What to Do in a High Rise Building Fire

No matter who you are, chances are good you will at one time or another be a guest in a high-rise building. You may live, work or visit one for just a few hours, but in each case you should know what to do in case of fire.

In a regular home, there are simple rules for escaping a fire for you and your family. What happens when you live sixteen floors up? You can't exactly jump out the window to escape a fire. There are special things you should know about high-rise fires and fire plans.

Apartment

If you live in a high rise, you may have been briefed on fire procedures by the management when you moved in. There may even be a diagram on the inside of your front door or on the inside of a closet door near the entrance. It's important for you to study this chart so you are well aware of all exits and where those exits are. While it may seem simple to you to walk down the hallway to the stairs, remember you probably will not be able to see anything if the hallway is full of smoke.

Some tall buildings have different rules for fires. There are some that are considered "fire proof". These are built so a fire in one unit will be self-contained as long as the door is closed. If you live in one of these buildings, remain inside your apartment until the fire company comes to rescue you. If the fire is in your apartment, leave immediately and shut the door securely behind you when you leave.

For all other buildings, the regular fire tips apply. If the door is hot, place a wet towel along the bottom and do not, under any circumstances, open the door. Call for help if you can and hang a light colored towel out an exterior window. Turn off vents or air-conditioning so they do not draw smoke into your apartment. Fill your tub or sink with water in case you need it in a hurry.

When the alarm sounds, and the hallway is clear of smoke, you can go for the exits. Never use an elevator. Walk quickly and calmly, and do not panic. If you are going down the stairs and smoke overtakes you, you may have to retreat back to your apartment or find another escape route.

In cases where you must go through a smoke filled space, get on your hands and knees and cover your mouth with a wet cloth (if possible). Smoke rises, so the best air will be down low.

Office and Hotel

If you are visiting an office building, take a mental note of stairs and exits when you arrive. You may not be too concerned if you are just there for a short meeting or for shopping, but remember that fire can happen at any time.

When you book a hotel room in a high rise, ask for a lower floor. It is easier to get down the stairs or for the fire crew to reach you if you are on the bottom floors of the hotel.

Final Thoughts

In same ways, high-rise buildings are safer in terms of fire because they are built of steel and concrete. This doesn't mean fire does not occur and that you will not be in any danger. It's always best to be aware of your surroundings and where the exits are in the event of any type of emergency.