Safety equipment in a short-term rental

Guests don't know the house, and they may not think about fire safety on vacation. When a smoke alarm sounds, people may have less than 2 minutes to get out, so the equipment and the exits have to work for someone who has never been there before.

Smoke alarms

• Put one in every bedroomAlso put one outside each separate sleeping area and on every level, including the basement.
• Mount them highPlace each one on the ceiling or high on the wall, following the alarm maker's instructions.
• Have both types of sensorIonization and photoelectric alarms sense different kinds of fire. Dual-sensor alarms have both.
• Connect themInterconnected alarms all sound when one does, including wireless ones that talk to each other.
• Know each alarm's power sourceA sealed 10-year lithium battery needs no yearly change. Hardwired alarms have a backup battery to replace every year, and they should be installed by an electrician.
• Add alarms for guests with hearing lossSome alarms flash a strobe light or vibrate.

Carbon monoxide alarms

• Install one outside each sleeping areaPut CO alarms in a central spot outside each separate sleeping area and on every level.
• Keep the vents clearCheck that the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace vents aren't blocked by snow or debris.

Fire extinguisher

• Keep a multipurpose extinguisherAn extinguisher labeled A-B-C covers most home fires. A UL or ULC listing shows it was tested.
• Keep it in plain sightNothing should block the way to it, and the guest information should say where it is.
• Check it between staysLook at the pressure gauge, and check the can, hose and nozzle for dents, damage and rust.

Exits and information

• Make sure every way out opensEvery door and window that leads outside should open easily from inside.
• Post the addressEveryone staying should know the rental's address in an emergency.
• Point out two ways out of every roomGuests should know two ways out of every room and out of the rental, and an outside meeting place a safe distance away.

A guest house manual for a short-term rental covers how to tell guests where all of this is.