Special hazards that affect people who live
in apartments:
Often, there is only one way in or out---no back door.
Stairways are often built entirely of wood.
If the stairwell or walkway is on fire, you may not be able to exit through
the front door.
Congested parking can mean blocked fire hydrants
and/or blocked fire lanes. (A ladder truck can be 8 to 9-feet wide and 50-feet
long. A blocked fire lane can slow down response time.)
An apartment building is, in effect, a very
densely populated neighborhood. (If the downstairs or next-door apartment
is on fire, it can spread quickly to adjoining apartments in a matter of
minutes.)
Without properly working smoke alarms, it
make take a long time before you find out that another part of the apartment
building is on fire. Consequently, this could cut your chances of getting
out of the building alive.
Tips for Living Safely in Apartment Buildings
Make sure you have smoke alarms that work.
The Fire Code requires working smoke alarm(s) in every apartment unit. Existing
apartments require smoke alarms in the hallway outside sleeping areas. Newly
constructed apartments now require them IN the sleep room, as well. Remember
to check the batteries once a month, and replace the batteries once a year.
The apartment complex is required to have
a fire extinguisher within 75-feet travel distance.
If extinguishers are not provided outside the apartments, then each apartment
is required to have one.
The Fire Code states that no person shall
use fixed or portable barbecues in or under any attached covered patios,
balconies, covered walkways or roof overhangs.
When in use, barbecues should be located on ground level and be a minimum
of 5-feet from buildings, structures, covered walkways or roof overhangs.
Don’t park in front of fire hydrants and
don’t park in fire lanes.
Respecting the fire restrictions may literally save your life. When friends
visit, be sure to remind them to park only in appropriate parking areas.
Never leave smoking materials burning.
Never smoke in bed.
In 2001, the most common cause of apartment fires was careless disposal
of smoking materials.
Have a fire escape plan. Practice it.
Know at least two ways to get out of your apartment. Pick a family meeting
place outside the apartment building. Don’t use elevators (they may take
you right into the fire.)
Make sure there’s a number on your apartment
door.
If there isn’t, contact management.
Keep a copy of your apartment number and
apartment building number, inside your apartment, near the phone.
The information will then be handy for babysitters, and it will be there
if you panic.
Complex owners and managers need to be
sure gated driveways are accessible to firefighters.
75-percent of multi-housing complexes are now gated. Work with the fire
department to make sure access requirements are met.
Don’t run extension cords under carpets
or from unit-to-unit.
They can easily overheat. Extension cords are for temporary use only. They
are not to be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
Get acquainted with the elderly folks in
your building.
If there’s a fire, they may have extra difficulty getting out. You may be
able to help them, or you can direct firefighters to the elderly person’s
apartment.
What to Do if There’s a Fire
Once out – STAY OUT! Do not go back in for ANY reason.
Call 9-1-1 from a safe location.
Give the dispatcher as much accurate information as
you can.
Get out of the apartment.
Use your fire escape plan. Go to the designated family
meeting place.
Try to let neighbors know to get out. Help elderly
folks or families who have many children.
Have someone meet the fire trucks when they arrive, if
it can be done safely.
Keep the fire lanes open.
If you can’t get out, use a mobile phone to stay in
touch with 9-1-1 dispatchers. Shine a flashlight or wave a sheet out the
window to alert firefighters that you’re trapped.
Stay calm.
Finally, swimming pools pose a separate hazard for people
who live in apartment complexes. Pools must be fenced, and the gates must
close and latch on their own. If children use the pool, an adult must always
be inside the gate, in the pool area, constantly watching the children.
