Living in an apartment can be somewhat daunting, due to the risk of apartment fires that have the ability to consume the entire apartment complex. The possibility of apartment fires can be especially unnerving because many apartments have few exit points. The probability of apartment fires is why it is vital to check that the apartment’s fire code is up to date before renting. It is a good idea to create an exit layout for your specific apartment as well as keep a map of the exit plan for the entire building.

Fortunately, apartment fires are relatively easy to prevent as long as you avoid risky behavior. If you are living in an apartment, it is essential to arm yourself with knowledge on how to prevent apartment fires. You should also take note of the steps you should take in the case of apartment fires.

The following article from Apartment Search outlines the top causes of apartment fires, steps on how to prevent apartment fires, and what to do if an apartment fire occurs in your building. Equip yourself with the necessary tools to avoid apartment fires in your living area.

Apartment Fire Safety Tips

Protecting Yourself against Apartment Fires

Residential fires, either in your single-family dwelling or apartment, are frightening for all involved. However, there are steps that you can take to help insure that you, your pet and your family are safe even in the incidence of a fire.

Before you rent an apartment, perform a fire inspection and make sure that it is up-to-code. Make sure there is an adequate number of working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. If there isn’t, have the leasing agent correct this before signing the lease.

Top Causes of Apartment Fires

Although apartment fires can be caused by several things, the top causes include cooking/kitchen fires, heating equipment (i.e. space heaters, kerosene heaters), smoking materials (major cause of fatal fires), and arson, which even includes children playing with matches and fire.

Steps to Prevent Apartment Fires

There are several steps that you can take to help prevent a fire from starting in your apartment. They are as follows:

• Be careful with smoking materials and never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and lighters where children can’t get to them.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Keep heating equipment at least three feet away from combustible materials.
• Replace worn electrical cords, make sure to always use power strips if additional outlets are needed.
• Do not store flammable liquids or compressed gases (i.e. propane) in your apartment or on your balcony.
• Do not use your balcony for storage or for grilling food.

What to Do in Case of an Apartment Fire

If there is a fire in your apartment, make sure that you have a plan and that your plan works. Know your fire escape route and know where all the extinguishers are in your building. Never ignore a fire alarm or your building’s public announcement system, if you have one.

Always follow these steps to escape safely:·

• Check doors before opening them. If the door is cool, open it slowly and stay low to the ground and leave the building as quickly as possible. If the door is warm, seal the door and the vents with wet bedding or towels. Go to a window, and if there is no smoke outside, open it and signal for help. If you are able, call 9-1-1 and let them know that you are trapped in the building and give them your location.
• Never use an elevator during a fire! Use the stairs!
• Once you are safely out of the building, NEVER go back in. If you need help, call 9-1-1 or ask a member of the fire department that has responded to your apartment fire.

Apartment fires are commonly started for the same reasons as house fires, except more people are liable to be affected, since apartments are in such close proximity to one another. Not only do you have an obligation to yourself to prevent apartment fires, but to your neighbors as well. Consider asking your landlord to host a fire safety night in order to inform all tenants on the ways that they can prevent apartment fires.

If you become the victim of an apartment fire, it is vital to have renters insurance. Renters insurance will protect your personal property in the instance of apartment fires or other disasters. Since the law does not require a lessee to obtain renters insurance, many people overlook this important step for protecting their belongings in the case of apartment fires.

To learn more about how you can obtain renters insurance, please contact TJ Woods Insurance Agency and we would be happy to help you choose the appropriate coverage for your needs.