What to Do if There’s a Fire in Your Apartment Building

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 a powerful lifesaver.

To prepare for a fire, you should think about how you would get out of the building long before the alarm rings. Know the fire safety features where you live. Your leasing office or property manager should also share insights. Occupants should all be aware of what it takes to keep the building as fire-safe as possible.

The threat is real

According to the National Fire Protection Association Journal, there were 95,000 apartment fires in 2017 — 19 percent of the structure fire total for the year. Sadly, 2,630 people died as a result of home fires that year.

Source: Reader's Digest

It's a good idea to be proactive. If you see a damaged smoke alarm or broken glass on a fire extinguisher case, don't ignore it. Let your apartment building maintenance team know right away.

If you notice smoke or a fire in your unit or building, follow these steps to stay safe.

1. Stay calm

There's a natural inclination to get out as soon as possible. But you could actually 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 your building's evacuation plan
• Practice an escape drill for your apartment. This is especially important if you have kids and/or pets. Determine a place outside where everyone should meet if you get separated.
• If a fire starts spreading, remember that your goal is to escape

2. 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.

3. If you have to leave, stay low to the ground

If you're in the thick of smoke, move quickly, covering your head and hair. Keep your head down (12- to 24-inches above the floor) and close your eyes as often as possible. Smoke and poisonous air can hurt more people than the actual flames do, so crawl low under smoke to your exit.

4. If you can't leave, stay where you are

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. Be sure to let them know where you think they are inside the apartment complex.

Toddler and pet rescue stickers can help firefighters

Source: Amazon

As part of your prep work, be sure to put a window cling or sticker on all entry doors or windows that say how many children or pets you have in your home. Don't leave anything up to chance. Stickers are a warning technique to let firefighters know there might be kids or animals trapped inside. You can buy these stickers online for just a few dollars.

Be sure that the rescue stickers you use come in a reflective material. This way, if a flashlight or other light shines on it, a firefighter will see it. It's a good idea to check with your property manager first to make sure you're allowed to hang stickers.

Renters insurance can help with damages

Depending on your renters insurance policy, fire damage is likely covered. It should be part of your policy's personal property loss coverage. If a fire makes your apartment uninhabitable, check your policy. It should have a loss-of-use provision to cover any of your extra living expenses. Ensure that smoke damage is also part of the policy.

Make fire safety a habit

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports that apartment fires are the result of everyday activities. Think cooking, heating, using appliances and electrical malfunctions. Keep an apartment fire safety guide close by for easy reference.

The threat of fire is constant. By developing safer habits you can help to reduce your risk. Always take precautions and have a fire action plan you can rely on.