Amazing views and amenities that include modern appliances and access to a fitness center are some of the many pleasant perks that can make apartment living appealing. But there are times when you'll need to be prepared for unexpected situations, like a fire. Just from 2010-15 alone, more than 100,000 apartment fires resulted in nearly $2 million worth of damage and in excess of 4,000 injuries. Improve your peace of mind by keeping the following apartment fire safety<\/a> tips<\/a> in mind.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> (USFA)<\/a> suggests replacing fire alarms every ten years. The USFA also recommends:<\/p>\n • Testing fire alarms once a month by pushing the test button Err on the side of caution and do regular apartment inspections to look for potential fire hazards. Common culprits include:<\/p>\n • Real candles 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:<\/p>\n • Fire extinguishers that are either not in their designated location or clearly damaged 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:<\/p>\n • Knowing where the nearest exit is from your apartment If there is an actual fire<\/a><\/a>, 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:<\/p>\n • Let the 9-1-1 dispatcher know you are unable to safely exit your apartment. 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Amazing views and amenities that include modern appliances and access to a fitness center are some of the many pleasant perks that can make apartment living appealing. But there are times when you'll need to be prepared for unexpected situations, like a fire. Just from 2010-15 alone, more than 100,000 apartment fires resulted in nearly… <\/p>\nPeriodically Test Your Fire Alarms<\/h2>\n
\n• Confirming that a fire alarm is in every bedroom in your apartment
\n• Using interconnected alarms – meaning when one sounds, they'll all go off<\/p>\nRemove Potential Fire Hazards in Your Apartment<\/h2>\n
\n• Hotplates
\n• Dryers with accumulated lint
\n• Outlets that are overloaded
\n• Extension cords used extensively throughout the apartment
\n• Space heaters<\/p>\nLet Maintenance Staff Know About Fire Safety Issues<\/h2>\n
\n• Burned out emergency lights
\n• Damaged or missing smoke alarms, including ones in your own apartment unit<\/p>\nBe Prepared for a Fire<\/h2>\n
\n• Learning your building's fire evacuation plan
\n• Creating an escape plan specific to your apartment – and practicing it to make sure it's practical and efficient<\/p>\nStay Calm as You Exit Your Apartment<\/h2>\n
\n• Use towels, rags, or tape to block cracks under doors and to cover vents.
\n• Wait by an open window.
\n• Use a white or brightly colored towel, sheet, or cloth to serve as a signal for firefighters.<\/p>\n
{"id":55,"date":"2019-08-07T17:40:00","date_gmt":"2019-08-07T17:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.southparcatbethany.com\/blog\/?p=55"},"modified":"2026-05-11T15:40:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:40:09","slug":"an-introduction-to-apartment-fire-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southparcatbethany.com\/blog\/2019\/08\/07\/an-introduction-to-apartment-fire-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"An Introduction to Apartment Fire Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"