How to Survive if a Fire Breaks Out in Your Apartment Building
While we all hope to never have to deal with a Chicago fire issue, you must be prepared when you live in an apartment. Fires do happen, and lives are lost in these unfortunate and tragic circumstances. The best way for you to handle your Chicago fire safety is to be prepared before fire ever hits. It’s better to be prepared and ready should this happen than to face it without having essential fire safety tools in your Chicago condominium.
Here you’ll find a list of a variety of items that can help you should a fire break out in your apartment building.
Fireproof Safe
An important piece of property to have onsite is a fireproof safe. This is where you should keep all your important paperwork and valuables that you want/need to protect in the event of a fire. You can keep items such as birth certificates, marriage or divorce information, and even cash in this safe. If you should lose cash in a fire, only a portion of it will be covered by your insurance policy. Make sure your items are protected no matter if a fire breaks out or a burglar breaks in.
Fire Warning
Make sure that you have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that work in your apartment and throughout your building. It’s vital that you have as much warning as possible to get you and your family to safety should a fire occur.
Fire Safety Kit
You can also build up a fire safety kit for everyone in your household. While you hope to never have to use this, you don’t want to be caught in an apartment fire without it. Some items to include in the kit are:
- Fire mask – This will make it easier for you to breathe if you must get out of a smoky building or if you have to wait for fire rescue to come and get you. Either way, this will protect your lungs and your airway as you are dealing with a lot of smoke.
- Heat reflective blanket – In the event you have to escape the fire, this can be a very vital piece of your kit. It will keep you from getting burned and reflect the heat of the flames as you exit the building. It can also serve to keep you and your family warm as you await the fire to be put out.
- Light – Whether it is a heavy-duty survival flashlight or bright glowsticks, this is a critical component to your fire safety kit. You need to be able to be seen if you’re stuck and awaiting rescue. You also need a lamp to light your way out of the building as the smoke may be overpowering.
Fire Extinguishers
Perhaps the most important survival tool is a portable fire extinguisher. Propertly working units should be installed throughout the common areas of your building. Make sure that you keep on top of your fire extinguisher servicing so that all are licensed, tagged and in good working order at all times.
Contact Connected Fire Safety Services to make sure your home is prepared and your apartment building is secure in the event of a fire.