Security
Earthquake and Fire
(Tremors are common in Costa Rica)
1– Stay calm. Do not panic. Notify front desk by dialing “0” to activate the fire emergency procedure and have them call the fire department as soon as possible. Firefighters will reach the scene within minutes after receiving the alarm call.
2-Do not overestimate the firefighters´ ability to extinguish a fire. Most of the fires cannot be easily extinguished. Do not try to extinguish the fire once it starts to spread rapidly. If you try to extinguish a fire, make sure you have a clear path of retreat from the room.
3– If you decide to leave the building during a fire, try to close all doors when you leave to limit the spread of the fire. Never use the elevator. This could stop between floors or leave you stranded where the fire is burning.
4– The heat, smoke and gases emitted by burning materials can quickly overtake you. If you are in a heavy smoke condition, lean slowly toward the floor as you walk away, taking short breaths through your nose.
5– If your clothes catch on fire, do not run. Drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands and roll around to douse the flames.
Evacuation Instructions
in Case of Fire in the room
1– Exit the room where the fire is located, close the door and take your keys.
2– Make sure everyone exits the room with you.
3– Alert the people on your floor by knocking on their door on your way out.
4– Take the stairs closest to you to exit the building.
5– DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.
6– When you are safe call the Front Desk by dialing “0”, do not assume that the fire has been reported unless firefighters are already on the scene.
Evacuation Instructions
in Case of Fire in a room close to yours
1– Stay inside your room and listen for instructions from the fire department or the hotel security staff unless conditions surrounding you become dangerous.
2– If you need to leave the room, first touch the door to see if it’s hot, if not hot, open it slightly and check to see if there is no smoke, heat or fire in the hallways.
3– If you can get out of the room safely, follow the instructions given above.
4– If you cannot leave the room or the building safely, call reception by dialing “0” and provide your location, floor number, room number and how many people are with you.
5– Seal the bottom of your door and any other point of entry for smoke with towels or wet sheets.
6– Open windows slightly but don’t break the glass.
If conditions appear to be life threatening, then open the window and signal with a towel or sheet to attract the attention of firefighters.
7– If smoke conditions worsen before help arrives, stay close to the ground and take short breaths slowly through your nose, if possible move to the balcony or patio away from the smoke, heat and fire.
