Fire Safety
#7
Fire Department, City of New York
F i r e S a f e t y E d u c at i o n Bill De Blasio, Mayor Daniel A. Nigro, Fire Commissioner
Residential Apartment Building Fire Safety
Fire safety begins in your own apartment! Is your family fire safe? Protect yourself, your family and your neighbors.
T
here are special areas of concern when it comes to fire safety in apartment buildings. Families in apartment buildings live close together; affecting each other’s risks associated with fire. While the chances of a fire starting in an apartment are about the same as in a private home, apartment fires have the potential to spread fire, heat and smoke throughout the building affecting the safety of all occupants.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
FD NY
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives
Your Safety Is Our Mission Proudly Serving New York Since 1865
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
1.
KNOW YOUR EXITS
There must be two means of egress (exits) from your apartment building. Your primary or first exit is your apartment door that leads into either an unenclosed (not separated by walls and doors) stairway or through a public hallway to an enclosed stairway that leads to the street. Your secondary exit should be one of the following, depending upon the building’s date of construction that also leads directly or indirectly (through a yard) to the street level: o an additional enclosed stairway accessible from the public hallway. (newer buildings) o an enclosed fire tower (stairway accessible from the public hallway). o an outside fire-escape accessible from within your apartment through a window or door. An elevator is never an acceptable means of exit during a fire.
2.
KEEP YOUR EXITS CLEAR AND WORKING
Properly maintained fire doors and exits will greatly reduce your chance of being killed or injured in a fire in your building. o Maintain your apartment door or doors leading into the public hall or vestibule as fireproof and self-closing. (tampering with the self-closing hinge or blocking the self-closing of such door is illegal). o Make sure you apartment door lock can be opened from the inside with a thumb turn. (without the use of a key). o Maintain doors leading from the public hallway into the stairway or fire tower as fire proof and self-closing. (again, tampering with the self-closing hinge or blocking the self-closing of such door is illegal.) o Keep stairways and outside fire escapes free of obstructions at all time. Do not store anything such as baby strollers, bicycles or rubbish on or under stairways or on stairway landings.
Lets Keep Your Family Fire Safe
3.
SECURITY VS. FIRE SAFETY
Window Security Gates Some people install security bars or gates on their apartment windows to prevent intruders from entering their home. However, in the event of a fire, doing so may trap you and your family, as well as inhibit firefighter rescue. If your apartment building has an outside fire escape, only New York City Fire Department approved security gates that open without the use of a key may be installed on the fire escape window. This requirement also applies to any secondary exit window on the grade level. Installation of an unapproved gate is strictly prohibited in NYC. FDNY approved gates do not require the use of a tool, a key, or special effort to open. When purchasing a security gate be sure that it is stamped or labeled with the FDNY approval number. After installing an approved security gate, make sure everyone in your home can operate the release devices. Remember to keep the fire escape window clear of all obstructions such as furniture, plants and air conditioners. Child Safety Window Guards The New York City Health Code requires owners of multiple dwellings to install child safety window guards when a child ten years old or younger lives in the apartment. The window guards are small barriers installed to protect children from falling out of the windows. However, to help ensure your safety during a fire, these guards must not be installed on your fire escape window.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!
4.
KNOW YOUR WAY OUT
Owners of residential apartment buildings with three or more dwelling units are required by the NYC Fire Code to develop a Fire Safety Plan specific for their building. The plan must contain basic fire safety tips, and information about the building including the type of construction, the types of fire safety systems and the different ways of exiting the building in case of fire or evacuation. The owner is required by law to: o post the fire safety plan on the inside of every apartment front door. o post the fire safety plan in a conspicuous space in the common area. o distribute a copy to each dwelling unit in the building. o provide a copy to new tenants at the time of the lease. o re-distribute the fire safety plan annually during fire prevention week. The evacuation portion of your building’s fire safety plan will depend whether your building is fire proof or non-fireproof, and if the fire is in your apartment or some other portion of the building.
5.
