Disaster may strike when your residents or tenants least expect it. According to National Fire Protection Agency, there were around 97,000 reported apartment building fires in 2012, with over a million dollars in property damage. Do your residents know what to do in the event of a fire emergency? You should review fire safety procedures with your residents at least once a year, including what they should do in the event of an emergency. Prevent unnecessary injury, death, and property loss by keeping your residents informed. We’ve put together a few tips that will help you prepare your residents for a fire emergency.
- If you have regular staff on the premise, make sure they are trained and understand their role in a fire emergency. Let your residents know how to contact emergency staff members on the premise. If there is an emergency, residents should always dial 9-1-1 first.
- Provide residents with an information sheet, including fire prevention facts and tips (i.e. do not burn candles, do not leave an open flame unattended, do not use real trees for holiday decorations, do not use gas or coal powered grills, etc.).
- Have your residents check their fire and carbon monoxide alarms at least twice a year. If your residents notice a fire alarm beeping, be sure they replace the batteries immediately and have the electrical wiring checked.
- Inform your residents about what they should do in the event of a fire.
- Be sure residents know their building’s emergency exits. Provide residents with a fire escape plan they can keep in a convenient place should they need it.
- Encourage your residents to practice this fire escape plan at least once a year.
- Encourage residents to keep hallways and entrances clear of obstructions; this includes any potential alternative exits such as windows or balconies.
For more fire safety tips for your building, visit: http://bit.ly/1mCEzUx or http://bit.ly/1s13dK8.
