Fire Safety

Apartment Fire Safety


Be Prepared For An Emergency


Smoke Alarms - YOU are responsible for maintenance and testing your smoke alarm and replacing batteries.

  • Check alarms monthly - by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm.
  • Change your batteries every six months. This is not necessary if your smoke detector is equipped with a 10 year lithium battery.
  • For smoke alarms with 10 year batteries, replace the ENTIRE alarm every 10 years.
  • NEVER disable a smoke detector.

Escape Plans

  • Have 2 unobstructed exits from every room.
  • Draw and practice your escape plan with other occupants.
  • Have an escape ladder if you are above the first story.
  • Always close doors behind you (to block build-up of smoke and stop spread of fire.)

Access Clear/Doors

  • Keep access to your apartment clear and storage away from doors and windows.
  • Keep all combustible storage out of stairwells.


Fire Lanes - it is CRITICAL for emergency resonders to have quick and unobstructed access to the entire complex. Areas marked Fire Lane or painted red/yellow curbs must remain unobstructed at all times.

  • Do not block fire hydrants.

Fire Extinguisher

  • Have an all purpose fire extinguisher available and know how to use it.

IN CASE OF FIRE
  • CALL 911
  • Always leave door closed between you and the fire
  • Escape
  • Pull fire alarm (if building is equipped with a fire alarm system)
  • Have and go to designated meeting spot for family outside
  • Direct emergency responders to incident

Top of Page

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Each year in the United States, Carbon Monoxide poisoning claims approximately 480 lives and sends another 15,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.

Carbon Monoxide is colorless, oderless, and toxic! Because it is impossible to see, taste, or smell carbon monoxide can kill you in your home before you are even aware of its presence.

Steps to prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  1. Heat Sources
  • Have your heating appliances, chimneys, and vents inspected each year. All appliances should be working and vented properly to allow gas to escape from enclosed areas.
  • Don't use kerosene or propane heaters in an enclosed area such as a recreational vehicle, camper, motor home, trailer, or tent.
  • Don't use a kitchen oven to heat your home, especially a gas oven.
  • Don't close the fireplace or wood/pellet stove damper before the fire is completely out.

   2.  Car Exhaust

  • Don't run the car engine in an enclosed or semi-enclosed area, such as a garage, even if the garage door is open.
  • Don't ride in the back of a pickup truck with a camper shell.

   3.  Cooking

  • Don't burn charcoal or use a grill indoors or in a recreational vehicle, camper, motor home, trailer, or tent.

   4.  Other Sources

  • Don't smoke cigarettes or be near someone who is smoking in a poorly ventilated room.
  • Don't use paint remover that contains methylene chloride. (Methylene chloride converts to carbon monoxide in the body.)

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

  • Headache
  • Nausea, vomiting (often seen in children)
  • Dizziness, Confusion
  • Fatigue, Drowsiness
  • Rapid breathing or pulse rate
  • Vision problems
  • Chest pain
  • Convulsions, Seizures
  • Loss of consciousness

A person who has mild symptoms usually does not even suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Early symptoms can mimic the flu, which can make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose.

Delayed symptoms or effects may include memory loss, changes in personality, disorientation, impaired reasoning ability, and behavioral or learning difficulties.

Prolonged exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide occurring over many days may result in death.

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if:

  • You have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, and carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.
  • A person has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and appears to be very confused or disoriented or complains of chest pain. Leave the area of exposure before calling.
  • A person is found unconscious following exposure to carbon monoxide. Take him or her out of the house, building, vehicle, or area where the gas is present.

Call your health care professional if:

  • You have any changes in vision, coordination, or behavior in the weeks following treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning.

If your carbon monoxide detector alarms:

  1. Tell everyone in the house or building to get out.
  2. Call the fire department or your local utility company from a nearby phone.
  3. Do not re-enter the home or building without the approval of a fire department represenative.

The fire department or utility company can check the carbon monoxide levels in the house or building and identify any problem. If high levels of carbon monoxide are found in the building, call and discuss the situation with your health care professional.

Top of Page

College Fire Safety

Facts:

In cases where fire deaths occured on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. Thier is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. In more than 50% of adult fire fatalities, victims were under the influence at the time. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgement and hampers evacuation efforts. Cooking is the leading cause of fire injuries on college campuses, closely followed by careless smoking and arson.

Causes of Dormitory Fires:

  • Improper use of the 9-1-1 notification system delays emergency response
  • Student apathy is prevalent. Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in thier environment.
  • Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
  • Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
  • Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarm and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
  • Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits and extension cords increase the risk of fires.