SHOULD YOU STAY OR SHOULD YOU GO?
A
B
C
If the fire IS IN your apartment, regardless of construction type,
If you live in a NON- FIREPROOF BUILDING and there is a fire, it is usually better (safer) to leave the building immediately.
If you live in a FIREPROOF BUILDING and there is a fire, it is usually better (safer) to:
o G et everyone out. Stay low as you go. o U se your safest and most accessible exit. o C LOSE ALL DOORS as you leave. o If using an interior stairway, alert people on your floor by knocking on their doors on your way out. o DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR. o Call 911 once you reach a safe location.
Fireproof does not mean that the building is immune to fire. While the structural components may not catch on fire, the contents will and generate life threatening heat and smoke. Generally speaking, in a fireproof building the fire and smoke will be contained to the portion of the building (apartment) where the fire has started.
o S tay inside rather than entering smoke-filled hallways. If the fire is on a floor below your apartment you may be caught by rising heat and smoke in the stairways. If the fire is above your apartment there is less danger in leaving but also less of a reason to leave as the smoke and heat are above you. o Keep your door CLOSED. o S eal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels. Seal ventilators and any other openings where smoke may enter. o Turn off air conditioners. o U nless flames or smoke are coming from below, open your windows a few inches at the top or bottom. Don’t break windows; they may need to be closed later.
FDNY
Proudly Serving New York Since 1865 SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!
o C all the Fire Department with your apartment number and description of the conditions in your apartment. Firefighters will be directed to your location.
YOUR APARTMENT FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST
3
Prevention and planning is the key to protecting your family and neighbors. Use this checklist as a guide to identify possible fire safety problems in your apartment or building. If you check NO to any question the potential hazard should be corrected to reduce your risk and increase your preparedness for fire.
YES NO o
o
1-Do you have at least one operable smoke alarm?
o
o
2-Do you have at least one operable carbon monoxide alarm?
o
o
3-Are all electrical cords in good condition? (not frayed or cracked)
o
o
4-Are all electrical cords in the open, not run under rugs or through doorways?
o
o
5-Is your apartment free from storage of flammable products such as gasoline or propane?
o
o
6-Are space heaters placed at least three feet from combustibles?
o
o
7-Are space heaters plugged directly into wall sockets and not into extension cords?
o
o
8-Is your apartment door fireproof and self-closing?
o
o
9-Is your fire escape window clear and unobstructed?
o
o
10-If you have a security gate, is it FDNY approved?
o
o
11-Can all windows be opened easily from the inside?
o
o
12-Are building stairways free of storage and rubbish?
o
o
13-Are stairway fire doors fireproof and self-closing?
o
o
14-Are stairway fire doors kept closed?
o
o
15-Are exit lights in the stairway in good working order?
o
o
16-Do you have operable flashlights handy?
o
o
17-Do you have a fire escape plan?
Immediately correct problems or hazards that are within your control or responsibility. Notify the building owner of any others that are not. If necessary, you may file a complaint by calling the New York City Fire Department at 718-999-2541 or 311.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives
FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEW YORK 9 MetroTech Center Brooklyn, New York 11201-3857
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Issued by FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit & FDNY Office of Public Information www.nyc.gov/fdny
www.fdnyfoundation.org
Ways to Keep your Apartment Safe A fire in a high-rise residential building usually can be confined to the apartment where it starts. However, smoke and heat can travel throughout the building, especially upward. High-rise residential buildings are constructed to be fireproof. Most of what is inside the buildings, including your furnishings and belongings, can burn and produce a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. Never keep rubbish in the hallway. Make sure it is stored properly and collected regularly.
• Be careful not to overload electrical circuits. Short circuits are the cause of many fires. • Cook with care. Keep a small portable dry chemical fire extinguisher readily available (Class B or K extinguisher). Baking soda is also a handy household item that can be used to smother stove fires.
• Never smoke in bed and make sure that there are no smoldering butts when you empty ashtrays. • Test smoke detectors weekly and replace batteries twice a year (the beginning & end of Daylight Savings time).
