Fire Safety Tips for Condos and Apartments

1/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tip: Have at Least One Fire Extinguisher in Your Home

SERVPRO Tips on Fire Extinguishers and More

The U.S. Fire Administration, during a typical year, home electrical problems account for 26,100 fires and $1 billion in property losses, claiming the lives of 280 Americans and injuring 1,000 more annually. Residential fires are often caused by electrical system failures, but much more are the result of overloaded circuits, long or frayed extension cords,  and incorrectly installed wiring, in fact, about half of all residential electrical fires involve electrical wiring.

In South Florida and Naples, fire damage is always possible in many of the apartments are older, so it is important that we make sure our equipment is up to date. If you don’t know how to do this, check in with your landlord, it is their job to make sure everything is up to standards and working. If you do not think your equipment is up to date, let your landlord know! As we have heard a thousand times, “it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Every apartment, condo, or home should be equipped with at least one portable fire extinguisher; SERVPRO  realizes that not everyone is as familiar with this technology as we are, so we have included some tips from our experience with advanced, automated building systems and knowledge of fire, security, and energy management systems. Having a working fire alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. Fire extinguishers are one factor for an emergency response plan. Each family member should know what the pre-arranged escape route is to safety. Your home should have smoke alarms that are tested and working (do not forget to exchange out batteries) in all bedroom areas.

How to Operate a Fire Extinguisher
Remember the word PASS:
•Pull the pin. Make sure the nozzle is directed away from all individuals.
•Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
•Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
•Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.
Larger facilities such as schools and university dormitories, public buildings, and hospital and medical facilities must also take precaution and heavily monitor each room and hallway throughout their buildings. Unlike a house or apartment, these facilities have hundreds of fire extinguishers which are part of automated systems that are monitored around the clock to make sure they are fully charged and operating properly. Recent technology has made it easier and more cohesive for the facility and building managers to monitor the fire system, HVAC  controls, building-wide communications, and life safety systems through integration in the environmental control system that shares information system-wide.

Overall, it is important to be familiar with your surroundings and remember what you learned in elementary school: stay calm and locate a safe escape. Every household should have a home fire escape plan and working smoke alarms. Fire extinguishers and alarms can save lives and property, but only if they are working correctly and appropriately managed. Since fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

SERVPRO of Naples/Marco Island is ready 24/7 to assist you with any water, mold, or fire emergency you may confront by calling us at (239) 302-5700.