15 Apartment & Condo Fire Safety Tips

Do you and your family members know what to do in case of a fire emergency?  Have you ever done a fire drill at your apartment/condominium?  Maybe it is time to refresh your memory on fire safety tips – and be sure to remind your family members too!

Plan in advance and develop an escape route and a meeting place for your family, and practice it every few months.

How do I plan an emergency escape route?

1. Know where the closest exit door/stairway is.
2. Remember, NEVER use an elevator.
3. Plan B – Know where the second closest exit door/stairway if the first is unsafe.
4. Once everyone is in a safe area, count everyone and notify police or fire rescue if any people of pets are missing.

For assistance, meet with your building manager.

How can I avoid a fire emergency?

1. Check your smoke detectors every six months (start/end of daylight savings time).  Be able to recognize the sound of your smoke detector.  Replace batteries when necessary or at least once a year.
2. Never leave cooking unattended.
3. Check for electrical hazards regularly, such as worn electrical cords, faulty appliances and overloaded extension cords.
4. Never store flammable liquids in or near your home or vehicle.
5. Never use stairways or balconies for storage.
6. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
7. Never smoke in bed – it’s the #1 cause of fatal apartment/condominium fires.
8. Never leave lit candles unattended.
9. In a blackout, avoid using candles – flashlights are much safer.
10. Never leave electrical appliance such as irons & curling wands plugged in after use.
11. Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from flammables such as furniture, curtains, bedding, toys.
12. Never sleep with a portable heater still turned on.
13. Never use portable barbecues indoors.
14. Know where the closest fire extinguisher is, and how to use it.
15. Have a first aid kit and know how to use it.

If your apartment/condominium building manager has not mapped out an evacuation process – it’s time to get fire safety prepared!  For further assistance, South Florida residents/building managers should contact Boost Security to schedule a Fire Safety Evaluation & Resident Workshop.