What are the Fire Safety Standards for High-Rise Buildings

Fire safety is a major concern for U.S. residents because fire breakouts are a major hazard and can lead to property and life damage. Knowing fire safety standards for high-rise buildings is necessary for situations like these.

These standards are more than just fire extinguisher maintenance because getting out of a high-rise building is more challenging.

What are the Fire Safety Standards for High-Rise Buildings

According to statistics, there were over 1,353,500 fire department calls in 2021 alone. The number has increased because people do not take fire safety standards seriously.

The Chicago Fire Department has shared the best approaches for cases like these; however, most individuals are unaware of them. Knowing the best fire safety standards makes a huge difference if you live in or around high-rise buildings. Here are the top recommendations by fire fighting experts to keep in mind:

1. Prepare for the Fire Emergency

The biggest mistake you can make during a high-rise fire emergency is panicking. Open the fire exits, doorways, and other paths because these are your way out. Fire doors are ht quickest way out of the fire in severe conditions.

Moreover, you should avoid propping the fire doors or stairways open. We also recommend learning the evacuation plans in time of need and moving through the high-traffic areas, such as the building lobby, as quickly as possible. 

You should also use the fire alarm and inform about the fire emergency as quickly as possible. Moreover, the person responsible for fire safety management should ensure fire extinguisher servicing to control it before it gets too serious.

2. Avoid Panicking

A common mistake is panicking and believing someone else contacted the fire department. Early notifications can save more lives, allowing fire control departments to reach the location.

3. Avoid Touching Doors If They’re Warm

Always touch the doors with your back instead of opening them directly. If you’re in an office, or an apartment, stay inside and wait for the help to arrive. You can also stuff the cracks around the door and keep the smoke out of the room longer.

You should also request help with a flashlight or use a sheet as a signal. Avoid breaking the window; just open the top and the bottom of the window. You will need to close the window if the smoke breaks in. Be patient. Know that evacuating and saving a high-rise building can take hours, so stay as calm as possible.

4. Don’t Go Inside Once Out to Save Others

You should always stay out of the building once you get out. Regardless of how good a reason is, don’t go back in. If there’s another person trapped or something important, let the fire department take care of it. 

It’s the one tip for Chicago fire safety that can save you from further damage. You can only enter the building once the fire department tells you it’s safe.

Bottom Line

High-rise buildings are riskier in case of fire breakouts. Individuals must keep fire safety standards in mind. It can preserve lives and save individuals in serious situations.

However, if you have more questions, we recommend reaching out to our professionals at Connected Fire. We would love to educate you on Chicago fire safety, ensuring your well-being.