How to Keep Your Apartment Safe From Fire Hazards

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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There are many things you can do to keep your apartment safe from fire hazards. Take the following steps to prevent fires in your home.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Fireproof Storage Units
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Smoke Detectors
Fire Extinguishers
Combination Smoke/carbon Monoxide Detectors

Step1

Check all electrical wires and cords in your apartment to make sure they aren't frayed. Dispose of all broken electrical appliances.

Step2

Avoid using extension cords - use junction boxes with built-in ground fault interrupters (GFIs) instead. If there's a surge or short in the appliance, wiring or plug, the GFI will shut down the power.

Step3

Make sure matches and lighters are kept out of the reach of children. Put them in high places where tiny hands can't get to them.

Step4

Keep cigarettes away from children as well, and keep big ashtrays around for people who smoke. Make sure no one ever smokes in bed, and check the areas where a smoker has been sitting for dropped cigarettes and ashes.

Step5

Don't store flammable agents such as gasoline in your apartment or garage.

Step6

Avoid overloading a balcony with stuff. Piles of furniture, plants, toys and junk can be good places for fires to start without anyone noticing right away. A balcony fire also blocks an escape.

Step7

Leave fire doors closed. In the event of a fire, a closed fire door can save many apartments from becoming damaged by not allowing the fire to spread.

Tips & Warnings

Learn the fire escape locations in the building when you move in.
Remember to never take an elevator during a fire - always take the stairs.
If a smoke detector goes off, you literally have seconds to respond. There is absolutely no time to gather possessions, pets and possibly even each other. Your best response is to leave the apartment immediately, gather at a prearranged meeting place and call 911 from a neighbor's home.
Never go back into the apartment once you've escaped from the fire.