Apartment Building Fire Awareness
The question was posed to me the other day by a resident that lives in an apartment, "What can I do to help prevent fires in my building?" This can be a daunting task, because those that live in an apartment building are depending on others to be fire safe. One of the most important things you can have is a smoke detector in the sleeping areas, or adjacent to them. The building management must provide these items. Test your smoke detectors monthly. The batteries need to be replaced at least once a year.
Exit lights should be intact and working. If they are not, notify the manager. Exit ways should be clear of debris, trash and other obstructions, such as snow. Stairwell doors should never be blocked open as these keep flames and smoke from spreading if there is a fire.
If you hear the building alarm, react immediately. Do not take time to remove personal items. If you are the one to discover the fire, pull the building alarm so that others are alerted. If you can, close doors to confine the fire. Call 911 from a safe location.
If you have special needs that prevent you from exiting the building by the stairwells, as the building manager to post your name and room number at the fire alarm panel or in the manager's office. This will help make firefighters aware of your situation.
Every unit should have a fire escape plan and every resident should practice their plan. Know at least two ways out of your building. Feel doors before you open them. If they are hot, do not open them and go to your second exit. Be sure to close all doors as you evacuate, including your apartment door. Always use the stairs when evacuating, and elevators should not be used because they could take you right to the floor of the fire. Choose a meeting place outside and away from the building. Make sure that your entire family knows where the meeting place is and that they know to go there immediately when they evacuate. Once you are outside, stay outside.
If you cannot evacuate due to smoke or fire, find a room where you can close doors and windows to make a smoke free environment. Call 911 and report your location and situation. Use towels or clothing to block openings around doors and vents where smoke might enter. Put a wet cloth over your mouth and nose. If smoke does enter your unit, stay low to the floor to breathe the best air.