Within minutes, small flames can spread and grow
into a deadly fire. Preparation is a great way to
help reduce the risk of panic in any emergency.
Experts say to be quick, but also be in control.
And while a blaring alarm system can be nerve-
wracking, it also acts as a powerful lifesaver.
Two Most Important Guidelines:
If the fire is in your apartment, CALL 911 and
let them know where you are in the building.
GET OUT of your apartment. Use the safest
stairway exit.
If the fire is NOT in your apartment, STAY PUT!
Wet towels under your door will impede smoke.
Be Proactive If you see a damaged smoke alarm or
broken glass on a fire extinguisher case, don’t ignore
it. Let the maintenance office know right away. It’s a
good idea to be proactive and if you see something,
say something.
If you notice smoke or a fire in your unit or building,
follow these steps to stay safe.
Call 911 If you see or smell smoke, call 911. Let
them know where you are in the building. If you’re
in a massive building on fire, your location can help
firefighters get to you if you’re unable to get out on
your own.
First responders say that if your apartment is not
threatened, you should stay put.
Be sure to put wet towels, rags, bedding or tape
under your doors. And cover any vents in your
apartment to help limit smoke from coming in.
No matter what, don’t break a window and don’t
try to jump out of your apartment. Wait for first
responders to arrive.
If you’re outside of the building, don’t go in. Wait
until firefighters tell you it’s safe to go back before
returning home. If you think a neighbor or pets
are still inside the apartment building, tell the
firefighters.
Stay calm There’s a natural inclination to get
out as soon as possible. But you could be putting
yourself in more danger trying to do that. If the fire
has spread, it could be a no-win choice.
Fire safety begins with you. Be prepared for how
you’ll react and protect yourself, your kids and pets.
It’s critical to know the location of exits on your
floor. If one is blocked due to smoke and fire, you
should know what your alternative options are.
Some basic fire safety prep on your part includes:
▪ Don’t exit your apartment without your keys.
If you have to turn back because of flames in
the hallway and smoke in the stairwell, or a
blocked entry, you need your key to get back
into your apartment.
▪ Always check a doorknob before opening it.
Heat is an indicator of a blaze behind the door.
Knowing how to tell if a door is safe to open
during a fire could save your life.
▪ Know where all the exit doors and stairs are on
your floor
▪ Never take an elevator. If the stairs are a clear
and safe option, use them.
▪ Get down low if there’s smoke in a hallway,
it will be easier for you to breathe if you stay
lower down to the ground
▪ Be sure to count the number of doors there are
between your apartment and the nearest fire exit
▪ Learn the building’s evacuation plan
▪ Determine a place outside where everyone
should meet if you get separated
▪ If a fire starts spreading in your apartment, remember that your
goal is to escape