Apartment Fire Safety July 2021

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 07/08/2021 12:18 PM PDT

July 2021 Apartment Fire Safety

Dry weather fire safety

The recent hot, dry weather significantly increases the risk for dry grass, bark, and brush fires. The Seattle Fire Department has already responded to over 46 dry grass and brush fires in this first week of July. Apartment buildings owners and managers can help reduce the chance of such outdoor fires by following a couple of simple steps:

- Remove long grass, weeds or anything that can burn from around buildings. This includes limbs that touch buildings or hang near the roof.

- Remove dead plants or bushes as soon as possible.

- Clear roof and gutters of needles and leaves.

- Make sure proper cigarette disposal canisters are available in areas where smoking is allowed. Carelessly discarded cigarettes can easily start a fire in dry conditions.

If you experience a fire, please call 9-1-1 immediately after you are in a safe location away from the fire.

Conducting fire drills

Summer is a good time to conduct fire drills. Fire drills provide a way for residents and staff to practice how to respond safely to a fire emergency. Having a plan and practicing it before the fire alarm sounds will allow for a better response and keep residents safe.

Fire drills are still required for certain occupancies and are recommended for all multi-residential buildings. High-rise buildings have additional fire emergency evacuation drill requirements.

Before conducting fire drills, residents should be reminded of the following:

If the building fire alarm sounds, there are two options:

1. Evacuate using the stairwell, or

2. Shelter in place inside an apartment

Residents who are able to use stairs may choose to evacuate as long as there isn’t smoke or fire in the path of the exit.

When evacuating:

1. Make sure there isn’t smoke in the hallway.

2. Close your door as you leave.

3. Go to the nearest exit. Look for EXIT signs. If one is blocked by smoke, find the second exit stairwell. There are two exits on every floor.

4. Enter the stairwell and go DOWN the stairs and exit the building. High rise residents in upper floors may only need to go down four floors and re-enter the hallway until getting an all clear signal from building staff or fire personnel.

5. Do not try to use the elevator - Elevators are programmed to go to the main floor for firefighters to use if needed.

6. Go to the designated outside meeting place away from the building and call 9-1-1 Do not gather in lobbies or courtyards. These are not safe areas in a fire and gathering in lobbies and directly in front of the entrance can impede firefighters getting to the fire quickly.

7. Once out, stay out. Never go back inside a burning building.

There should be a designated outside meeting place for evacuating residents. This location should be outside and away from the main entrance to not block arriving fire crews. Residents should be reminded to not congregate in the lobby or near the front building entrance.

Residents who are blocked by smoke or who are unable to go down the stairs should follow these steps:

1. Stay inside your apartment - do not shelter in a bathroom

2. Keep doors and windows closed to prevent smoke from entering the apartment

3. Put a towel or bedding at the base of the door if there is a gap or if smoke is entering

4. Go to the window and wave so firefighters can see you, but do not open it. Be ready to call 9-1-1 to report your exact location if smoke is entering or if you feel in danger.

This is a safe option for people who are trapped or who are immobile. Firefighters will check on you and will assist in moving you if necessary.

Learn more:

Apartment fire evacuation and sheltering in place video

Fire safety and evacuation plan information

For more information, contact the Seattle Fire Department