Every resident of an apartment building or high-rise should plan to be fire safe; it's everyone's responsibility. Follow the important fire safety and prevention tips below so you will be better prepared for a fire. Planning ahead for a fire could save your life.

• Familiarize yourself with the layout of your floor, including the location of all stair exits and the location of fire alarm boxes (if your building has them).
• Know the number of doors between your apartment and the exit. You may need to find your exit in the dark.
• Keep your apartment key in an easily accessible place. If you are forced to leave because of fire, take your key with you because you may need to re-enter your apartment and wait for firefighters if your exits are blocked.
• Be sure to maintain all smoke detectors in your apartment. Test them at least once a month and change their batteries twice a year.
• Report any fire hazards, like piled up trash or blocked exits, to your building's superintendent. If your superintendent doesn't correct the problem, report the condition to your local fire department.
• Cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires so take care when in the kitchen. Put a lid on grease fires, never use water. And never leave cooking unattended.

• Get everyone out, making sure to crawl low under smoke as you go.
• Close, but don't lock all doors as you leave.
• Knock on doors to alert your neighbors of the fire.
• Activate the fire alarm if your building has one.
• Make your way to the nearest stairway and proceed down.
• Call the fire department from a floor below the fire or from outside the building.
• Do not re-enter the building until the fire department gives you the okay.

Before trying to leave your apartment, be sure to feel the door with the back of your hand. If the door feels warm, do not try to open it. Stay in your apartment.

• Seal your door and any other openings with wet towels, sheets, or tape.
• Turn off your air conditioner to keep smoke from entering your apartment.
• Fill your bathtub with water so you can wet down the front door if it gets hot.
• Call the fire department to give them your exact location. Do this even if you see firefighters on the street below.
• If there are no flames or smoke coming from below, open your window at the top and bottom, but do not break it. You may need to close it later.
• Remain calm and wait for firefighters.

Hotel Fire Safety

Vacations are supposed to be a wonderfully relaxing time, but they can quickly become disastrous if there is a fire. Follow these important fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe on your next vacation.

• When making your reservations, inquire about the property's smoke detectors and fire sprinklers.
• Be sure to pack a flashlight in your suitcase. Fire quickly turns very dark with thick smoke and a flashlight can come in handy.
• When you arrive, learn where the exits are and locate the two exits from your floor before you even enter your room. Count the number of doors between your room and the exits. You may need to find the exits in the dark if there is a fire.
• Check the phone in your room for instructions on how to report an emergency.
• Study the window and air conditioner system in your room. Make sure you know how to turn the A.C. off in the event of a fire to keep smoke out of your room.

Don't let fire start!

Follow these important fire safety tips:

• Test your smoke alarm once a month.
• Never leave cooking unattended and keep all pot handles pointed toward the back of the stove.
• Never use water on a grease fire.
• Check electrical cords for frayed wires.
• Keep matches and lighters in a safe place where children cannot reach them.
• Never smoke in bed.
• Keep paint, varnishes, and other flammables in sealed, airtight containers.
• Plan and practice your fire exit drill with your family.
• Never re-enter a burning building!

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