According to experts from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), using a wet towel or cloth to cover your nose and mouth can help you escape safely from a fire in a hotel. You should use a towel to cover your mouth and leave your nose exposed because breathing through your mouth can burn your respiratory tract. In case of a fire, a wet towel hanging on the hotel door handle can be a lifesaver.
If a fire suddenly breaks out in the hotel, you can run away and use the wet towel that is already hanging on the door to cover your mouth. At this time, you do not have to waste 2-4 minutes running into the bathroom and wetting the towel, missing the golden time to escape.
Do you know why you should hang a wet towel on the door handle in a hotel?
The main purpose of hanging a wet towel on the door handle of a motel is to ensure the safety of guests when a fire occurs. The biggest threat in hotels and motels is fire because this is a place where many people live, so fire and explosion accidents are very likely to occur. In fires, the number of people who die from smoke inhalation is higher than the number of people who die from burns.
Smoke inhalation is the most common cause of death in fire cases. When inhaling smoke, people will lack oxygen, leading to shortness of breath and rapid weakness. At the same time, a large amount of carbon oxide produced from burning materials penetrates, creating great pressure in the respiratory tract, causing suffocation and respiratory burns. More seriously, smoke inhalation can lead to convulsions and unconsciousness.
Another reason to explain why you should hang wet towels on the doorknob in hotels is that this way helps to add moisture to the room. Normally, guests turn on the air conditioner, making the air in the room relatively dry. The wet towel will evaporate, add moisture, and help you feel more comfortable.
Whatever the reason, hanging wet towels on doorknobs is practical and useful. Plus, it’s easy to do and won’t take up much of your time. No matter how tired you are, it’s worth taking a few minutes to do it before you take a break.