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May 2021 Apartment Fire Safety |
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As the weather gets sunnier and warmer, more people will be grilling outdoors. The use of barbecues in apartments and condominiums is not regulated by current Washington State law. However, apartment building owners and condominium associations, through lease agreements and owner’s association rules, may still prohibit or restrict use of outdoor grills.
If outdoor grills are allowed, take a few minutes to review some safety tips.
Setting up:
- Barbecue grills are designed for outdoor use only. Never barbecue in an enclosed area – dangerous carbon monoxide (CO) can accumulate and be deadly. If you suspect CO poisoning, call 9-1-1.
- Set-up your grill on a flat surface in an open area at least three feet away from buildings, overhead combustible surfaces, dry leaves and brush.
- Make sure the grease trap is empty and clean and that grilling parts are firmly in place.
- For propane grills, make sure the hose connection is tight and check the hoses for leaks. This is especially important when using the grill for the first time in a long time.
During use:
- Never leave grills unattended while cooking.
- Keep a three-foot zone around the grill where children and pets aren’t allowed.
- Do not leave starter fluid, lighters or matches within the reach of children.
- Use the proper tools. Long handled barbecue utensils and flame retardant mitts will prevent burns from heat and flame.
- For charcoal grills, avoid adding lighter fluid after the coals are lit.
Cleaning up:
- For propane grills, turn the grill and fuel cylinder off immediately after grilling.
- For charcoal grills, allow coals to cool for 48 hours before disposing. If you are not able to wait, douse coals with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place coals in plastic, paper or wooden containers; place in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid.
Grilling safety handout from the US Fire Administration
Grilling safety handout from the Seattle Fire Department
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In a building fire, seconds count and multi-residential housing staff members play an important part in helping with the fire response. While staff members should never put themselves at risk, there are some important steps that anyone on site can take to help during a building fire.
Communicate with Seattle Fire Department
Before firefighters arrive, call 9-1-1 from a safe location with any pertinent information. For example tell the dispatcher, “I see smoke coming from 3rd floor window” or “fire in kitchen has been extinguished.” This will help the dispatcher determine the level of danger and what resources to send to the fire.
Be ready to meet the Fire Department on the address side of the building. On-site staff should make contact with onsite Fire Department staff as soon as possible and be ready to share any relevant information.
When the Fire Department arrives, be prepared to provide the following:
- Location of the fire alarm panel
- Access keys
- Details about the fire if known—such as floor, unit number, presence of smoke
- Status of the building’s evacuation, if known.
- Location of residents needing assistance to evacuate. Is there a list kept of those identified as needing evacuation assistance?
For questions or more information, contact the Seattle Fire Department.
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- The Seattle Fire Department is providing vaccinations for Covid-19 at our vaccination hubs in Rainier Beach or West Seattle without an appointment, Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. We are offering all three vaccines, and the Pfizer is now open to ages 12+ if a parent/guardian is present. We will also provide second doses of Moderna and Pfizer, even if the individual received their first dose at a non-City affiliated provider.
- Lumen Field only offers first and second doses of Pfizer.
- Stay tuned to our social media sites for information on pop-up events across the City, where incentives may be offered (i.e. ice cream, coffee, etc.).
- Learn more about Covid vaccinations
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