Fire Marshal Offers Tips for Dealing with Apartment Blazes

Editor's Note: The following was written by Tom Jenson, fire marshal with the Edina Fire Department, for the latest edition of EFD Pulse. Read the full July issue on the city's website.

Fires in apartments are a completely different animal than fires in single-family homes. Apartment buildings are much larger and put more people at risk. Luckily, in Edina, we have had few apartment fires. However, they are still a possibility.

In the event of a fire in your apartment or multi-family building, it is important to keep these tips in mind to make sure everyone gets out safely:

• If you hear an alarm sounding or smell smoke, go to your door and feel it with back of your hand. If the door is not hot, place your foot against the bottom of the door and open it carefully.
• If the door is hot, unlock the door, but do not open it. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report your unit number. Go to the furthest window and open it. Wave a sheet or towel to attract attention and wait for Fire Department instructions. Put wet towels or sheets around your door and vents to keep smoke out.
• If the fire is in your unit, leave your apartment, closing the door behind you. Pull the manual fire alarm to notify the other residents there is a fire. As soon as you are safe, call 9-1-1 and report the fire. Pulling a manual fire alarm may not automatically notify the Fire Department. For small fires, fire extinguishers are provided in your unit or in the hallway.
• When evacuating, never use the elevator. Make sure you know the location of the nearest stairs.
• Meet with your landlord or building manager to learn about evacuation plans and fire safety in your building.

For more information, contact the Edina Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 952-826-0330.