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Although
there are no seven-story apartment buildings in our
district
many significant fires have occurred in buildings of lesser height.
These have claimed lives because most
occupants were not prepared.
Preparedness and Planning is Key to Escaping
Whether you live in a multi-story apartment
building
or
just temporarily staying in one, remember
these survival actions:
·
Stay calm.
·
Report fire or smoke immediately. Sound the fire
alarm no matter how small the fire.
·
Go
directly to the fire exit taking your room key with
you.
·
Do
not use the elevators.
·
Go
quickly to the ground floor and exit.
·
If
your exit is blocked by smoke or fire use an
alternate way out. Only as a last resort should you
exit to the roof if necessary.
·
Crawl low below the smoke where the air is easier to
breathe.
·
If
trapped in a room, close the doors between you and
the smoke or fire. Seal cracks around doors and
vents with wet cloths. Only after making sure that
no flame is visible should you open any windows
slightly to let fresh air in. Signal at a window for
rescuers. If possible, use the telephone to call and
give the fire department your exact location, even
if they are on the scene.
Use this Safety Checklist to Prepare for your Safety
-
Locate and familiarize your family with the nearest fire exits.
-
Count and remember the number of doors between
exits and your room.
-
Read all of the fire emergency information
provided. Note procedure for reporting
a fire.
-
Open exit doors and make sure they work. Examine
staircase layout.
-
Locate the nearest alarm box and learn how to
operate the alarm.
-
Recognize the sound of the smoke detectors and
fire alarm.
-
Participate in fire drills and know the
evacuation plans for your building.
-
Study the layout of your room or apartment and
know two ways out of them, if
possible.
-
Determine how to open all doors and windows.
-
Look outside windows for ledges, decks or
anything that may help or hinder
your escape.
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