High-rise Building Fire Safety
With so many people living and working in cities like Chicago, we should expect serious high-rise building fire safety precautions. With a growing population and taller skylines come challenges to keep people safe. The danger with high-rise buildings is the potential for fires to spread vertically. Also, building evacuation is made more difficult by the number of stories and amount of people. What are some key high-rise building fire safety things you can do to make sure you are ready if there is an emergency?
Have a Plan and a Plan B
Whether the high-rise is an apartment complex or office building, make sure the people around you have a plan. Family members or employees should all have a plan for getting out. Conduct fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do and what to expect in an emergency. All exits should be identified and decide which to use in an emergency. Keep low to avoid too much smoke inhalation. Once out of the building, there should be a designated meeting location.
If you are unable to exit your apartment or office space due to the fire, you should also know a few key high-rise building fire safety things that can save your life. Anyone in the space should go to a room with a window that will open. Call the fire department and let them know exactly what floor you are on, which window you are at, what side, and which corner. Make your presence known with lights or colored materials. The more details, the better. They will be able to find you quicker. Seal the crack under the door with towels or duct tape to keep the smoke out.
Know What Not to Do
Leave quickly, but do not panic. You may miss some instructions, and injuries unrelated to the fire are more likely. High-rise building fire safety differs in many ways because of the height of the building. Never use the elevator in a fire. No matter how tall the building is, take the stairs down to safety. If someone has difficulty with the stairs, you should have a plan in place to accommodate. Fire exits should never be locked or blocked. Hallways should also be kept clear.
Have the Proper Equipment
More key elements to high-rise building fire safety are alarms and sprinklers. They should be in place and ready to go. Make sure they are inspected yearly. This is the only way to make sure there are no deficiencies that can set you back in an emergency. These systems are important in buildings like high-rises, where so many lives are at stake. If you are moving into a high-rise, make sure there is a functioning automatic fire sprinkler system in place.
If you live or work in a high-rise, are you ready for an emergency? At Valley Fire Protection & Plumbing, we can help you take care of your high-rise fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler system makes a huge difference in the outcome of a fire, especially when it comes to high-rise building fire safety. Make sure yours is working properly by conducting the proper maintenance and getting it inspected regularly.
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