• Make sure that your apartment door is a tight-fitting self-closing type of door in compliance with the fire code. Should your door not self-close, request this repair from your building manager.
• Inspect your exit stair doors. They must be self-closing, snap shut and unlock from both sides. If they don't meet this standard, report it to the superintendent or the Fire Department.
If the Fire is in Your Apartment • Get everyone out. Stay low as you go out. Close but don't lock all doors in the apartment as you leave. • Alert others on the floor by knocking on doors. Activate the fire alarm if there is one. • Go down the nearest STAIRWAY, holding the railing. • Call the Fire Department from a floor BELOW THE FIRE or from a street fire alarm box outside.
If the Fire is NOT in Your Apartment • Stay inside rather than entering smoke-filled hallways, especially if the fire is on a floor below your apartment.
• Keep your door closed. • Seal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels. Seal ventilators and any other openings where smoke may enter.
• Turn off air conditioners. • Fill your bathtub with water. If the front door gets hot, wet it down. • Unless flames or smoke are coming from below, open your windows a few inches at the top or bottom. Don't break the windows; they may need to be closed later.
• Call the Fire Department with your apartment number and a description of the conditions in your apartment. Firefighters will be directed to your location.
• If you feel you are in grave danger, open a window and wave a bed sheet for firefighters to spot you.
Planning Ahead Can Save Your Life Things to know:
• The layout of your floor. • The location of all stair exits from your floor. • The number of doors between your apartment and the exit stairs. This is essential knowledge to find the exit in the dark.
• Where your apartment key is located. Take the key with you if you are forced to evacuate. • The location of fire extinguishers. Things to Do
• Keep flashlights ready and in a handy place. • Install and maintain smoke detectors. Owners of high-rise buildings are required by law to install one detector in each apartment, but its maintenance is up to you.
• Make it a point to know where the fire exits and fire extinguishers are located. • Always buy electronics and extension cords from reputable sources and make sure the item has a Underwriters Laboratories designation. UL is the nationally recognized standard for safety in electronic products and equipment in the United States. Items purchased at discount outlets and on the internet from overseas or even domestic sources may not be UL compliant. Look for the UL symbol on all electronic devices and products before using them.
• Do not stack extension cords or power strips (plugging one into another that is plugged into the wall outlet). Even a UL product can be damaged by overloading which can create a fire hazard.
Senior Citizen Safety Seniors, age 65 and older are more than twice as likely to die in a fire. Older adults are also at a higher risk of injury from fire. The top three causes of fire deaths among our senior population in New York City are smoking, heating equipment and cooking. The following are some tips to keep the senior population safe.
A smoke alarm is the single most valuable life saving device you can have in your home.
DO • • • • •
DON’T
Do make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Do put out your cigarette butts if you smoke. Put them in water or sand until completely cool. Do be alert when cooking. Keep easy to burn items like dishtowels and pot holders away. Do place space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that burns. Do use equipment with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Mark to show it has been safely tested.
• • • • • •
Don’t smoke in bed or while lying down. Especially when you are drowsy or taking medication. Don’t leave burning candles unattended. Be sure to put candles out before going to bed. Don’t use an oven, stovetop, dryer or grill to heat your home. Don’t use water to put out a kitchen fire. It can cause splashing and spread the fire. Don’t wear loose fitting clothing like a nightgown or robe when cooking. Don’t use damage or frayed cords, especially for warming equipment like an electric blanket.
Install a smoke alarm outside and inside each bedroom or sleeping area and on every level of your home. Many seniors do have trouble hearing. There are special smoke alarms that shake their beds and flash bright light to let them know there is a fire. Install these alarms if you or a family member is hard of hearing.
Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared! Knowing what to do during a fire can be the difference between life and death. Do you have an escape plan? Scan for More Safety Tips or go to fdnysmart.org/safetytips
CANDLE CANDL C LE
)LUH'HSDUWPHQW&LW\RI1HZ
Fire Department, City of New York
F i r e S a f e t y E d u c at i o n Bill De Blasio, Mayor Daniel A. Nigro, Fire Commissioner
Residential Apartment Building Fire Safety
Fire safety begins in your own apartment! Is your family fire safe? Protect yourself, your family and your neighbors.
