When hosting guests, often the first things that come to mind when planning are the decorations and items that make your guests go “wow”!

While the overall aesthetics of your property are important and help build your brand, so do the non-sexy items that pertain to safety.

Protecting your guests is as important as protecting yourself, and with these 10 tips, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your guests are safe in the event of an emergency.

1. Carbon Monoxide Detector
   
   Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because without a detector; you won’t find out about it until it’s too late. Recently, a family taking a trip to Mexico was found dead after staying at a vacation rental that had an unknown gas leak. Had the home been equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, their lives could have been spared!
   
   Make sure that you install these detectors outside of each bedroom but not in the kitchen or near fuel burning devices!

2. Fire Escape Ladder
   
   Over 75% of all fire deaths occur in homes and guests only have an average of two minutes to escape!
   
   Equipping your property with an escape ladder helps ensure that they can escape quickly and safely.

3. Fire Escape Kit
   
   Speaking of fire safety, did you know that 80% of deaths in a fire are caused by smoke-related injuries?
   
   By providing your guests with a fire escape kit, in the event of a fire, your guests will be able to escape without inhaling dangerous smoke and gases, and you’ll be provided with peace of mind.

4. First Aid Kit
   
   Accidents happen, which is why it’s important to have some first aid items at the ready for guests! You can either purchase a pre-made kit or make your own.
   
   Make sure you check periodically to ensure that everything is stocked and nothing has expired.

5. Flashlight
   
   Power outages occur from time to time and are always an inconvenience. The last thing you want is for your guests to be stuck in the dark unable to navigate their way around the property.
   
   Make sure you place a flashlight next to every bed so that in the event a power outage occurs, your guests will be able to quickly find them!
   
   Helpful tip: stash a few extra batteries along with them.

6. A Safe
   
   Most of the time, guests travel with valuables such as passports, IDs, cash and more! The last thing you want is to be accused of it being stolen if it gets misplaced, or it actually being stolen due to a robbery!
   
   By giving guests the option to utilize a safe, it keeps both your reputation and their valuables safe.

7. Emergency Phone Numbers
   
   In the event an emergency does occur, guests typically don’t know who to call right away!
   
   Clearly post a list of emergency contacts, so your guests know exactly who to reach out to in case of an emergency.

8. Outlet Plug Cover
   
   Not only are outlet plug covers cheap, but they’re also lifesavers, especially when it comes to small kids!
   
   Make sure you place one in each of the unused electrical outlets to keep everyone in the house safe from electrical shock.

9. Night Lights
   
   Every property has its tricky stairs or troublesome rugs that cause you trip from time to time.
   
   In the likely event that one of your guests has to get up in the middle of the night, night lights can be extremely helpful when walking around!

10. Tag Breaker Box Shutoffs
    
    Breaker boxes are extremely difficult to navigate, especially when they aren’t your own!
    
    In the event, a guest has to use it, make sure you tag each valve so they can easily identify the correct switch!

For a small investment in safety, you’re not only protecting yourself; you’re protecting your guests, which is something you can feel good about as a host!

Are there any other safety tips that we missed? Let us know in the comments below!