Preparedness is Key to Survive a NYC Apartment Fire

What Are the Odds of a Fire?

How to Survive an Apartment Fire

• Stay Calm: This is easier said than done, but remaining calm actually increases your chances of survival. A panicked mind can forget critical safety factors or overlook items that can save your life. 
• Make a Note of Fire Exits & Important Items to Take: When a fire alarm is blaring, it can be hard to stay focused. Create a fire evacuation plan with your roommates or family to address exit points, identify all staircases, make a list of necessary items to bring (keys, phone, and apartment entry fobs), and establish a meeting place outside of the building should you become separated from loved ones.
• Stay low & remember surfaces are hot: Before swinging open doors to escape, remember that door knobs can be hot. If the knob is hot, that’s an obvious indicator that fire has spread to that room, and to avoid it if possible. Staying low to the ground and covering your face and eyes can help you avoid smoke inhalation. 
• Call 911: The fire department should be notified immediately when there is an active blaze. Experts suggest staying put if your particular unit is not threatened. This will allow first responders to find you and help you evacuate safely. Whatever you do, never attempt to jump out of your window! Instead, place wet towels or bed linens under door frames and block vents to prevent smoke from seeping in.
• Invest in child and pet stickers: If you have pets or children in the house, placing inexpensive fire stickers on easily-accessible doors and windows can notify first responders how many of each to look for within your apartment. Ensure you purchase light-reflecting stickers so that they are easily spotted by flashlights during an evacuation. 
• Understand general fire safety: Simple tasks such as cooking and heating your apartment can cause fire hazards. Read up on apartment fire safety to prevent a devastating fire.