Fire Safety for Apartment Buildings

The U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, recommends taking the following steps to keep safe if you live and/or work in a high-rise building.

Be Prepared

• NEVER lock or obstruct a fire exit, doorways, halls, or stairways. Fire doors provide a safe way out during an emergency and slow the spread of fire and smoke.
• Never prop a fire door open.
• Learn your building’s evacuation plan.
• Make sure everyone knows what to do if the fire alarm flashes.
• Plan and practice your escape plan together.
• Be sure your building manager posts evacuation plans in high-traffic areas such as lobbies and hallways.
• Learn the flashes of your building’s fire alarm
• Post emergency numbers near all telephones.
• Make sure you know who is responsible for maintaining the fire safety systems.
• Make sure nothing blocks the fire safety systems, and promptly report any sign of damage or malfunction to the building manager.

Do Not Panic

• Do not assume someone else has called the fire department.
• Immediately call your local emergency number. Early notification of the fire department is vital.
• Stay calm, and give the dispatcher the information they ask for.

Do Not Open a Door That Is Warm to the Touch

• Feel the door with the back of your hand. If it feels warm, do not attempt to open it.
• Stay in your apartment or office.
• Stuff the cracks around the door with towels, rags, bedding or tape, and cover vents to keep out smoke.
• If you can, call the fire department again to tell them exactly where you are, even if you can see the emergency services outside.
• Wait at a window and signal for help with a flashlight or by waving a sheet.
• If you can, open the window but DO NOT break it. You may need to close it again if smoke comes in.
• Be patient. Rescuing all the occupants of a high-rise building can take time.

Once You Are Outside

• STAY OUT! Do not go back inside for any reason.
• Inform the fire department if you know of anyone else still in the building.
• Go back inside only if the fire department tells you it is safe.

Maintain And Install Working Smoke Alarms

• Always install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Test them monthly, and change the batteries at least once a year