How to Keep Your Apartment Safe From Fire Hazards

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.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.