How Can I Increase The Chances Of Surviving An Apartment Fire? Img ©
One of the first things you can do to increase the chances of surviving an apartment fire is to not panic. That’s applicable to nearly any dangerous situation in life, of course, but by avoiding panic you make sure that you’re able to use the full benefit of your thought and reason. The more calm you are, the better your chance of survival.
Just because the smoke isn’t thick yet doesn’t mean that you should stand up and walk out. Crawling and staying low keeps you from breathing in some of the smoke, which increases your chances of getting out alive. Yes, it’s a bit slower, but it’s generally a good idea.
You should always know what you’ll do when faced with a situation where you’re worried about surviving an apartment fire. One of the first things you do when you move into a new apartment should be to know where the exits are, know which one is primary and which are secondary, and how you’ll get you and your family there.
Your stuff? Who cares about your stuff? You need to survive and get out. Your stuff can wait. Even knowing that many burned out apartments are burglarized afterwards, it’s still not worth trying to save any property. Remember that fire, smoke, and water damage from putting out the fire are covered perils on your Arlington, TX Renters Insurance and you will be able to replace the things that are lost. No property is worth your life.
Don’t use the elevator. Everyone knows this, but it bears repeating. If the power goes out or the elevator equipment fails, you would then be trapped in a metal box in the middle of a burning building. That’s why they tell you never to use an elevator in a fire, and it makes sense. Use the stairs. Know in advance where the stairs are, and be able to navigate them and know when you’re at an exit to the outside.
If you exit through your door, shut the door and take your key. This isn’t just to prevent someone from stealing your things after the fire is out. This is also to help prevent the spread of a fire. On that note, never open a door in a fire situation if you haven’t checked it first. Touch the knob. If it’s hot, the fire is entirely too close to that door and you need to find another way out. Opening the door could allow the fire into your apartment.
Remember that jumping is not an ideal solution. If you must go out onto a balcony, get the attention of the firefighters, who have appropriate means to get you down. If you must jump because you have no other options, make sure that the fall is survivable and aim for the right things. Bushes will hurt, but they may cushion you enough to make it possible to survive where the sudden deceleration of hitting the ground wouldn’t.
Most people know this, but never block windows or doors with furniture or other heavy items. Just because you don’t use that window or door on a regular basis doesn’t mean it’s not a great escape route when you’re trying to survive an apartment fire. Find another way to lay out your furniture that doesn’t block egress routes that you may need to use in a hurry.
How close are flammable items to your stove? Surviving an apartment fire isn’t just about getting out alive. It’s also about doing what you can to prevent one. Please move the box of cereal away from your stove, and don’t store things in the oven. It’s very easy for a grease fire to get out of control, and it just takes one flammable cardboard box to help that fire spread.
When was the last time you cleaned the filter on the vent hood over your stove? Grease buildup here can become flammable, and it’s your responsibility to keep it clean.
If you have kids, make sure you practice what to do and where to meet in the even of an apartment fire. Yes, it’s a bit scary for them to think about, but by practicing how to get out and where to meet, you’ll help to make sure that your family remains safe and that you get out alive.
Don’t ignore smoke detectors, especially ones that are interconnected. Just because you can’t see or smell the fire doesn’t mean there isn’t one. A smoke detector is an early warning sign to get out first and worry about the inconvenience later. Sure, it might be a false alarm, but you’re better off right and safe than wrong and wondering how to escape.
It’s a good idea to sleep with bedroom doors closed. Sure, they’re thin and probably hollow core, but they offer at least some protection from a fire spreading into the room you’re sleep in.
There are more things you can do to prepare for an apartment fire, and the more prepared you are the better your chances of surviving an apartment fire. The things that are lost can be replaced – that’s why you have replacement cost coverage on your renters insurance policy – but you and your family can’t be. Be aware of your surroundings, plan for the worst, and you’ll make it out safely if it happens to you.
If you don’t already have renters insurance, you should prepare against the risk of an apartment fire and call (800)892-4308 or click to get covered - whether you need Arlington, TX renters insurance quotes online or coverage anywhere else!
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Photo Credit: Steve Johnson Dice CC BY 2.0