|
|
|
|
Highrise Fires
If you discover a fire...
- Leave the area.
- Close all the doors as you exit.
- Sound the fire alarm.
- Telephone 9-1-1 from an area of safety.
- Use a safe exit stairwell-not the elevators.
Upon hearing the fire alarm...
- Turn off all appliances.
- Feel the door before opening it. If it is warm, remain in your unit and call 9-1-1. If the door is not hot, leave the building via the nearest exit and close all the doors behind you.
- If the smoke is heavy in the corridor, it may be safer to remain in your area. Close the door and place a wet towel at its base.
- If the stairway is full of smoke, use an alternate exit. If all stairways are also full of smoke, it may be safer to stay in your area.
- Make sure you take your room key, in case you are forced to return to your unit.
Know your building
- You should know the location of exits and fire-alarm pull stations--this knowledge may save your life.
- Make a simple floor plan showing two exits. Walk the distance and actually count the number of steps to these exits.
- Make your family fire-escape plan now. Have a family meeting to discuss the plan and the fire-safety information on this page.
- In an emergency, hallway and exit lighting may be out. Make sure that you can follow your escape plan in the dark.
- Conduct regular fire drills with your family and participate in those conducted by your building's management.
The Ontario Fire Code dictates that:
- all exits are to be free of any obstructions,
- all exit doors are to be kept closed, and
- that you must report any fire safety violations to the superintendent immediately.
Residents are advised:
- not to put burning materials such as cigarettes and ashes into the garbage chute;
- not to dispose of flammable liquids or aerosol cans in the chutes;
- not to force cartons, coat hangers or bundles of paper into the garbage chutes;
- to cook safely;
- to use only safe electrical appliances. Do not overload outlets;
- to discard frayed extension cords. Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring; and
- to avoid careless smoking-use ashtrays and never smoke in bed
Don't forget...
Never endanger yourself or others by attempting to extinguish a fire. If you cannot extinguish the small fire with an extinguisher, or if the smoke is dangerous, leave the fire area. Close the door to confine and contain the fire. Activate the fire alarm system, call 9-1-1 and wait outside for help to arrive.
|
