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Apartment Living

Fire safety guideline tips for apartment living.

TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARMS MONTHLY!

  • Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about the fire safety features in your building.
  • 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 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 is hot, use another way out. If it is cool, leave by the nearest way out.
  • Use the stairs to get out — never use the elevator unless you are directed to by the fire department.
  • Ordinance 9-1998 (Allan Peifer Smoke Detector Ordinance) requires that you be provided with a working smoke alarm in your apartment or rental home.
  • It is the responsibility of the owner of the property to install a working smoke alarm in all dwelling units that they lease out.
  • It is the responsibility of the tenant or occupant to maintain the smoke alarm in an operable condition.