Fire Safety Tips Every Apartment Resident Should Know

A few simple habits can make a big difference when it comes to fire safety.

When you live in an apartment, fire safety is not just about protecting your own home. In a shared building, the actions of one resident can affect an entire community. That is why knowing what to do before, during and after a fire is so important.

At unitiiPM, the safety and wellbeing of our residents is a top priority. While we hope you never need to put your fire safety knowledge to the test, taking a few minutes to prepare now can give you greater peace of mind later.

Here are some important fire safety tips every apartment resident should know.

Know Your Escape Routes Before You Need Them

If a fire starts, you may not have much time to think about where to go.

Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your building's emergency exits, stairwells and designated fire exits. Know at least two ways out of your building if possible, and pay attention to exit signs when you first move in.

It is also a good idea to walk your evacuation route so you know exactly where you are going.

And remember, never use an elevator during a fire unless emergency personnel specifically instruct you to do so. Use the stairs instead.

Keep Hallways and Exits Clear

Your building's hallways, stairwells and exits are more than just common areas. They are critical evacuation routes during an emergency.

Do not leave bicycles, shoes, furniture, boxes, garbage or other personal belongings in hallways or near exits. Keeping these areas clear makes it easier for everyone to get out quickly and safely.

A clear hallway today could make a major difference during an emergency.

Be Careful in the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most common places for a residential fire to begin.

Never leave cooking unattended, especially when using a stovetop. Keep towels, paper products, packaging and other flammable items away from cooking surfaces.

If a small grease fire starts, never pour water on it. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so and cover the pan with a lid or use an appropriate fire extinguisher if you know how to use one safely.

If the fire is spreading or you are unsure what to do, leave the apartment and call 911 from a safe location.

Keep an Eye on Candles

Candles can create a cozy atmosphere, but an unattended candle can quickly become a serious fire hazard.

Always keep candles away from curtains, bedding, paper and other flammable materials. Never leave a burning candle unattended and make sure it is completely extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed.

If you love the look of candles, consider flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.

Use Space Heaters Carefully

Space heaters can provide extra warmth on a chilly day, but they need plenty of space around them.

Keep portable heaters on a stable, level surface and away from curtains, bedding, furniture and other items that could catch fire. Never cover a space heater or use it to dry clothing.

Always turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

If your building has specific rules regarding portable heaters, be sure to follow them.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

It can be tempting to plug everything into one outlet, especially when you have multiple electronics, chargers and appliances.

Avoid overloading outlets or using damaged cords. If you notice frayed wires, scorch marks, sparks or an outlet that feels unusually hot, stop using it and report the issue to your property management team.

Electrical problems should never be ignored.

Know Where Your Smoke Alarms Are

Smoke alarms provide an early warning that can give you valuable time to get out safely.

Make sure you know where the smoke alarms are located in your home and never remove, disable or cover them.

If your smoke alarm is beeping, damaged or appears to be malfunctioning, contact your property management team so it can be addressed.

Never ignore a smoke alarm simply because you think it is a false alarm.

Do Not Smoke Inside

Smoking materials can cause fires when they are not properly extinguished.

Follow your property's smoking policy and use designated smoking areas where applicable. Never discard cigarette butts into garbage, planters, mulch or other materials that could catch fire.

If you smoke outside, make sure all smoking materials are completely extinguished and disposed of properly.

Be Careful With Your Balcony

Balconies can become an unexpected fire hazard when flammable materials are stored outside.

Avoid storing items such as gasoline, propane, lighter fluid or other flammable materials on your balcony. Never use a barbecue or outdoor cooking appliance on a balcony unless it is specifically permitted by your property and local regulations.

Your balcony should also never be used as a storage area for items that could contribute to the spread of a fire.

Have a Plan for Your Household

Take some time to talk with everyone in your household about what you would do if the fire alarm went off.

Know where you would meet after evacuating and make sure everyone knows the building's emergency exits.

If you have children, elderly family members or anyone who may need additional assistance during an evacuation, plan ahead for how you will help them get to safety.

And do not forget about your pets. Have a plan for getting them out safely, but never put yourself in danger trying to rescue a pet.

What Should You Do If There Is a Fire?

If you discover a fire or hear the fire alarm, take it seriously.

Leave the building using the safest available exit. Close doors behind you if you can do so safely, as this can help slow the spread of fire and smoke.

Once you are outside, move away from the building and call 911 if emergency services have not already been contacted.

Never go back inside a burning building.

Even if you believe everyone is safe or you have forgotten something important, wait for emergency personnel to confirm that it is safe to return.

A Few Minutes of Preparation Can Make a Difference

Fire safety does not have to be complicated.

Know your exits. Keep hallways clear. Practice safe cooking habits. Never ignore a smoke alarm. Know what to do in an emergency.

Most importantly, if you ever notice a potential fire safety concern in your home or building, let your unitiiPM property team know. Reporting an issue early can help keep you and your neighbours safe.

At unitiiPM, we are proud to be part of communities where residents look out for one another. Stay alert, stay prepared and stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the fire alarm goes off in my building?

Treat every alarm seriously. Leave your apartment using the safest available exit and use the stairs rather than the elevator. Once outside, move to a safe location away from the building and follow instructions from emergency personnel.

Should I use the elevator during a fire?

No. Elevators can become unsafe during a fire. Use the stairs unless emergency personnel specifically instruct you otherwise.

What should I do if my hallway is filled with smoke?

Do not enter a smoke filled hallway if you cannot safely see your way out. Follow your building's emergency procedures and contact 911 from a safe location. If you are unable to safely evacuate, stay inside your apartment with the door closed and make yourself visible to emergency responders if possible.

Can I leave items in the hallway outside my apartment?

No. Hallways, stairwells and exits need to remain clear so residents can evacuate quickly and emergency personnel can move through the building safely.

What should I do if my smoke alarm is beeping?

Do not remove or disable the smoke alarm. Contact your unitiiPM property team to report the issue so it can be properly assessed.

Can I use a space heater in my apartment?

If permitted by your building, use space heaters carefully and keep them well away from furniture, curtains, bedding and other flammable materials. Never leave a space heater unattended or running while you sleep.

What should I do if I see a fire in my apartment?

If it is not immediately safe to put out a very small fire, leave your apartment immediately, close the door behind you if possible and call 911 from a safe location. Do not put yourself at risk trying to fight a fire.

Should I go back inside to get my belongings or pets?

No. Once you have evacuated, do not return to the building. Tell emergency responders if anyone or any pets may still be inside so they can respond appropriately.

Where can I find my building's fire safety information?

Your building may have specific fire safety procedures, evacuation information and emergency instructions posted throughout the property. If you are unsure about your building's procedures, contact your unitiiPM property team for more information.