If you’re planning a vacation and intend to take advantage of an attractive rate that Airbnb has to offer, you might want to double check the safety features that come with the venue. A recent study published in the journal Injury Prevention has found that many of the listings on Airbnb do not have basic safety features such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors or first aid kits.
The study found that only 36% of Airbnb venues had first aid kits, 58% of venues had carbon monoxide detectors, and 80% of overall venues had smoke detectors. Airbnb encourages all of its hosts to install basic safety features, but it is not require them to do so, where as it is mandatory for hotels and motels to have features such as smoke alarms and fire escapes.
Even if you’re only using Airbnb for one night, not having basic safety features, such as smoke alarms could put you and your family at risk
Smoke Alarm Facts
- Properly installed smoke alarms save lives and protect against injury and loss due to fire.
- The fire death rate in homes with smoke alarms is 51% less than the rate for homes without.
- Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.
- An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had working smoke alarms. (source)
First Aid Kits
Accidents that occur in your own home may not seem like a big deal because you know where everything is allowing you to calmly handle most situations, but when you find yourself in an unfamiliar environment, a small accident could turn into a high stress situation.
A First Aid Kit should be a travel essential because unpredictable accidents happen every day. You don’t want to waste time rummaging through your Airbnb to find a Band-Aid when you could just turn to your handy First-aid kit to find everything you need. There are even some compact kits that cost less than $10 that you can easily throw in your luggage and take with you anywhere.
8 Reasons Why You Should Have a First Aid Kit
Response when there is no responder – There is never a good place to get hurt but when help is out of reach, a first aid kit is your next best friend. You can’t always count on others to help so be prepared.
We only have so much blood – Scary but true. If your injury involves blood-loss, you only have precious seconds to get the necessary supplies to stop the bleeding. Keeping a first aid kit close by can provide the extra time you need to seek help.
Kids will be kids – You can count on kids getting hurt. Lack of experience or just plain recklessness all add up to someone getting hurt. Cuts, scrapes and burns are common injuries to expect so prepare a first aid kit with the appropriate supplies.
Cost savings – It is cheaper to clean a cut and put on a bandage than it is to travel to a clinic and seek first aid. First aid kits are designed to manage all types of injuries including basic cuts, scrapes and burns. Save yourself money and keep a stocked first aid kit close by.
Accidents are unexpected – Being prepared can reduce panic and provide the necessary aid. Always check your inventory monthly to make sure your first aid kit is ready to use when the unexpected takes place.
Time is of the essence – A first aid kit is just that; “First Aid”. Having one ready provides temporary aid until you can get help. No kit means no immediate help. Precious time to respond can mean further injury, life or death.
Small injuries can become big injuries – The longer you wait for treatment, the more severe your injury can become. Immediate treatment can reduce risk.
Peace of mind – Being prepared, doing the right thing and even being able to help others when injury occurs is reason enough to want a first aid kit close by. (source)
Accidents happen when you least expect them, and being prepared is the ultimate way to combat them. Next time you’re scrolling through Airbnb listings, you might want to do some safety item research before you choose to book.
So Which is Safer Airbnb or Hotel?
With the rise of Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms, many people wonder if they are a safer option than hotels. While both have their pros and cons, there are some key factors to consider.
Hotels are well-regulated and have established safety protocols in place. Airbnb’s can vary widely depending on the location and the host’s safety practices. You never really know who you are renting from in an Airbnb.
So, if you’re considering booking a vacation rental, make sure to read reviews carefully, ask questions, and use common sense. Ultimately, both hotels and Airbnb can be safe options, as long as you do your due diligence and take necessary precautions.
