Apartment Fire Safety News - August 2023

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 08/23/2023 09:55 AM PDT
City of Seattle Fire Department

When to shelter in place during an apartment fire

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In a fire, seconds count. A delay in responding quickly to a sounding fire alarm or a building fire could delay the response from the fire department and may increase the risk of injury or loss of life.

When it is not possible for you to evacuate using the stairs due to the presence of smoke or from an inability to access the stairwell or descend stairs, the safest response may be to remain inside the apartment unit. As long as the fire is not in the individual apartment, that unit is an area of refuge. An area of refuge provides protection from smoke and flames. If you choose to stay inside the apartment, take these steps:

  1. Keep the doors and windows closed.
  2. Put a towel at the base of the door leading to the hallway to keep smoke out
  3. Stay near a large window and be prepared to call 9-1-1 to report your location if smoke is entering or you feel in danger

Be aware that it is not advised to seek shelter in a bathroom. Also, it is safer to remain inside the apartment rather than await further evacuation assistance from a balcony. If you feel in jeopardy, call 9-1-1 to report the location and request immediate help.

The Seattle Fire Department has developed home escape cards in several languages to highlight the importance of preparing escape plans, having a home fire drill, reacting quickly to smoke alarms, and practicing calling 9-1-1 once outside.

For specific questions about your building, contact the Seattle Fire Department.
building stairwell sign

In fire emergency, do not use elevator, use exit staris. Elevators will be recalled to the lobby.

Keep exit stairwell doors closed

When the weather warms up in the Seattle area, apartment stairwell exit doors sometimes get propped open to improve air circulation. It is very important to make sure these doors remain closed and are not held open with wedges or other devices. Not only is keeping stairwell exit doors open a violation of Seattle Fire Code, it can endanger evacuating residents in the event of a fire emergency.

During a fire, a closed door will help contain a fire and reduce the spread of smoke and toxic gases. Stairwells are used for primary evacuation and stairwell doors are designed to keep smoke out.