T
here are special areas of concern when it comes to fire safety in apartment buildings. Families in apartment buildings live close together; affecting each other’s risks associated with fire. While the chances of a fire starting in an apartment are about the same as in a private home, apartment fires have the potential to spread fire, heat and smoke throughout the building affecting the safety of all occupants.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
FD NY
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives
Your Safety Is Our Mission Proudly Serving New York Since 1865
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
1.
KNOW YOUR EXITS
There must be two means of egress (exits) from your apartment building. Your primary or first exit is your apartment door that leads into either an unenclosed (not separated by walls and doors) stairway or through a public hallway to an enclosed stairway that leads to the street. Your secondary exit should be one of the following, depending upon the building’s date of construction that also leads directly or indirectly (through a yard) to the street level: o an additional enclosed stairway accessible from the public hallway. (newer buildings) o an enclosed fire tower (stairway accessible from the public hallway). o an outside fire-escape accessible from within your apartment through a window or door. An elevator is never an acceptable means of exit during a fire.
2.
KEEP YOUR EXITS CLEAR AND WORKING
Properly maintained fire doors and exits will greatly reduce your chance of being killed or injured in a fire in your building. o Maintain your apartment door or doors leading into the public hall or vestibule as fireproof and self-closing. (tampering with the self-closing hinge or blocking the self-closing of such door is illegal). o Make sure you apartment door lock can be opened from the inside with a thumb turn. (without the use of a key). o Maintain doors leading from the public hallway into the stairway or fire tower as fire proof and self-closing. (again, tampering with the self-closing hinge or blocking the self-closing of such door is illegal.) o Keep stairways and outside fire escapes free of obstructions at all time. Do not store anything such as baby strollers, bicycles or rubbish on or under stairways or on stairway landings.
Lets Keep Your Family Fire Safe
3.
SECURITY VS. FIRE SAFETY
Window Security Gates Some people install security bars or gates on their apartment windows to prevent intruders from entering their home. However, in the event of a fire, doing so may trap you and your family, as well as inhibit firefighter rescue. If your apartment building has an outside fire escape, only New York City Fire Department approved security gates that open without the use of a key may be installed on the fire escape window. This requirement also applies to any secondary exit window on the grade level. Installation of an unapproved gate is strictly prohibited in NYC. FDNY approved gates do not require the use of a tool, a key, or special effort to open. When purchasing a security gate be sure that it is stamped or labeled with the FDNY approval number. After installing an approved security gate, make sure everyone in your home can operate the release devices. Remember to keep the fire escape window clear of all obstructions such as furniture, plants and air conditioners. Child Safety Window Guards The New York City Health Code requires owners of multiple dwellings to install child safety window guards when a child ten years old or younger lives in the apartment. The window guards are small barriers installed to protect children from falling out of the windows. However, to help ensure your safety during a fire, these guards must not be installed on your fire escape window.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!
4.
KNOW YOUR WAY OUT
Owners of residential apartment buildings with three or more dwelling units are required by the NYC Fire Code to develop a Fire Safety Plan specific for their building. The plan must contain basic fire safety tips, and information about the building including the type of construction, the types of fire safety systems and the different ways of exiting the building in case of fire or evacuation. The owner is required by law to: o post the fire safety plan on the inside of every apartment front door. o post the fire safety plan in a conspicuous space in the common area. o distribute a copy to each dwelling unit in the building. o provide a copy to new tenants at the time of the lease. o re-distribute the fire safety plan annually during fire prevention week. The evacuation portion of your building’s fire safety plan will depend whether your building is fire proof or non-fireproof, and if the fire is in your apartment or some other portion of the building.
5.
SHOULD YOU STAY OR SHOULD YOU GO?
