High Rise Safety

9/24/2018 (Permalink)

People working in a high-rise building need to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire. It is important to know the fire safety features in your building and work together with neighbors to help keep the building as fire-safe as possible.

•  For the best protection, select a fully sprinklered building. If your building is not sprinklered, ask management to consider installing a sprinkler system.
• Meet with your building manager to learn about the fire safety features in your building (fire alarms, sprinklers, voice communication procedures, evacuation plans and how to respond to an alarm).
• Know the locations of all available exit stairs from your floor in case the nearest one is blocked by fire or smoke.
• Make sure all exit, and stairwell doors are clearly marked, not locked or blocked by security bars and clear of clutter.
• If there is a fire, pull the fire alarm on your way out to notify the fire department and your neighbors.
• If the fire alarm sounds, feel the door before opening and close all doors behind you as you leave. If it is hot, use another way out. If it is cool, leave by the nearest way out.
• If an announcement is made throughout the building, listen carefully and follow directions.
• Use the stairs to get out. Typically, you should not use the elevator unless directed by the fire department. Some buildings are being equipped with elevators intended for use during an emergency. These types of elevators will clearly be marked that they are safe to use in the event of an emergency.