"Prevention is Vital! It
is the best insurance against fire."
Index:
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What causes most Apartment fires?
- Cooking/kitchen fires.
- Heating equipment such as stoves or space heaters.
- Smoking materials are a major cause of fatal apartment fires.
- Arson, including child fire play.
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How is my apartment
building different from other homes?
- Fire safety is everyone's responsibility. Every resident should
plan to be safe.
- Since most high-rise buildings are constructed of fire resistant
materials and contain enclosed stairwells, fires are generally
confined to individual rooms or apartments, furnishings or possibly
one floor.
- Wood frame buildings up to 4 stories in height have either enclosed
stairwells, or older buildings may have external fire escapes.
- Stairwell doors are fire doors that must be closed at all times
to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and poisonous gases.
- An apartment or high-rise fire is no cause for panic. If you
plan ahead and practice fire drills, your chance of survival are
greatly increased.
Ensure your building has fire safety plans, including floor plans
and evacuation procedures. Fire safety plans should be posted and
visible. If they are not, contact the landlord or building manager.
Take the time to review and learn your building's fie safety plan. |
How will I know if there
is a fire?
- Your building should be equipped with smoke detectors and other fire
alarm components.
- Learn to recognize the sound of the fire alarm, and leave the building
immediately when you hear it. Never ignore the alarm, as fire may be
present in any part of the building.
- It is recommended that every dwelling have a smoke alarm outside each
sleeping area and on every level of the home. For maximum protection
install a smoke alarm in every bedroom,
- Test smoke alarms monthly and for battery operated smoke alarms change
the batteries at least one a year. Clean smoke alarms at least once
every six months by gently vacuuming the exterior. Smoke alarms should
be replaced at least every ten years.
What's the plan for my building?
- Floor plans and evacuation procedures should be posted on every floor.
Take time to learn them.
- Develop and practice your fire safety plan. Know the two quickest
and safest ways out of your building.
- Designating and training a fire warden on each level of the building
is recommended to ensure safe evacuation and ongoing safety programs.
- Have a fire drill at least once a year, but practice your escape plans
regularly. Coordinate practice drills with neighbours, fellow workers,
the floor warden, and the building manager.
- Someone should be assigned to assist people with disabilities who
may need assistance to evacuate safely.
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How do I escape
from the fire?
- Get out quickly and safely.
- If and announcement can be heard over your
building's public address system, listen carefully and follow
directions.
- Check doors before opening them. Stay low behind
the door, reach up and feel the door ab\nd door handle for heat.
If the door feels cool, brace yourself against
it and open it slowly. If safe, leave the building and go directly
to your meeting place. If you encounter smoke, crawl low under
the smoke. Cleaner air is down low near the floor.
- If the door feels warm, or if you see smoke
or flames on the other side of the door, shut the door and stay
in your apartment. Protect yourself by sealing the openings around
the door and vents with bedding or towels. Call the fire department
using the local emergency number to notify them of your location.
If there is no smoke outside a window, open it and signal for
help. Never go to the roof as you may become trapped with no means
of escape or protection.
- Never use elevators in a fire! Use the stairways
and close all doors behind you to slow the spread of fire and
smoke.
- Once you are out of the building go directly
to your planned meeting place. Do not re-enter the building. Ensure
9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number has been called.
- In a hotel fire, be sure to take your room key with you. You
may encounter smoke and need to re-enter your room for safety.
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Is there anything else
I need to know?
- Be careful with smoking materials. Large, deep, sturdy ashtrays are
best. Soak smoking materials with water before discarding. Check furniture
and cushions for dropped matches and cigarettes. Never smoke in bed.
Smokers must remember that alcohol and medications can make you less
alert.
- Keep matches and lighters high on a shelf or in a cupboard where children
can't get them.
- Never leave cooking food unattended. If a pan catches on fire, use
a pot holder or oven mitt and slide a lid or cookie sheet over the flames
and turn off the burner.
- Keep space heaters at least 1 metre (3 feet) from combustibles.
- Replace worn or damaged electrical cords. Do not overload electrical
outlets. Use an approved power bar/electrical receptacle for additional
electrical cords.
- Do not store flammable liquids (gasoline) or compressed gases (propane)
in your building, car or storage locker.
- Do not use balconies for storage. This can block a means of escape,
as well as become a target for arsonists.
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Delta Fire Dept.
