Seven tips that could save your life in an apartment fire

[guest]

Okay, first things first…

If a fire starts in your apartment, evacuate with your family, close the door behind you and pull the fire alarm to alert other occupants. Use the stairs, not the elevator, and call 9-1-1 when you are in a safe place. Stay on the line with the dispatcher and provide as much information as possible.

But, what if you are in your unit and you simply hear the alarm? Then you should know these tips for evacuating your building in an emergency:

1. First, feel the door for heat, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. Stay in your unit if there is smoke or a hot draft in the hallway. Evacuate only if it is safe to do so. Take the stairs and do not take the elevator.
   
2. Sheltering in place is safer than heading into a smoke-filled hallway. Place a rolled up wet towel at the base of the door to block smoke from entering your unit.
   
   High occupancy buildings, or high-rises, are designed with fire-resistant materials that keep the fire from spreading quickly from one unit to another. These safeguards often make sheltering in place the safest option.
   
3. Call 9-1-1, advise the dispatcher what unit you are in and wait for instructions. Do not hang up until advised to do so. Firefighters are equipped to come to your unit and evacuate you safely.
   
4. If smoke or fire conditions reach your unit, make your way to a balcony and call 9-1-1. If you do not have a balcony, make your way to the closest window to access clean air. Call 9-1-1 and make yourself visible to crews.
   
5. If you can safely evacuate, please close all doors behind you to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Oxygen fuels fires, so closing doors can help stop its growth. Also, closed doors offer additional protection from smoke or heat damage.
   
6. Call 9-1-1 as soon as it is safe to do so. Dispatch staff will ask questions to help best locate the incident and assess the conditions surrounding the emergency. Remain calm, answer the dispatcher’s questions and stay on the line until advised to hang up.
   
7. If you have a disability or limited mobility, you should register with your building’s maintenance staff as soon as possible. A list of residents requiring assistance is included in the Fire Safety Plan for buildings.

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