Tip 1: Use Caution While Cooking Food

The kitchen is the most common place to have a fire, and in some cases, it is caused by not using the proper precautions. Make sure to stay near to the stove while you are preparing a meal. While cooking, keep your clothing and hair away from the flames. If your apartment has a balcony or a patio, then follow the guidelines for barbecuing outside so that sparks don't land on fences or other flammable structures.

Tip 2: Make Sure that You Have a Working Smoke Detector

You should have at least one working smoking detector on each level of your apartment, and you should test the batteries in these items each week. For additional protection, you can install smoke detectors in other areas, and some of these devices have extra things to protect you, including bright lights to help you find emergency exits or systems that will notify a local fire station immediately.

Tip 3: Do You Need a Portable Fire Ladder?

If you live in a multistory building that doesn't have exterior fire stairs, then you should buy a portable fire ladder or escape tube. These devices are dropped from an apartment's balcony or out a window so that you and your family can escape from the fire. You should keep these devices near to the windows or balconies, and you must teach everyone how to use the items when a fire occurs.

Tip 4: Watch Burning Candles

You may want to have candles in your home to enjoy the fragrance from these items or to create a relaxing atmosphere. Candles are also essential during a power outage, but if you use these in an apartment, then you must watch the items carefully. Avoid leaving candles unattended, especially when you have children or pets.

Tip 5: Don't Block the Proper Flow of Air from Climate-control Equipment

An air conditioner or a furnace can overheat when it is covered with piles of stuff. Don't use a utility room in your apartment for storage because it will prevent the proper flow of the heated or cooled air. In addition, walk through your apartment to verify that the intake and outlet vents aren't covered with rugs or draperies.

Tip 6: Fire Safety Drills with Your Family

Apartment renters should have fire safety drills with a family at least once a month. In addition to knowing how to get out of an apartment, you should know how to leave a larger apartment building that has multiple doors and windows. Remember that when a real fire occurs, you may need to exit a building in a different way because there are flames in the area nearest to your apartment.

Tip 7: Maintain A Dryer's Exhaust System

If your apartment has a laundry area, then make sure to clean the dryer's exhaust system once a year. The plastic or metal exhaust hose can become filled with lint that can overheat and start a fire. In some cases, you can empty the hose, but if it is damaged, then you should replace it.

Tip 8: Don't Leave Burning Cigarettes Unattended

Check your lease to determine if smoking is permitted in your apartment. If smoking is permitted, then follow the guidelines about smoking in certain locations. At the same time, you shouldn't smoke cigarettes in bed or while reclining on a couch. You should have smokeless or fireproof ashtrays to prevent an accidental fire in your apartment.

Tip 9: Check Electrical Cords

Apartment renters should check the electrical cords on electronics and appliances to make sure that the items aren't frayed. It is often possible to buy a new electrical cord at a home improvement store to replace the frayed ones that can cause a fire.

Tip 10: Monitor Your Apartment's Space Heaters

If you use a space heater to stay warm in an apartment, then make sure that it is in good condition. Electric space heaters are less likely to cause a fire, but don't cover the items with blankets or piles of clothing.

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Periodically Test Your Fire Alarms

In a well-run apartment building, the maintenance staff should be regularly checking fire alarms. But it never hurts to take some additional steps yourself. First of all, make sure batteries are installed correctly and working. Additionally, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) suggests replacing fire alarms every ten years. The USFA also recommends:

• Testing fire alarms once a month by pushing the test button
• Confirming that a fire alarm is in every bedroom in your apartment
• Using interconnected alarms – meaning when one sounds, they'll all go off

Remove Potential Fire Hazards in Your Apartment

Err on the side of caution and do regular apartment inspections to look for potential fire hazards. Common culprits include:

• Real candles
• Hotplates
• Dryers with accumulated lint
• Outlets that are overloaded
• Extension cords used extensively throughout the apartment
• Space heaters

Let Maintenance Staff Know About Fire Safety Issues

Keep an eye out for some fire safety issues that may need attention in your apartment building. For instance, report any exit or stairway doors that have been propped open. Doors left open won't be able to block fire as residents escape. Also, report instances of:

• Fire extinguishers that are either not in their designated location or clearly damaged
• Burned out emergency lights
• Damaged or missing smoke alarms, including ones in your own apartment unit

Be Prepared for a Fire

While well-managed apartment buildings often take steps to prevent fires, there are times when the unexpected does happen. And if it does, time is critical. You'll need to get yourself and your family out of your apartment building as quickly and efficiently as possible. Be as prepared for such situations as possible by:

• Knowing where the nearest exit is from your apartment
• Learning your building's fire evacuation plan
• Creating an escape plan specific to your apartment – and practicing it to make sure it's practical and efficient

Stay Calm as You Exit Your Apartment

If there is an actual fire, the first thing to do is remain calm. Call 9-1-1 and tell them your apartment number and the building's address. Feel the door first before exiting your apartment. If it's cool to the touch, it's safe to open. Find the nearest and safest exit and leave the building. Just remember to stay low to the ground since smoke rises to higher levels. But avoid using elevators, even if they are working. Instead, use the nearest stairway. Should your apartment door be warm/hot to the touch, however, do not open it. Instead, take the following actions:

• Let the 9-1-1 dispatcher know you are unable to safely exit your apartment.
• Use towels, rags, or tape to block cracks under doors and to cover vents.
• Wait by an open window.
• Use a white or brightly colored towel, sheet, or cloth to serve as a signal for firefighters.

Should there come a point where you are able to safely get outside without having to wait to be rescued, do not go back inside. If you think there may still be other tenants in their apartments, let the firefighters know.

January is the top month for apartment fires, and the most common time for fires to occur is between 3 and 10pm. Even so, it's best to be proactive about apartment fire safety at all times. Doing so will allow you to take advantage of the many benefits of apartment living with one less thing to worry about.

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