RACE Plan for Your Accommodation Property: Ensuring Guest Safety During a Fire Emergency

Fire safety is a top priority for any accommodation property, whether it's an Airbnb, a short-term rental, or a boutique hotel across Australia.

The key to managing fire emergencies effectively is to have a clear, actionable plan in place that both guests and staff can easily follow. This is where the RACE plan comes in. The RACE acronym stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate, and it’s designed to guide people through a fire emergency in a structured, efficient manner.

In this post, we’ll explore how the RACE plan can be implemented in your accommodation property to keep everyone safe.

Our journey

Why the RACE Plan is Crucial for Accommodation Properties

Accommodation properties present unique challenges when it comes to fire safety. Unlike workplaces or homes, your guests may not be familiar with the building layout, exits, or emergency procedures. The RACE plan provides a simple, memorable guide that can help both guests and staff react swiftly and effectively in case of a fire.

What sets us apart?

How to Integrate the RACE Plan into Your Accommodation Property

Evacuation Diagrams and Signage

Clear, easy-to-understand evacuation diagrams are a must. Place these in every guest room, common areas, and by the exits. Diagrams should show the nearest escape routes, exits, and fire safety equipment, and should include emergency contact information (000 in Australia, for example).

Regular Fire Drills and Staff Training

Train your team to respond swiftly in case of a fire. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure that staff know the evacuation routes and how to assist guests in a real emergency. Training should cover the RACE plan, evacuation routes, and the proper use of fire extinguishers.

By integrating the RACE plan into your fire safety protocols, you’ll be taking an important step toward ensuring the safety of everyone in your accommodation property. Guests may not be familiar with the building, so having clear evacuation diagrams, well-marked exits, and a staff trained to respond quickly will make all the difference in a fire emergency.

Containing the Fire: Minimising the Spread

Rescue: Prioritising Guest Safety First

If the fire is small enough, it’s essential to keep it contained to prevent further damage and allow more time for evacuation. Here’s how:

• Close doors and windows: Fire spreads quickly, but closing doors and windows can help limit its reach and slow down the spread of smoke.
• Use fire doors: Fire doors are specifically designed to withstand flames and contain fires. Ensure all fire doors are regularly maintained and used during emergencies.
• Shut down ventilation systems: In some cases, fire spreads through ventilation systems. If possible, turning these off can help limit the spread of smoke throughout the building.

Alarm: Sound the Alert Quickly

Rescue: Prioritising Guest Safety First

Once everyone is moving to safety, the next step is to raise the alarm. In accommodation properties:

• Activate alarms: Smoke and heat alarms that comply with local fire safety standards (like AS3786 in NSW) should be interconnected and placed throughout the property.
• Manual call points: Ensure that manual call points, or alarm switches, are easily accessible for guests or staff to activate if the alarm doesn’t automatically trigger.
• Notify emergency services: Once the alarm is raised, call emergency services immediately with details about the fire’s location and the status of the evacuation.

Implementing the RACE Plan in Your Property

Rescue: Prioritising Guest Safety First

The first step in any fire emergency is to ensure that people are moved out of harm’s way. For accommodation properties, this means:

• Assisting guests: Some guests may have mobility issues or be unfamiliar with the building’s exits. Staff should be trained to assist anyone who needs help.
• Identify nearest exits: Clear, accessible routes are essential. Your evacuation diagrams should clearly show the closest exits from every room.
• Avoid elevators: Remind guests and staff not to use elevators during a fire. All escape routes should lead to staircases or outdoor exits.

Email:

info@blueprintbnb.com.au

Phone:

0439559210

ABN

97279706372

Accommodation evacuation diagrams

Tumbi Umbi 

NSW