Apartment Fire Safety Checklist

    Apartment fire safety begins with a plan!

    If you live in an apartment or condominium you need to know how to get out quickly if a fire starts. Follow these steps to stay safe.

    Building Fire Safety

    • Don’t prop open exit or stairway doors. These are installed to slow the spread of heat and smoke if there is a fire.
    • Speak to your apartment manager if you see a damaged smoke alarm, fire extinguisher or an emergency light that has burned out.

    Be Prepared

    • Count the number of doors there are between your apartment and the nearest fire exit.
    • Memorize the number in case you have to find the exit in the dark.
    • Know where all the exit doors and stairs are on your floor.
    • Learn your building evacuation plan if you have one. Create and practice an escape plan for your own apartment.

    Stay Calm

    • If your door feels warm to the touch, do not attempt to open it. Call 9-1-1 and tell the
      dispatcher your apartment number and that you can’t open your door.
    • Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding, or tape. Cover vents.
    • Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or by waving a white cloth.
    • If your apartment door is cool to the touch, open it slowly. Stay low and check for smoke or fire in the hallway. If the hallway is safe, follow your building’s evacuation plan.
    • Never use an elevator to escape a fire. Always use the stairs.

    Wait Outside for the Fire Department

    • Stay outside. Do not go back inside for any reason.
    • If you think someone is still inside, tell firefighters where you think they are.
    • Wait until firefighters tell you it’s safe to go back inside.

    Source for Content: U.S. Fire Administration 

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