School is almost out, and the urge to travel is setting in. Do you know how to stay safe in your “home away from home” while on vacation?

Staying in a hotel?

• Only stay in hotels that are protected by smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and a fire sprinkler system. There are travel carbon monoxide detectors on the market as a backup.
• When you enter your room, review the posted escape plan.
• Find two exit paths and count the number of doors from your room to the exit. If possible, check to see that the door is unlocked.
• If an alarm sounds, take your room key and leave. Always use the stairs — not the elevator — to escape.
• If you cannot escape — return to your room, turn off the air conditioner, place wet towels around the doors, call 911 to report your location and stay at the window to alert emergency crews to your location.

Staying in a VRBO or Airbnb?

Peer-to-peer hospitality services are not regulated as heavily as hotels. Regulations vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction.

• Ask your host questions before booking, and inspect the property when you arrive to make sure safety guidelines are followed.
• Smoke alarms should be in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Carbon monoxide alarms should be on each level of the home. (Test them when you check in.)
• Create and practice a fire escape plan just like you do at your own home. Make sure everyone knows two ways out of each room and that an outside meeting place is established.
• Make sure everyone knows the address of the home.