Fire hazards can occur anywhere, even in your home. If you live in an apartment, such emergencies call for the immediate evacuation of the property through safe exits built on every floor. Since everyone hurries through the same route, it sometimes worsens the situation. The fire agencies inform that multi-unit residential buildings report over 105,000 fire cases annually. Chicago fire damage teams may vouch for this. Nevertheless, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself and your dear ones safe during any such untoward occurrence. So, here are a few insights to help you know what to expect or do.
Common fire hazards in apartments
These incidents happen due to human errors in most cases. Hence, it’s essential to learn about where one typically makes those mistakes so that you can prevent them. The kitchen has ovens and stovetops, along with other appliances. Please don’t leave them unattended, as anything can happen. When you see grease on the countertop or anywhere else, clean it immediately to avoid fire risk. Portable heaters need proper handling too. If their components have become old and torn down, change them. Otherwise, the internal heating elements can cause intense heat, which may easily trigger any flammable material. All electrical systems, including wiring, circuit boxes, and wall outlets in residential buildings, demand proper maintenance to avoid electrical fire risks.
Suppose your big-ticket items like washing machines, clothing dryers, dishwashers, and others have become old. In that case, you need to pay extra attention to them because worn-out matters like power cords, motors, and heating elements can lead to a fire.
Another item that many houses commonly use is candles. After all, they look beautiful and enhance the entire mood of the place. But do you know almost 7k cases of house fires happen due to candles? You can also add lighters, matches, cigarettes, furnaces, and fireplaces. Take good care of these things to avoid dangerous circumstances. You can contact the Chicago office for fire damage services if your apartment catches fire. Before this, let’s gather what to do to make your living conditions sufficiently protected from fire.
Fire safety suggestions
Be aware of the evacuation route from the beginning. You should know which way can lead you to a fire exit point quickly. All evacuation routes should be clear so you don’t feel helpless during an emergency. There will be pull stations in the building. Staircases, hallways, and laundry rooms usually contain them. You must be aware of them to activate the fire alarm if you notice flames to control the damage.
Review your unit’s smoke alarms monthly and replace them if they don’t work. If the devices are ten years old or more, replacement becomes necessary. The battery should also change once a year. Keep the fire extinguisher within easy reach in the kitchen. It also requires timely investigation for its pressure gauge. Avoid wearing loose clothing or keeping mitts and hand towels close to cooking appliances when you cook in the kitchen. Make sure all the power cords are also in good shape.
As an apartment resident, you should pay attention to everything that catches your attention for posing a risk. Alert the association. Fire equipment and electrical connections have to be healthy. As a tenant, your input matters. So you, feel free to speak to the management.
