High Rise Building Safety

People living in a high-rise apartment or condominium building need to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire. It is important to know the fire safety features in your building and work together with neighbors to help keep the building as fire-safe as possible.  For the best protection select a fully sprinklered building.  If your building is not equipped with a sprinkler system ask the landlord or management to consider installing one. 

• Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features in your building (fire alarms, sprinklers, voice communication procedures, evacuation plans and how to respond to an alarm.)
  
  
• Know the locations of all available exit stairs from your floor in case the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke.
  
  
• Make sure all exit and stairwell doors are clearly marked, not locked or blocked by security bars and clear of clutter.
  
  
• If there is a fire, pull the fire alarm on your way out of the building to notify the fire department and your neighbors.
  
  
• If the fire alarm sounds feel the door before opening and close all doors behind you as you leave.  If it's hot  use another way out. If it's cool leave by the nearest exit.
  
  
• If an announcement is made throughout the building listen carefully and follow directions.
  
  
• Use the stairs to get out - never use the elevator unless you are directed to do so by the fire department.