Apartment Fire Safety

People & places

People living in an apartment building need to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire. It is important to know the fire safety features in your building and work together with neighbors to help keep the building as fire-safe as possible.

Overview

If you live in an apartment or condominium you need to know how to get out quickly if a fire starts. Here is what you need to know about apartment living and fire safety.

Building Fire Safety

Don’t prop open exit or stairway doors.
Speak to your apartment manager if you see a damaged smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, or an emergency light that has been burned out.

Be Prepared

Count the number of doors between your apartment and the nearest fire exit.
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 specific 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.
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 and stay low as you check for fire and smoke 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 is safe to go back into the apartment structure.