A
B
C
If the fire IS IN your apartment, regardless of construction type,
If you live in a NON- FIREPROOF BUILDING and there is a fire, it is usually better (safer) to leave the building immediately.
If you live in a FIREPROOF BUILDING and there is a fire, it is usually better (safer) to:
o G et everyone out. Stay low as you go. o U se your safest and most accessible exit. o C LOSE ALL DOORS as you leave. o If using an interior stairway, alert people on your floor by knocking on their doors on your way out. o DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR. o Call 911 once you reach a safe location.
Fireproof does not mean that the building is immune to fire. While the structural components may not catch on fire, the contents will and generate life threatening heat and smoke. Generally speaking, in a fireproof building the fire and smoke will be contained to the portion of the building (apartment) where the fire has started.
o S tay inside rather than entering smoke-filled hallways. If the fire is on a floor below your apartment you may be caught by rising heat and smoke in the stairways. If the fire is above your apartment there is less danger in leaving but also less of a reason to leave as the smoke and heat are above you. o Keep your door CLOSED. o S eal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels. Seal ventilators and any other openings where smoke may enter. o Turn off air conditioners. o U nless flames or smoke are coming from below, open your windows a few inches at the top or bottom. Don’t break windows; they may need to be closed later.
FDNY
Proudly Serving New York Since 1865 SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES!
o C all the Fire Department with your apartment number and description of the conditions in your apartment. Firefighters will be directed to your location.
YOUR APARTMENT FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST
3
Prevention and planning is the key to protecting your family and neighbors. Use this checklist as a guide to identify possible fire safety problems in your apartment or building. If you check NO to any question the potential hazard should be corrected to reduce your risk and increase your preparedness for fire.
YES NO o
o
1-Do you have at least one operable smoke alarm?
o
o
2-Do you have at least one operable carbon monoxide alarm?
o
o
3-Are all electrical cords in good condition? (not frayed or cracked)
o
o
4-Are all electrical cords in the open, not run under rugs or through doorways?
o
o
5-Is your apartment free from storage of flammable products such as gasoline or propane?
o
o
6-Are space heaters placed at least three feet from combustibles?
o
o
7-Are space heaters plugged directly into wall sockets and not into extension cords?
o
o
8-Is your apartment door fireproof and self-closing?
o
o
9-Is your fire escape window clear and unobstructed?
o
o
10-If you have a security gate, is it FDNY approved?
o
o
11-Can all windows be opened easily from the inside?
o
o
12-Are building stairways free of storage and rubbish?
o
o
13-Are stairway fire doors fireproof and self-closing?
o
o
14-Are stairway fire doors kept closed?
o
o
15-Are exit lights in the stairway in good working order?
o
o
16-Do you have operable flashlights handy?
o
o
17-Do you have a fire escape plan?
Immediately correct problems or hazards that are within your control or responsibility. Notify the building owner of any others that are not. If necessary, you may file a complaint by calling the New York City Fire Department at 718-999-2541 or 311.
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Carbon Monoxide Alarms Save Lives
FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEW YORK 9 MetroTech Center Brooklyn, New York 11201-3857
Smoke Alarms Save Lives
Issued by FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit & FDNY Office of Public Information www.nyc.gov/fdny
www.fdnyfoundation.org
Ways to Keep your Apartment Safe A fire in a high-rise residential building usually can be confined to the apartment where it starts. However, smoke and heat can travel throughout the building, especially upward. High-rise residential buildings are constructed to be fireproof. Most of what is inside the buildings, including your furnishings and belongings, can burn and produce a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. Never keep rubbish in the hallway. Make sure it is stored properly and collected regularly.
• Be careful not to overload electrical circuits. Short circuits are the cause of many fires. • Cook with care. Keep a small portable dry chemical fire extinguisher readily available (Class B or K extinguisher). Baking soda is also a handy household item that can be used to smother stove fires.
• Never smoke in bed and make sure that there are no smoldering butts when you empty ashtrays. • Test smoke detectors weekly and replace batteries twice a year (the beginning & end of Daylight Savings time).
