Why must hotels and motels provide different evacuation procedures?

Hotels and motels must provide different evacuation procedures primarily due to the nature of temporary occupancy experienced in these facilities. Temporary occupants, such as short-term guests, typically have varying levels of familiarity with the building's layout and safety protocols. Unlike permanent residents, these short-term guests may not know the quickest or safest routes to exits, nor are they likely to have participated in regular safety drills.

As a result, evacuation procedures must be clearly communicated and tailored to ensure that all guests, regardless of their length of stay, can quickly and effectively respond in emergencies. This unique dynamic requires hotels and motels to implement straightforward, accessible evacuation plans, including clear signage and guidance, to accommodate individuals who might be less attentive to their surroundings, unfamiliar with emergency protocols, or under stress during an evacuation scenario.

Understanding these needs informs the design of evacuation procedures, ensuring the safety of all individuals in the facility.