RE: CONDO FIRES

CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY'S SAFETY
What to do in case of fire in your condo. (The Toronto fire department offers these tips for high-rise residents in the event of a fire. )

If the fire is in your condo:
Alert everyone in the home.
Leave immediately. Close, but don’t lock, all doors.
Sound the fire alarm by activating a red pull station on the fire floor [if safe to do so].
Call 9-1-1. Never assume that someone else has already done so. Make sure you give your name, the correct address and exact location of the fire.
Use the exit stairwells, not the elevators. Don’t return until firefighters declare the condo safe.


If you hear a fire alarm:
Before opening any door, feel the handle and the door itself, starting from the bottom, moving to the top. If the door is not hot, open it slightly.
If you see or smell smoke, take your keys, close the door behind you, and leave the building by the nearest exit stairwell, again closing all doors after you.
If you encounter smoke in a stairwell, consider an alternate stairwell. Be sure to crawl low under smoke. If the alternate is also contaminated with smoke, return to your suite.
When you are safely outside, call 9-1-1. Never assume that someone else has already done so. Make sure you give your name, the correct address and location of the fire.


If you cannot leave:
Close, don’t lock, doors so firefighters can enter if needed.
Seal all cracks where smoke can enter by using wet towels for sheets. Seal mail slots, transoms and ventilation outlets as necessary [a role of wide duct tape is handy].
Move to the balcony or the most protective room and partially open a window for air. Close window if smoke enters.
Keep low to the floor. Heat and toxic gases rise.
Signal firefighters by waving a white sheet or towel.
Wait to be rescued. Remain calm. Don’t panic or jump.
Listen for instructions or information over the building’s internal speaker system.

High rise survival kit:
Fire officials also recommend creating this survival kit, using items that can all be purchased for less than $50.00.
What towel: to place at base of a door.
Duct tape: to cover door and vent openings.
Foil wrap: to cover vent openings.
Whistle: To signal for help.
Flashlight: use in case of power failure, smoke, or to signal for help.
Bright colored cloth: Hang in a window or on a balcony to identify your location.
Ink marker: To write messages on cloth, door or windows.
Cotton bed sheet: If smoke is heavy in your room, soak the bed sheet with water and make a tent near an open window.
Washcloth: Place with cloth over your mouth and nose in order to aid breathing in smoky areas.
Fire safety plan: have a copy of your buildings emergency procedures available.
Plastic pail with lid: use to store survival equipment. [ fill with water during a fire. ]

Source: Toronto Star January 15, 2005 The Toronto fire department offers these tips for high-rise residents in the event of a fire.