Fire-protection Tips for Apartment Dwellers

Maintain your own smoke alarms and don’t use rechargeable batteries.

Remember, knowing how to get out quickly and safely could mean the difference between life and death. People who die in fires generally succumb to poisonous smoke and intense heat, not flames.

If a fire happens in your unit:

1. Remain calm and exit your unit.
2. Take your key and close the door behind you.
3. Activate the closest fire alarm, which should be located by the exit stairs.
4. Leave the building via the exit stairwell. Never use the elevators during a fire.

If the building fire alarm sounds:

1. Before opening your unit door, use the back of your hand and touch the top of the door and around the door handle. If it feels hot or warm, do not open the door. An indication of heat means there could be a fire behind the door.
2. If the door is cool to the touch, brace your foot and shoulder against the door and open it slightly.
3. If you see smoke, do not enter the hallway; stay in your unit. Follow the procedures below for when your path is blocked by smoke.
4. If the hallway is clear of smoke, exit your unit and close the door behind you.
5. Never use the elevators during a fire. Go to the nearest exit stairwell. Using the same procedure as mentioned above, check the door for heat before you open it slightly.
6. If you see smoke, do not go this way. Use another exit. Close the door tightly and go to the second exit stairwell. Most buildings have an exit stairwell at both ends of the hall. Before you open the door, again check for heat and check the stairwell for smoke.
7. If the stairwell is clear of smoke, enter it, and close the door tightly behind you.
8. Go down the stairs and exit the building.

When your exit is blocked by smoke of fire, or you are physically unable to exit the building, you should:

1. Remain calm.
2. Keep your unit door closed, but unlock it.
3. Seal the door jam completely with duct tape and place a wet towel across the bottom. This will prevent smoke from seeping into your unit.
4. Call 911 and tell them your location. Advise them that there is an emergency situation in your building and you are unable to evacuate. The 911 operator will give you further instructions.

If smoke has already entered your unit, you should:

1. Remain calm and keep low, below the smoke.
2. Call 911 and tell them your location and that you are trapped by smoke.
3. If you have a balcony, stay low and go outside onto it. Close the balcony door behind you. You can remain on your balcony only if there is no fire below your unit.
4. If you don't have a balcony or can't get to it, go to a window and open it fully.
5. Hang a towel or blanket out the window so the fire department will know you’re trapped.
6. Stay low and wait for rescue.

Propane barbecues on apartment balconies

Many leases will not allow propane barbecues to be used or stored on apartment balconies or anywhere in the building. This is due not only to the potential safety hazards but the possible soot and smoke annoyance to others.

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