Although there are plenty of advantages to living in an apartment, they can take longer to evacuate in the event of an emergency. If a fire breaks out in your apartment, it’s important to have a plan in place for your escape, as well as being aware of strategies for preventing fires in the first place.
- Check Your Smoke Alarms: No matter how small your apartment, it’s essential you have at least one working fire alarm in it. Check it regularly, and consider placing fire alarms near sleeping areas to make sure you’re woken up in the event of a fire.
- Inspect Cords and Other Potential Risks: Keep an eye on any and all electrical cords you use in your apartment and regularly inspect them for damage and wear and tear. While you’re at it, make sure you don’t have cords hidden under rugs as cords will heat up over time and can light carpets and rugs on fire.
- Space Heater Safety: Space heaters are especially common in apartments, and although they’re convenient and cozy, they pose certain risks if you don’t operate them properly. Make sure your space heater is at least three feet between anything else in your apartment, taking special care to make sure curtains and other fabric are far away.
- Inspect Windows and Fire Exits: Some apartments have individual fire exits and others have group evacuation areas. Whichever is the case in your apartment, be sure to check out the area regularly and look for obstructions.
- Make a Fire Escape Plan and Kit: Draw a basic map of your apartment, and include arrows that signify the escape routes from any given room or area in your apartment. Having a fire escape kit with a smoke mask, heat-resistant blankets, and other life-saving devices is also a great choice. Keep your fire escape plan and kit in an easily accessible area and make sure your whole family knows where to find it.
By implementing these strategies, you help ensure your safe exit from the building if there’s a fire in your apartment.