Airbnb introduces summer home safety initiatives

Airbnb, a major name in the travel industry, is beginning a summer safety campaign to educate its guests on how to mitigate the risks associated with pools, fires, and carbon monoxide.

The company said many of the guests that are booking with them are heading for Alabama and want to stay in locations with pools, substantially increasing the likelihood of pool related accidents. Airbnb said in the first quarter of this year, more than 35% of its residential listings in Alabama had pools in their description.

Airbnb also said it is partnering with the National Drowning Prevention Association, SafeKids Worldwide, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs to promote the campaign.

In its push to educate its guest and hosts, Airbnb released these safety tips and said more will released in coming weeks.

Airbnb said it expects around 300 million guests this year worldwide.

Pool Safety

The following tips come from Safe Kids and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s Water Safety Toolkit:

• Install an isolation pool fence that is at least 4 feet high with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching. The fence should surround all sides of the pool (i.e., the house should not serve as one side of the fence).
• Secure doggie doors and other access points to the pool that a toddler could easily slip through or climb over and include alarms on all windows and doors leading to the pool area.
• Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to protect against drain entrapment.
• Provide rescue equipment such as shepherd crooks, reaching poles, ring buoys, and first aid kits. Consider adding a landline phone at the pool area.
• Provide a “Water Watcher” card with instructions on use. A free Water Watcher card is available at www.safekids.org/other-resource/water-watcher-card
• Prior to each visit, verify that the pool is properly and well-maintained (water clarity, chemical balance, routine maintenance) and safety equipment is present.
• Clearly indicate in any “welcome materials” or website copy what pool safety features exist and what safety features do not exist (i.e., “This property has a pool that does not include a 4-sided isolation fence so added supervision is necessary”).
• Provide signs or brochures that alert guests to all safety recommendations, warnings, and 911 emergency information, including the Airbnb address and CPR instructions. Encourage guests (including kids) to do a walk-through of the pool area to review safety features, including pool fence/gate, drain cover, and alarms.
• Remind guests to practice touch supervision with non- or weak swimmers. Be clear that swimming aids and water toys – such as pool noodles, water wings and inflatable water rings – do not prevent drowning. Remind families in the event of a missing child to “check the pool first.”
• Share the Safe Kids Worldwide pool safety checklist, and other resources to educate guests on important swim safety information, including safety tips.

Fire and carbon monoxide safety

The following guidance from the International Association of Fire Chiefs will be shared prior to the Fourth of July.

• Build campfires at least 25 feet away from tents, shrubs, and anything that can burn.
• If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts. Sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees F and cause third-degree burns.
• Use chimineas, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits outdoors only and at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn.
• Use propane, charcoal, and wood pellet barbecue grills outdoors only. Indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Place your grill well away from siding and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony.
• Make sure you have functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed indoors.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.