Safety Precautions:

  • Provide students with a program for fire safety and prevention.
  • Teach students how to properly use 9-1-1 to notify the fire department of an emergency.
  • Install smoke detectors in every dormitory room and every level of the housing facility.
  • Maintain and regularly test smoke alarms and fire alarm systems. Replace smoke alarm batteries every semester.
  • Regularly inspect rooms and buildings for fire hazards. Ask your local fire department for assistance.
  • Inspect exit windows and doors and make sure they are working properly.
  • Create and update detailed floor plans of buildings and make them available to emergency personnel, faculity advisors and students.
  • Conduct fire drills and pratice escape routes and evacuation plans. Urge students to take each alarm seriously.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords are used properly.
  • Learn to properly use and matain cooking and heating appliances.

For more information Contact: The U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emittsburg, MD 21727 or www.usfa.fema.gov

Top of Page

Deaf and Hard Hearing

Why you are at Risk!

  • Decreased hearing may impair your ability to take quick action during a fire emergency.
  • Depending on your physical limitations you may need help or assistance from a family member, neighbor, or other outside source such as a caretaker.

Install Smoke Alarms!

  • Contact your local fire department for information about purchasing a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
  • Install a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm on every floor of your home.
  • Test all alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once a year, preferred twice a year.

Don't isolate yourself!

  • Be sure to inform family members, building managers, or a neighbor of your fire safety plan and pratice it with them.
  • Contact your local fire department on an non-emergency number and explain your special needs. Your local fire department maybe able to help you plan and inspect your home and offer ideal placement for your smoke alarms.
  • Ask emergency providers to keep your special needs on file.

Plan your escape!

  • Practice your escape plan on a monthly basis. Pratice escaping out of each room.
  • Try and have at least two escape routes from every room in the home.
  • Make sure windows are not stuck, screens can be removed quickly, and security bars can be properly opened.

In case of FIRE!

  • If a fire occurs do not waste any time trying to save property, GET OUT IMMEDITALY!
  • If you must go through smoke, remember to crawl low, under the smoke and keep your mouth and nose covered.
  • Never open doors that are hot to the touch. Use the back of your hand to check for heat, Never use the palm of your hand.
  • Create a meeting place outside the building or home and take count of everybody. Once out, Stay Out!
  • Remember escape first then call the fire department using 9-1-1 or the proper emergency number in your area.

For more information please contact: The U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or visit on the web at www.usfa.fema.gov

Top of Page

Kitchen Safety

Steps to prevent fires in the Kitchen

  • Keep an eye on your cooking and stay in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of cooking fires.
  • Wear short or close-fitting sleeves. Loose clothing can catch fire.
  • Watch children closely. When old enough, teach children to cook safely.
  • Clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up.
  • Keep curtains, towels and pot holders away from hot surfaces and store solvents and flammable cleaners away from heat sources. Never keep gasoline in the house.
  • Turn pan handles inward to prevent food spills.

Putting out a cooking fire in your Kitchen

  • Call the Fire Department immediately. In most cases that is 9-1-1.
  • Slide a pan lid over flames to smother a grease or oil fire, then turn off the heat and leave the lid in place until the pan cools. Never carry the pan outside.
  • Extinguish other food fires with baking soda. Never use water or flour on cooking fires.
  • Keep the oven door shut and turn off the heat to smother an oven or broiler fire.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Make sure you have the right type and training.
  • Keep a working smoke detector in your home and test it monthly.

Manufactured Home Safety


Coming soon!!!

Top of Page

Preventing an Emergency

PREVENTION is the key to fire safety. Take care to prevent potential fire hazards in your home by observing the following:

Heating Equipment

  • When using baseboard heaters and portable heaters, provide a 36 inch cleanrance from combustibles
  • Never use charcoal or unvented appliances to heat your home
  • Chimneys and heating systems should be serviced annually

Smoking/Ashes

  • Use sturdy non-tip ashtrays
  • Never smoke in bed
  • Dispose of ashes, cigarette butts and briquettes in metal containers with lids
  • Charcoal briquettes can remain hot for several days

Cooking

  • To avoid catching your clothes on fire, wear clothing with tight-fitting, rolled-up , or short sleeves. Use oven mitts to handle hot pans
  • Never leave burners on with food unattended. Fats and grease are highly susceptible to ignition
  • Keep combustibles away from cooking surfaces

Matches/Lighters/Flammable Liquids

  • Keep these stored away from heat and where children cannot access them.
  • Kids + Matches = FIRE
  • Paints, gasoline, and thinners should never be stored indoors.
  • Oil soaked rags should be discarded in metal containers with lids to prevent spontaneous ignition
 
Safety Tips for Babysitters

Protect yourself and the children in your care by taking some simple precautions

Know how to escape!
Be familiar with the home and where ALL the exits are. Find out if the family has an escape plan and if so, where their outside meeting spot is. Discuss the escape plan with the children. -- (You cannot practice an escape plan too often!)


