Information For Apartment Owners In Regards To Fire Safety
Posted by Chris Channing | Posted in General Advice | Posted on 08-06-2010
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An apartment complex often has built-in features to prevent a fire from spreading from one unit to another. Expecting the worst is important, because systems sometimes fail or fires get too far out of control to contain. As such, a fire safety plan for apartment complexes should be reviewed before moving in.
Large apartment complexes can house several hundred residents. Those living on the top floors may not hear, feel, or see a fire until it is too late. It should be the responsibility of every tenant to sound any fire alarms the building has in place, if applicable, when a fire is started. That way everyone has a chance to evacuate before it is too late.
You likely have heard that using the stairs in the event of a fire is the best course of action. This is indeed true, as elevators are easily damaged in a fire. If a fire does make its way to the elevator shaft, it can collapse the shaft in just minutes. If residents were in the shaft, they would become trapped and likely suffer major injuries. Know the location of each stair case to plan escape routes.
Even if you happen to have a fear of heights, you should always use the window fire escape routes where they are available. Window escape routes are the quickest and least congested way out of the building when you reside on the top floor. Upon moving in, be aware of how the fire escapes work and how to operate them if necessary.
Sometimes landlords don’t include fire extinguishers in apartment units. This is common in some areas more than most. If you find that your kitchen isn’t stocked with the correct fire extinguisher, ask the landlord to provide one. If he or she refuses, and the law doesn’t demand that it be provided, don’t hesitate in purchasing one for yourself. Any money spent on personal safety is well spent.
Today, building codes in most areas state that walls rooms should have fire barriers built into the walls. In addition, apartment complexes will often also have sprinkler systems to shut down fires before they become serious. This buys some time for tenants to escape if they need to, but one should never linger around in order to try and save personal belongings. If the fire is out of control, it’s best to remember that items are replaceable, while people are not.
Closing Comments
Some have a fear of living in a condo or apartment, simply because they are so enclosed and the possibility of a fire might be out of the resident’s control. The truth is that modern building codes have made them even more safe than some homes- so long as you practice a fire safety plan from fire safety companies such as MasterGuard.
Learn more on Master Guard and MasterGuard.
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