Fire alarm pull stations in multi-residential buildings
 If you live in an apartment building, you probably walk by fire alarm pull stations many times a day without realizing they are there. Do you know what do do if you discover fire or smoke and the building alarm is not sounding?
Everyone who lives in a multi-residential building should know how to activate the building fire alarm if fire is discovered and the building fire alarm is not sounding. This is done by activating the manual fire alarm pull station found near exit doors. After pulling the alarm, a person should follow evacuation or shelter in place procedures and call 9-1-1 to report the fire.
Learn what to do and what not to do during a building fire alarm. Watch the apartment fire evacuation video to learn more.
Learn more:
Fire alarms in apartment buildings handout from the NFPA.
Apartment fire evacuation video from the Seattle Fire Department.
What to do when the fire alarm sounds handout
Did you know that over half of all home electrical fires involve lighting equipment or home electrical wiring? Overloaded outlets and the misuse of extension cords are common electrical issues that can cause a home fire. Fortunately, there are some basic steps to take to prevent such fires.
Safety tips:
- Use as few cord adapters and extension cords as possible. Instead use a power strip that has a surge protector.
- Extension cords should only used for temporary use. They should not be tacked to walls or run under rugs.
- Small appliances, like the toaster should be unplugged when not in use.
- Check your electrical cords. If they are cracked or damaged, replace them. Don’t try to repair them.
- Don’t overload extension cords or wall outlets.
- Never use extension cords with appliances. Plug them directly into wall outlets.
Call a qualified electrician or the landlord if you experience any of the following:
- Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
- A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
- Discolored or warm wall outlets
- A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Sparks from an outlet
More tip electrical fire safety tips
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