parking lot.

Banquets – Station servers & captains in the meeting rooms are to wait for the instructions from the MOD.

Pecan Grill – Direct guests to the Northwest corner of the parking lot.

Front Desk – Secure emergency reports and retain registration cards. Put cash in safety boxes. Notify MOD and Bell Staff of any guests (i.e. handicapped) that may need assistance. One Front Desk Agent to go to PBX to assist.

PBX – The alarm system links directly to the Fire Department. When instructed by the MOD notify the Fire Department.

Bell Stand – One person to the corner of Northwest parking lot to direct fire department. Another person to remain at front door and remove any cars that may be parked there. All others to remain at the Bell Stand to wait further instructions from MOD.

Emergency Call Notifications

When an Emergency service(Police,Fire Dept.,Ambulance) is dispatched to the Property make sure the following are notified immediately regardless of the time of day or night

General manager- Kurt Metcalf

Director of Engineering – Jerry Rodriguez

M.O.D.- (check m.o.d. schedule)