Apartment Fire Safety Tips: Do you need a Fire Escape Ladder?

Chris HuntAbout the Author: Hi! I'm Chris Hunt, and I wrote this article. With years of experience as a former firefighter and knowledge of combustible materials, I have personally researched and compiled the information presented here. Please note that the content provided is solely my opinion and should not be construed as professional advice. Additionally, I do not guarantee the quality or performance of any of the products featured. Please be sure to review the website's Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions before using the site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (without additional cost or expense to you).

When we moved into the 3rd floor of our old 1980s low-rise apartment, we noticed a few things:

  • The fire safety regulations looked like someone wrote them on a typewriter.
  • Second, the fire extinguisher cabinet in the hall looked so old that it wouldn’t be in the Soviet Union.
  • Third, it was a wooden framed building.
  • Fourth, there was no external fire escape staircase.

Firefighter ladder

So a thought went through our minds: Is this old apartment safe?

Our concerns were confirmed when we ran into a firefighter a few months later at the pub.

When we told him where we lived, he didn’t note how nice the cafes were. Or how close we were to the train station. No, his response:

“Those old 80s low-rises on 7th? Oh man, you guys better get yourselves a fire escape ladder.”

Well, that was a little shocking.

So we did some research about apartment fire safety. And here’s what we found out.

Fire Safety Tips for Apartment Dwellers

1. Know your bylaws – and follow them!

The first and most important thing to remember is that there are already laws and regulations around preparing for and behaving during a fire.

Your apartment is likely to have a set of regulations set out. For example, check your elevator or hallway for fire emergency procedures. Then, make sure you read them and follow them.

City council laws might govern what you can and can’t do. For example, these laws might require you to install a specific type of smoke detector, have a particular size fire extinguisher, or follow other rules regarding preparing for a fire.

You must always follow these laws – and take precedence over any general information we can provide here.

2. Know where the nearest fire alarm is on your floor.

Many large apartments have a fire alarm pull lever in public shared spaces. This lever is likely next to wherever the fire emergency procedures are listed. Also, if you look for a fire extinguisher, you’ll find next to it the pull lever.

The lever will likely be significant and red and have “pull here” written. Some are located under perspex covers to ensure they’re not accidentally activated.

In preparation for a fire, walk around your apartment and locate this lever (some apartments may not have one).

If there ever comes a time when you need to notify your neighbors that it’s time to evacuate for a fire, you’ll want to run out to pull the lever. But, ensure you know where it is in advance, so you’re not searching for it when time is of the essence.

 

3. Get a smoke detector.

Every apartment (every house & every building!) needs an active smoke detector.

In the past, too many people (us included) deactivated their sensors if they gave too many false positives. So, for example, if it’s too sensitive to burning toast or steam from the shower, don’t turn it off.

Instead, consider placing it somewhere with better ventilation that isn’t close to those items that trigger the false positives. For example, you could get a smoke detector like Google Nest Protect, which has SteamCheck technology to minimize false positives.

Don’t forget to check it regularly once you’ve got a smoke detector. First, ensure the batteries are working by triggering the test button once a month – it’s as simple as pressing the test button now and then as you walk past the smoke detector.

4. Know your routes out.

It’s ideal if you have two escape routes from every room and building. That’s why many apartments these days have two exits, and the blocks often have stairwells on both ends of the building.

It’s your job to scope out those exits and know how to get out of the building. While it’s essential to understand how to get out from all rooms in your apartment, the most critical is from the bedroom.

If you have children, this is a topic to discuss. Every fire prevention week, get together and discuss your fire escape plan. Talk about how your child can get out of their bedroom, including their alternative escape route. Suppose they don’t take the secondary or emergency stairwells in the building. In that case, it’s a good idea to take them across to show them where the stairs are and where they may lead.

5. Arrange an Assembly Location

Have a preset place to meet once you have made it out of the building. This known location is an important measure to take because there’s a good chance you might get separated during the evacuation.

If there’s an agreed-upon assembly location, it’ll make your task and the first responders’ task more manageable. The first thing they’ll want to know is that everyone evacuates successfully. When there’s an agreed-upon assembly location, it’s easier to account for who’s made it out and who hasn’t. There’s less confusion or ambiguity about whether someone has made it out.

If you’ve got kids, don’t forget to practice where to meet with them. Practice going down and the meet-up point now and then so they know exactly where to go. It would be best to bring it up every time you update your fire escape plan and checklist.

6. Close your apartment doors.

Doors act as ‘fire stops.’ When the door shuts, you can keep out both smoke and heat. However, be sure not to lock the internal doors in your house without a good reason. Firefighters might need to access your home, and they’ll need to get from room to room. Furthermore, you don’t want to get locked into a room if there is a fire.

To check whether there is a fire behind a door, see or smell if smoke seeps through the gaps. Also, try placing your palm on the door to feel the heat. It’s advisable not to open a door unless you’re sure there’s no fire behind it or necessary to save your life.

Remember to follow the recommendations of your local fire department.

7. Get a fire extinguisher.

A fire extinguisher is an absolute must for any homeowner. Five and 10-pound dry chemical fire extinguishers are best for home kitchens and garages. Keep in mind that you need to follow the recommendations and requirements of your local authorities about what extinguisher is best for your home.

We feel an ABC-rated dry chemical extinguisher is ideal for a home. This extinguisher puts out most fires in a domestic kitchen or living space.

Ensure your fire extinguisher is in an easily accessible location and that you know how to operate it properly and effectively. Then, check the gauge monthly to ensure it’s still full (in the ‘green’ section). That way, it will be ready for use at short notice.

8. Get a fire blanket.

Another tremendous personal safety device is a fire blanket. Fire blankets are great for kitchen fires. They can be placed over the fire and put out quickly and effectively without creating a mess (if you’re trained appropriately on how to use them). However, they are only for small incipient fires, not larger ones with a greater surface area than the blanket. In addition, once used, you should dispose of it and purchase a new one.

9. Get a fire escape ladder.

A fire escape ladder is a unique but significant part of your apartment fire escape plan. For example, suppose there’s a fire blocking the emergency exits in your apartment. In that case, you must get to the first floor and outside to safety – fast! Too often, firefighters arrive too late to save lives.

A fire escape ladder is a ladder you hook on a window or highly secured balcony. You then throw the ladder off the edge and let it fall to the floor. The next step is to make that scary journey down the ladder to safety. Given that it’s dangerous to operate these, training the ladders is advisable before the emergency comes around.

Final Thoughts

Apartments have their unique fire risks. When moving into your apartment, you need to follow all the rules and regulations set out by your apartment building, your local government, and any state or federal laws. A good quality fire escape ladder, fire extinguisher, and smoke detector can give additional peace of mind. With them, you’ll be ready if there’s an unexpected fire in your building.

Further reading: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-in-living-and-entertainment-spaces/High-rise-buildings.