Responding to Rental Property
Fire Emergencies

The vast majority of all fire emergencies in the United States occur in residential homes. In 2005, over 3,000 people were killed, and nearly 14,000 injured in 396,000 home fires across the US. Most of the victims died from smoke inhalation and not from actual burns. And, over 7 billion dollars in property damage resulted.

Now that you know how grim the statistics are, lets take a look at how to prepare for and respond to a fire that may take place within one of your residential rental units.

Preparing for a Fire Emergency

• Plan an Escape Route - Draw an escape plan that shows how to get out of the building, especially from the bedrooms because most fires start at night. Use the stairs to get out instead of the elevators (if any exist) in the building. Once outside, have a designated area where everyone can meet.
• Know the locations of fire alarm pull stations (if your building has them).
• Make sure all windows can open and are not "painted shut".
• Know the number of doors between your apartment and the stair exits. This will help you to get to the stair exits in the dark.

• Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors
• Make sure exits are not blocked, fire doors are closed, trash is not piled up, hallways and stairways are clear, and exit signs are present.
• Keep flashlights and duct tape stored in a handy location.
• Keep a class ABC fire extinguisher in (or near) the kitchen to put out cooking fires.

• For a Fire That Begins In Your Apartment

1. Remain calm and get everyone out. IF SMOKE IS PRESENT, STAY LOW AS YOU GO OUT. This is necessary because deadly smoke rises in a fire, and breathable air is often close to the floor. As you exit your apartment, close all doors in the apartment as you leave.

2. If there is a fire alarm pull station, activate it.

3. Alert occupants in other apartments to evacuate immediately because of fire.

4. Call the Fire Department from either OUTSIDE THE BUILDING or from a floor BELOW THE FIRE.

5. Do not return to a burning building.

• For a Fire That Is Outside Your Apartment

1. If the hallways are filled with thick smoke, stay inside your apartment, especially if the fire IS ABOVE your apartment.

2. Keep the entrance door to your apartment closed. Seal it with duct tape or wet towels or sheets. Also, seal any other openings where smoke may enter the apartment.

3. Fill the bathtub with water, and if the front door gets hot wet it down by scooping water from the tub and splashing it on the inside face of the door.

4. Turn off all air conditioners, and open the windows a few inches unless smoke or flames are rising from below.

5. Call the fire department and give them a description of your location in the building and the conditions in your apartment. If you are in significant danger, open a window and wave a bed sheet for firefighters to spot you.

Cooking fires in the kitchen are actually the largest cause of all residential fire emergencies that take place. If a grease fire takes place, never use water to put it out. It will splatter the hot, flaming grease and ignite other objects on fire, making the situation worse.

Instead, use a class ABC fire extinguisher to put out small fires, or BAKING SODA. Don't use baking powder - this can cause the fire to spread. A small grease fire can also be put out (smothered) by using a pot lid.

The above actions during a fire emergency could someday save your life and those of your family members and tenants. In that respect, nothing else is more important.

For more in-depth information about fire emergencies and other serious rental property hazards, please visit The Landlord's Library book collection. It's a great resource that will maximize your success as a residential landlord.