For anyone who’s ever lived in an apartment, it’s critical to understand how their daily habits can contribute to a risk of fire. Unfortunately, apartment fires are common, especially in New York City. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to actively prevent them from occurring in your building. In this article, we’re going to examine ways for tenants to prevent fires and discuss what to do should one occur. If you or someone you know has been a victim of an apartment fire and suffered injuries, contact an experienced Fire injury Lawyer NYC as soon as possible.
Kitchen Fire Safety
One of the most common sources of fires in apartments is kitchen fires. Here are some general tips to keep yourself safe while preparing meals in your apartment home:
- Don’t leave unattended food on the stove or in the oven.
- Turn off appliances when they are not in use.
- Keep flammable items away from open flames at all times.
- Be mindful of the clothing you’re wearing while cooking, as loose-fitting sleeves and sweaters can easily catch fire over an open flame.
- Dispose of grease properly once it is cooled.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
Laundry Fire Safety
If you’re fortunate enough to have laundry facilities in your unit, here are some essential safety tips to remember:
- Ensure your dryer is hooked up by a professional and that it has a proper lint trap.
- Remove lint from the trap and the drum of the dryer after each load.
- Ensure the dryer is connected to the proper outlet.
- Never leave home or go to sleep with the dryer running.
Ensure Your Smoke Alarms are Working
Your first line of defense in the event of a fire is your smoke alarm. According to First Alert, alarms should be on every level for multi-story apartments, as well as outside each sleeping area and in every bedroom. Test your alarms monthly and change the batteries every six months. If any of the alarms start to chirp, replace the batteries immediately.
Have a Plan
No one wants to have to think about the worst case scenario. However, emergencies happen. In case of a fire, have a plan laid out for you, your pets, roommates, and/or family. If you sustain injuries during a fire, you’re not alone. Your NYC fire injury lawyer is on your side to fight for the compensation and recovery for damages that you deserve.
Contacting a Fire Injury Lawyer
Fires have the potential to cause devastating and life-threatening injuries within seconds. If you or someone you know has suffered a fire injury, let us help you fight for your rights and hold those responsible accountable for your trauma and injuries. Contact our NYC Fire Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation or call 212-779-7070.
