How to Prepare for and Prevent Apartment Fires

Apartment. Fire. Killed. Burned. You see the headlines once in a while and they send a wave of fear through you.

Although, the chances that an apartment fire could happen to you is very small, it is worth it for you to be prepared.

This article will give you steps you can take to prepare for and prevent apartment fires. You do not want those horrible headlines about apartment fires and people or animals being killed and burned to apply to you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Smoking Location

   BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU SMOKE - if you are a smoker or have any smokers over at your house. The best possible thing is to have them smoke outside.
   
   If you do smoke inside, NEVER smoke in your bed. Or in any position that you may fall asleep in. Medications and alcohol are more likely to make you drowsy. Be aware of this and try not to combine smoking with alcohol or medication when you are alone. Many apartment fires and people being killed and burned are due to falling asleep when smoking.
   
   **You may not only endanger your own life, but that of your neighbors.

2. 
   Wide, Deep Ashtray

   BE WISE WITH SMOKING MATERIAL - If you are a smoker or have smoker's over frequently, you will want to purchase an ash tray which reduces the possibility of spillage and therefore apartment fires.
   
   Choose an ashtray that is wide and deep.
   
   Whenever throwing away ashes, cigars, cigarettes or pipe material make sure it is fully extinguished. If you are unsure douse it in water. It is not worth it to be cavalier.

3. 
   Matches

   KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTERS AWAY FROM CHILDREN - Whether you smoke or not, it is very likely that you have matches and lighters at your home. Many apartment fires are caused by children playing with fire making materials. Unfortunately it may not just be possessions which are burned, but your beautiful children.
   
   First, you will need to keep your matches and lighters on a high shelf or in a cupboard where your children can not reach them.
   
   Secondly, in case your children DO find them, you need to educate them on fire safety. Teach them not only that they are NOT allowed to play with these things and why (apartment fire, burned, killed), but what to do if a fire starts. How to call for help, put the fire out if possible and escape.

4. 
   Power Outlet

   CHECK YOUR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS - Your power outlets should not be overloaded. If you use a power bar make sure it is approved. It is worth spending a few extra dollars to prevent an apartment fire.
   
   Make sure to check your electrical cords, plugs and outlets on a regular basis. Damaged or split cords are dangerous and need to be replaced. If an appliances cord feels warm, it needs to be discarded or replaced.

5. 
   Candles

   BE CAREFUL WITH CANDLES - Candles are a big culprit of apartment fires, but there are several things you can do to lower your risk.
   
   First, do NOT leave candles unattended (especially if you have children or pets).
   
   Second, keep the wicks trimmed, so that flames will be small and stable.
   
   Third, keep candles away from drapes or other flammable substances.
   
   Fourth, Make sure to use a safe candle holder. Do not put lit candles on surfaces which will be able to catch on fire.

6. 
   Fire Extinguisher

   BE CAUTIOUS WHEN COOKING - Although, cooking is something we do everyday, many apartment fires are caused by fires caused by cooking.
   
   The first thing you need to do is to educate yourself on how to put out fires when cooking. While most people would think to pour water on a fire, you should NEVER do this with a grease fire. Instead go for the baking soda and oven mitts. Pouring baking soda will smother the flames. Put the oven mitts on, slide a cookie sheet or lid over the pot and turn off the burner.
   
   If this does not work, you should always have a fire extinguisher near your kitchen, away from the stove. Learn how to use it. (See instructions in resource section below).
   
   Prevent fires when cooking by cleaning grease from stovetop regularly. Never use a BBQ inside a house and never leave grease cooking unattended.

7. 
   Inside of Smoke Alarm

   ALWAYS HAVE AT LEAST ONE FUNCTIONING SMOKE ALARM IN YOUR APARTMENT - A smoke alarm can make the difference between life and death. Most deaths are caused by smoke inhalation and a smoke alarm will detect the fire early on and give you a chance to escape.
   
   Check each month to make sure it is working properly. Change the batteries when you have to change your clock batteries.

8. MAKE AN ESCAPE PLAN - If for some reason you do have an aparment fire, it is imperative that you have a family escape plan.
   
   Decide upon a meeting place, assign jobs to each member of the family. For example: who is responsible for caring for elderly family members, children, pets or the disabled in your home. Make sure every family member knows at least two ways out of the building once you exit your apartment. Make sure adults know how to disable safety features leading to fire escapes.

9. GO OVER FIRE SAFETY FACTS - Your family needs to know survival techniques if ever stuck in a fire. Every member should know the following:
   
   - If you are in a building on fire, NEVER use an elevator. Always use the stairs.
   - Check doors before you open them. Stay low to the ground. If the door feels cool, open slowly and brace yourself against the door. If the door is warm or you see flames, keep the door shut. Block openings around the door and vents with bedding and towels.
   - If there is smoke, stay low to the floor and crawl.
   - If there is no smoke outside a window, open it and try to flag for help.
   - Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.
   - If your escape route is blocked by heavy smoke, you may want to return to your apartment. Many people are killed when trying to escape.

Resources

• Delta Fire Emergency Services - Great Tips
• How to Use a Fire Extinguisher