Choose language:

Fire safety when travelling

Not all countries have as strict rules for fire safety as Norway. Here is some advice on how to keep yourself and yours safe when travelling.

In Norway and other Nordic countries, there are strict rules for fire safety. The EU also has regulations to ensure fire safety in accommodation and nightclubs. But that doesn't mean that everyone complies with these requirements.

In other parts of the world, there may be countries that do not have good regulations for fire, and that have a completely different safety culture than what we are used to. Here is some advice on how to keep yourself and yours safe when traveling:

At the property

  • Bring a smoke detector and place it as high as possible in the room, for example on a shelf. There are also travel smoke detectors with fasteners.
  • Read, and understand, escape plans and fire instructions. If there isn't, ask at the reception.
  • Familiarize yourself with, and feel free to test the alternative escape route (not the way you entered).
  • If you are travelling with children, make an agreement on how you will act in the event of a fire. Also arrange a meeting point nearby if you get separated from each other.
  • Notify the reception if you find blocked escape routes or other things that appear to be a risk.
  • Familiarize yourself with where extinguishing equipment is located.
  • Read reviews from other guests before you book.
  • If you feel that it is unsafe, consider changing accommodation.

In the event of a fire

  • Follow the hotel's fire instructions and the staff's instructions.
  • If the escape routes are blocked by smoke or fire, consider whether it is safest to stay in the hotel room until rescue personnel are in place. Make yourself known via window or balcony.
  • If you are going to make an extinguishing effort with manual extinguishing equipment, make sure that you do not expose yourself to danger.

Nightlife in general

  • Do not enter crowded nightclubs, discos and other assembly halls.
  • Leave the venue if you find that the crowd becomes so great that it is difficult to get around.
  • Be vigilant if open flames or fireworks/pyrotechnic effects are used indoors.
  • Check that the venue has good escape options in the event of an emergency.
  • Always stay informed about the nearest exit.