Multi-Story Building Safety

Tips

Test smoke alarms weekly and replace batteries twice a year (the beginning and end of Daylight Savings time)
BBQ grills with attached LP cylinders and charcoal grills are not permitted
Keep storage at least 18 inches below the fire sprinkler heads
Eliminate the use of extension cords and do not overload circuits
Cook with care. Keep pot lids nearby. Baking soda can also be used to smother stove fires
Never smoke in bed and make sure that there are no smoldering butts when you empty ashtrays
Keep oven, microwave, and dryer doors closed if fire occurs in one of them
Ensure entrance doors are the tight-fitting self-closing type to keep fire and smoke out of your unit
Exit stairway doors must stay shut and be equipped with self-closing devices
Electric locking doors must be equipped with the following 3 items:
- Push button release
- Motion sensor release
- Release circuit tied to fire alarm panel
Keep exit stairs clear at all times. No storage of any kind is permitted
Keep corridors clear
Don't put items in the trash chute that are large and may get stuck

Call the Fire Marshal's Office for a courtesy inspection of your occupancy at 904-247-6239.

The layout of your floor.
Be familiar with your building's emergency evacuation plan. It should be posted in your building. Encourage building management to perform a fire drill for your building at least once a year.
The location of all stair exits from your floor.
The number of doors between your apartment and the exit stairs. This is essential knowledge to find the exit in the dark.
Where your apartment key is located. Take the key with you if you are forced to evacuate.
The location of fire alarm pull stations (if your building has them.)
Keep flashlights ready and in a handy place.
Install and maintain smoke alarms. Owners of high-rise buildings are required by law to install one alarm in each apartment, but its maintenance is up to you.
Report fire hazards to your superintendent. Blocked exits, piled-up trash, missing exit lights, and open fire doors are violations of law. Your life may depend on getting the violations corrected.

Get everyone out. Close but don't lock all doors in the apartment as you leave.
Use the exit stairs to evacuate. Never use the elevator.
Many fire alarm systems sound on the fire floor, the floor above the fire and the floor below the fire only. Be familiar with your fire alarm system.
Never silence or reset a fire alarm if it is sounding. The fire department will investigate and advise when it is safe to go back in the building.
If you are on a floor with the alarm going off and it is safe to do so, you should evacuate the building until the fire department determines it is safe to go back inside.

Get everyone out. Stay low as you go out. Close but don't lock all doors in the apartment as you leave
Alert others on the floor by knocking on doors. Activate the fire alarm if there is one
Go down the nearest stairway, holding the railing
Pull the fire department pull station on the way to the exit stairs if you can safely do so
Call the fire department from a telephone outside the building

Stay inside rather than entering smoke-filled hallways, especially if the fire is on a floor below your apartment.
Keep your door closed.
Seal the door with duct tape or wet sheets and towels. Seal ventilators and any other openings where smoke may enter.
Turn off air conditioners.
Unless flames or smoke are coming from below, open your windows a few inches at the top or bottom. Don't break the windows; they may need to be closed later.
Call the Fire Department with your apartment number and a description of the conditions in your apartment. Firefighters will be directed to your location.
If you feel you are in grave danger, open a window and wave a bed sheet for firefighters to spot you.