High Rise Building Safety
For purposes of these safety tips, the University Park Fire Department considers all residential buildings over 3 stories in height a “high rise” building. While fire safety tips provided for single family residences may also apply, the staff of the fire department recognizes that high rise buildings pose an increased risk as they account for nearly 20% of all fire-related deaths.

1) If you discover a fire in YOUR apartment, GET OUT! Close the door behind you to prevent the fire from spreading. Go to a neighbor’s apartment and call the Fire Department at 911.

2) If you smell smoke but DO NOT have a fire in your apartment, STAY IN YOUR APARTMENT. DO NOT open your door for any reason if it is hot. Call 911!

3) If smoke is coming in around your door, use wet towels or sheets to seal the door and open the outside windows for fresh air. If your window will not open, stay low to the floor to avoid breathing the smoke.

4) In the event of a fire, DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS (if your building is so equipped). The elevator door may open on the floor where the fire is at, thereby exposing you to fire and smoke. The elevator door will not close again if smoke has entered the elevator because the optical sensor in the elevator car will detect the smoke.

5) If you are returning to the building and see the Fire Department is on the scene for an emergency, remain in your car or outside the building and wait for directions from Fire Department personnel.

6) Most fire related deaths are caused by the inhalation of smoke and hot gases associated with fires. That is why it is important to always stay low and close to the floor when smoke is present.

7) Installing and maintaining working smoke detectors near sleeping areas can double your chances of survival in the event of a fire. Report all non-functional/missing smoke detectors to the complex manager.

8) Have a fire extinguisher in a readily accessible location and know how to use it. Fire extinguishers can prevent a small fire from getting out of control.

If you have questions regarding the content of this information or require additional answers to your questions, please contact us at (708) 534-4825.

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