In the United States, around 100,000 fire incidents break out in apartment buildings and complexes. With numerous occupants and residents, it’s important that everyone is knowledgeable about fire alarms for apartment buildings and other fire safety and protection protocols.
The National Fire Protection Association reported that these apartment fires result in about 4,000 injuries, 400 deaths, and up to $1.3 million worth of property damage every year. Some of the leading causes of these fire emergencies are faulty electrical wirings, cooking and heating appliances, open flames, human error, and arson.
Are you a tenant, landlord, or apartment manager?
Whether you are a tenant, a landlord, or apartment manager, it’s important that you are prepared in case of a fire emergency within the premises.
Being prepared, no matter what your role is in the apartment community, means keeping up with the latest updates in fire codes and regulations in your locality.
You must also know what fire alarms for apartment buildings are and have a basic understanding of how they work. In addition, you should know what fire prevention tips and protocols are in place and make sure to follow them.
Here are some ways landlords, tenants, and apartment managers can work together to ensure the protection and safety of apartment buildings against fires.
Responsibilities of Landlords and Apartment Managers
As the landlord or apartment manager of a building or multi-family residential complex, one of your top concerns should be the safety of all your tenants.
Fire Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler system regulations differ by state. There are some requirements in some states that other states don’t have. Check with your local jurisdiction to make sure you’re getting the most accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information about sprinkler system installation for apartment buildings.
Fire Alarms for Apartment Buildings
Fire alarms covering the entire building is ideal for apartments with one main entrance with an elevator that connects the individual apartment units on separate floors.
Fire Extinguishers
There are different types of fire extinguishers. For apartment buildings, the right type to use is the ABC fire extinguishers. The placement of the extinguishers, along with how many you need, will depend on how big the property is. It’s best to consult with a fire protection company to determine this information.
Communication and Education
It’s important that you inform your tenants and apartment staff of your building’s fire safety protocol and procedures. Reserve a section on the lease agreement to fire safety information. Place evacuation routes all over the building. Make sure you have properly lit hallways and emergency signs.
This section should include the precautions you expect and require your tenants to fulfill. Train your staff of their responsibilities if there’s a fire emergency. Conduct fire emergency drills.
Responsibilities of Tenants
As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to keep your residence safe as much as possible should there be a fire. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Emergency Exits
Make sure you know where all the emergency exits are and what the evacuation route is. If you don’t know it yet, make time to walk the lot or halls of your apartment complex and find the available exits.
Check for the stairwells and hallways. See to it that they’re unobstructed; if they are, report it to your apartment manager or landlord.
Fire Alarms
For apartment buildings, fire alarms are an important piece of fire protection device.
Know where the manual pull fire alarms are in your apartment building. They are usually located within four or five feet of an exit.
If you a hear a fire alarm going off, use the stairs to go down the ground level. Don’t take the elevators. Wait outside the building until apartment staff or emergency personnel instructs you on what to do.