• Make sure that your apartment door is a tight-fitting self-closing type of door in compliance with the fire code. Should your door not self-close, request this repair from your building manager.
• Inspect your exit stair doors. They must be self-closing, snap shut and unlock from both sides. If they don't meet this standard, report it to the superintendent or the Fire Department.
If the Fire is in Your Apartment • Get everyone out. Stay low as you go out. Close but don't lock all doors in the apartment as you leave. • Alert others on the floor by knocking on doors. Activate the fire alarm if there is one. • Go down the nearest STAIRWAY, holding the railing. • Call the Fire Department from a floor BELOW THE FIRE or from a street fire alarm box outside.
If the Fire is NOT in Your Apartment • Stay inside rather than entering smoke-filled hallways, especially if the fire is on a floor below your apartment.
• Keep your door closed. • Seal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels. Seal ventilators and any other openings where smoke may enter.
• Turn off air conditioners. • Fill your bathtub with water. If the front door gets hot, wet it down. • Unless flames or smoke are coming from below, open your windows a few inches at the top or bottom. Don't break the windows; they may need to be closed later.
• Call the Fire Department with your apartment number and a description of the conditions in your apartment. Firefighters will be directed to your location.
• If you feel you are in grave danger, open a window and wave a bed sheet for firefighters to spot you.
Planning Ahead Can Save Your Life Things to know:
• The layout of your floor. • The location of all stair exits from your floor. • The number of doors between your apartment and the exit stairs. This is essential knowledge to find the exit in the dark.
• Where your apartment key is located. Take the key with you if you are forced to evacuate. • The location of fire extinguishers. Things to Do
• Keep flashlights ready and in a handy place. • Install and maintain smoke detectors. Owners of high-rise buildings are required by law to install one detector in each apartment, but its maintenance is up to you.
• Make it a point to know where the fire exits and fire extinguishers are located. • Always buy electronics and extension cords from reputable sources and make sure the item has a Underwriters Laboratories designation. UL is the nationally recognized standard for safety in electronic products and equipment in the United States. Items purchased at discount outlets and on the internet from overseas or even domestic sources may not be UL compliant. Look for the UL symbol on all electronic devices and products before using them.
• Do not stack extension cords or power strips (plugging one into another that is plugged into the wall outlet). Even a UL product can be damaged by overloading which can create a fire hazard.
Senior Citizen Safety Seniors, age 65 and older are more than twice as likely to die in a fire. Older adults are also at a higher risk of injury from fire. The top three causes of fire deaths among our senior population in New York City are smoking, heating equipment and cooking. The following are some tips to keep the senior population safe.
A smoke alarm is the single most valuable life saving device you can have in your home.
DO • • • • •
DON’T
Do make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Do put out your cigarette butts if you smoke. Put them in water or sand until completely cool. Do be alert when cooking. Keep easy to burn items like dishtowels and pot holders away. Do place space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that burns. Do use equipment with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Mark to show it has been safely tested.
• • • • • •
Don’t smoke in bed or while lying down. Especially when you are drowsy or taking medication. Don’t leave burning candles unattended. Be sure to put candles out before going to bed. Don’t use an oven, stovetop, dryer or grill to heat your home. Don’t use water to put out a kitchen fire. It can cause splashing and spread the fire. Don’t wear loose fitting clothing like a nightgown or robe when cooking. Don’t use damage or frayed cords, especially for warming equipment like an electric blanket.
Install a smoke alarm outside and inside each bedroom or sleeping area and on every level of your home. Many seniors do have trouble hearing. There are special smoke alarms that shake their beds and flash bright light to let them know there is a fire. Install these alarms if you or a family member is hard of hearing.
Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared! Knowing what to do during a fire can be the difference between life and death. Do you have an escape plan? Scan for More Safety Tips or go to fdnysmart.org/safetytips
CANDLE CANDL C LE
)LUH'HSDUWPHQW&LW\RI1HZ