Put away matches and lighters!

Never leave children alone

In the kitchen...

Cook only with permission.
Only use back burners.
Do not cook wearing tops with loose sleeves.
NEVER! leave cooking unattended.

IF there is a fire -

Get out and stay out! - DO NOT GO BACK INSIDE.
Call the fire department - from a neighbors house.

If your clothes catch fire - STOP! DROP! ROLL!

Some things to keep handy while babysitting:

  1. Emergency Phone Number
  2. Number where parents can be reached
  3. Doctor's name and phone number
  4. The address of where you are babysitting
  5. Neighbors name and phone number
Remember - planning and prevention are the keys to fire safety. Follow these simple guidelines and you will be on the right road to protecting yourself and the children in your care. 

 
Special Needs

Why special needs are at risk!

  1. Decreased mobility, health, hearing, and sight may limit a persons ability to take quick action during an emergency.
  2. Depending on an individuals limitations many actions people take to protect themselves may require the help of a family member, neighbor, or other outside source such as a caretaker.

Have a safety plan!

  • Know at least two exits from every room in your house.
  • If you use a wheelchair or walker make sure you can fit through doorways and escape quickly without obstructions and have ramps installed where necessary.
  • Practice opening locked and barred windows and doors.
  • Involve the help of building managers, family members, neighbors, and trusted friends in practicing your escape plans.
  • Contact your local fire department on an non-emergency number and inform them of your special needs. They may be able to help you with your plan and do a home inspection and help with placing smoke alarms in ideal locations.
  • Ask emergency providers to keep your special needs on file in case of an emergency.
  • Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number if a fire does occur.

Install and maintain smoke alarms!

  • Have smoke alarms installed on every level of your home.
  • Test your smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries at least once a year it is preferred that they are changed twice a year.
  • People with special needs can contact their local fire department to find out about speciality smoke alarms which can include alarms with a vibrating pad or strobes for the deaf or visually impaired.

Safety at home!

  1. In the kitchen - Never approach an open flame with loose cloathing and don't leave cooking unattended.
  2. Use a timer to remind you of stuff in the oven.
  3. Heat cooking oils gradually and use extra caution when deep frying.
  4. Never throw water on a grease fire and Never use the oven to heat your home.
  5. If a fire breaks out in a pan cover it with a lid to put out the fire.
  6. Keep combustible objects away from open flames or heat sources.
  7. Never smoke in bed, near an oxygen source, gas stove or other flammable objects.
  8. Don't overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
  9. Take special precautions if you are on medication that makes you drowsy.
  10. Every night before you go to bed empty ashtrays into the toilet or a metal container free of any combustible material.

For more information please contact:

The U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or on the web at www.usfa.fema.gov   

Top of Page

Visually Impaired

Why you are at risk!

During a fire emergency the senses that you rely on may become overpowered from the fire incident which can slow your escape and evacuation of a building or home.

Install and maintain smoke alarms!

  • Make sure you have working smoke alarms installed on every floor of your home. You may want a friend or family member help you.
  • Remember to test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year, twice a year is preferred.
  • Audible alarms should pause between cycles so that the blind or visually impaired people can listen to instructions or voices of others.

Don't isolate yourself!

  • Speak to family members, building managers, or neighbors about your fire safety plan and pratice it with them.
  • Contact your local fire department on an non-emergency number and explain your special needs to them. They may be able to help you with your plan and preform a home inspection and help place smoke alarms in the ideal place.
  • Ask emergency responders to keep your special needs on file.

Live near an exit!

You'll be safest if you live on the ground floor in an apartment building. If you live in a multi-story home arrange to live on the first floor.

  • Being on the ground floor and near an exit will make escape a lot eaiser.
  • If necessary, have a ramp available for emergency exits.
  • Unless instructed by the fire department, Never use an elevator during a fire.
  • If you encounter smoke stay low to the floor to exit your house.
  • Once out, Stay Out! Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number in your area from your neighbor's home.

Be safe around the home!

  • When cooking, never approach a open flame while wearing loose clothing and don't leave cooking unattended. Use a timer to remind you of food in the oven.
  • Don't overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
  • Never use the oven to heat your home. Properly maintain chimmneys and space heaters.
  • Keep a phone near your bed and be ready to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number if a fire does occur.

For more information please contact:

The U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727 or visit on the web at www.usfa.fema.gov  

Top of Page