Home and Apartment Fire Safety
Most fires begin in the home. Whether the home is a single-family house or an apartment building, there are basic precautions you can take to prevent fires, including cooking fire safety. Everyone in the home should have a plan and be prepared to respond quickly if they discover a fire.
During the colder months of the year and especially over the holidays, the risk of home fires can also increase with use of candles, decorations and home heating. These Winter Safety Tips can help your family remain safe.
Home Fire Safety
- Every family member should be included in the plan. Young and old may need help to escape.
- Mark two ways out of every room and Include windows.
- Pick an outside meeting place for everyone to gather.
- Practice your plan, especially with children. Make sure everyone can hear and recognize the sound of the smoke alarm.
- Fire spreads quickly. Get out fast and stay out.
- If possible, close doors to confine the fire.
- If you encounter smoke, crawl under it to your exit.
- Go to the meeting place and call 911 as quickly as possible.
- Once out, stay out. Do not go back for anything.
If You Can't Escape
- If smoke or fire blocks your first exit, try your second escape route.
- If you can’t escape, you will need to seek refuge inside a room with a window.
- Close all doors between you and the fire. Use towels or bedding to seal the door cracks to keep smoke from coming in.
- If possible, call 911 to report your exact location.
Apartment Fire Safety
Whether you live 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.
Information and guidelines on multi-residential building safety for property managers, owners and homeowners associations can be found in the Fire Safety Handbook for Multi-Residential Buildings.