Apartment Fire Safety

Whether you in a high rise condominium or a 2-story apartment building, there are steps you can take to remain safe from a fire.

If you hear the building fire alarm, take it seriously. Every second delayed wastes valuable time needed to escape. For this reason, developing and practicing a home escape plan with all residents is so important. If a fire starts in your building you must know how to get out quickly. Don't wait to find out the severity of the situation. Your home escape plan should include two ways to exit out of your apartment and a designated, outside meeting place away from the building.

Remember to not use the elevator during a fire emergency. If you are unable to use the stairs, stay in your apartment and call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher where you are and ask for help. If the fire is in your unit, quickly go to the stairwell, pull the fire alarm, and wait on the stair landing for help.

Fire Safety Checklist

1. Baseboard and portable heaters are away from anything that can burn; furniture, curtains, papers, clothing, etc.
2. The fireplace is equipped with a sturdy metal screen. The chimney is checked before each heating season and repairs are made as necessary.
3. Extension cords and multi-plug adapters are used as little as possible. Extension cords are not tacked to walls, under rugs or through doorways.
4. Cooking food is never left unattended while on the stove or in the oven. If you have to leave the kitchen for a short time while cooking, set a timer or take something with you to remind you that the stove or oven is on.
5. The stove and oven are kept clean of grease and spilt food. In the event of a fire, you know that the best response is to put a lid over the flames.
6. Matches, lighters and other smoking materials are kept out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
7. Always place candles in non-tip candleholders before you light them. Keep them out of the reach of children. Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed, as unattended candles start many fires each year.
8. No smoking in bed is a rule in your home. Drowsy or medicated people may forget lit materials and start a fire.
9. Be sure Smoke alarms are installed on a ceiling or high on a wall outside of the bedroom(s) on each level of your home.
10. Once a year you install new batteries in your smoke alarms and you test them once each month.
11. Be sure your family knows what to do if there is a fire. Prepare an Escape Plan and have a Home Fire Drill so your family can practice their escape.