How Monthly Safety Tips at MiSTRA Meetups Can Help You Stay Ahead of Risk
If you’ve attended one of MiSTRA’s monthly virtual meetups, you know that we like to kick off each session with a quick but important safety tip, shared by our dedicated Co-Founder and Vice President, Jen.
And over the past couple of months, these tips have sparked some great conversations — and a few valuable reminders for all of us managing short-term rentals.
The Locked Grill: A Simple, Smart Fix
A few months ago, Jen shared a striking photo: the melted siding of one of her properties, damaged when guests moved the outdoor grill too close to the house.
Her takeaway? Don’t assume guests will follow common-sense practices.
After that experience, Jen added a chain to secure the grill permanently in its safe position — a small action that could prevent future damage (or worse, a fire). It’s a great example of the practical, low-cost steps hosts can take to reduce risk.
Fire Pits & Fire Rings: It’s More Than Just Ambience
At last month’s meetup, Jen turned her focus to fire safety tips for those of us with fire pits or fire rings — a favorite amenity that also carries real risk.
That discussion reminded everyone of our obligations as hosts:
- Ensure guests understand the risks — even if fire pits are allowed locally, guests often come from areas where outdoor fires aren’t common.
- Communicate local requirements — in some places, safety practices like keeping a bucket of water or extinguisher nearby are legally required; in others, it’s simply smart.
- Follow basic fire safety guidelines:
- Open fires should be at least 10-25 feet away from any structure, depending on local code.
- Check weather conditions — wind and dry weather can quickly turn a cozy fire into a dangerous one.
- Provide clear written instructions and visible reminders for safe fire use.
- Open fires should be at least 10-25 feet away from any structure, depending on local code.
The key takeaway? If you provide an amenity that involves risk, you also take on the responsibility of ensuring guests can use it safely.
Dryer Vents: The Unexpected Fire Hazard
That fire safety conversation then took a surprising turn: one attendee shared the story of a couple who experienced two dryer vent fires — one at their primary residence, and again at the temporary home they were staying in during repairs.
While that may sound unlikely, dryer vent fires are one of the most common (and preventable) home fire hazards.
As STR operators, we need to:
- Have dryer vents professionally cleaned at least annually (more often for high-use properties).
- Ensure cleaners check and empty the lint trap after every guest stay.
- Consider adding signage reminding guests to do the same, especially for longer stays.
It’s easy to overlook maintenance items like this when juggling guest turnover and operations — but consistent attention here can help avoid a catastrophic outcome.
Final Thought: Building a Culture of Proactive Safety
These kinds of conversations are part of what makes our MiSTRA community special: we learn from one another’s experiences, and we share actionable tips that can make all of us better operators.
Operational excellence isn’t just about maximizing revenue — it’s also about managing risk thoughtfully and consistently.
So next time you’re at a MiSTRA meetup, take that first 5 minutes seriously — one good safety tip might save you thousands of dollars, protect your guests, or even save a life.
And if you’ve got a safety tip or a story that could help others? Bring it to our next meetup. We’d love to hear it.