People living in apartments or condos should pay special attention to fire safety precautions. The carelessness of one tenant could put an entire complex out on the street. October ninth marked the end of this year's "fire prevention week." However, just because the week is over, you shouldn't disregard the importance of fire safety.

One of the best ways to prevent the spread of a fire is a smoke alarm. This is a cheap and effective way to warn people of a potential disaster. A great percentage of fires occur at night, and the alarm will wake occupants before the disaster becomes inescapable.

In order to make sure you're properly protected, you can't just install an alarm, neglect it, and hope that it works in the event of a fire. If not tested or cleaned regularly, poorly maintained smoke alarms may not work at all, and lives are endangered.

According to recent fire statistics, smoke alarms were not installed in about sixty percent of the homes that had fires, and only forty percent of the installed smoke alarms were activated. The main reasons why? Fifty six percent of the alarms had no battery. Seventeen percent had a dead battery. If the homeowners had checked up on their fire alarms as they should have, the disastrous fires could have been easily avoided.

Fire safety professionals recommend that you vacuum the dust and cobwebs which can clog the openings of the sensory device and replace the batteries when you change your clock in the spring and fall. You should also test the alarm once a month by drifting smoke in front of the sensor. A properly working alarm will respond within twenty seconds. If it doesn't, and you have replaced the batteries and cleaned it, you need to purchase a new alarm.

You should also keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Some apartment complexes provide extinguishers for you, but if they don't, you can purchase one for under twenty dollars. Like the smoke alarm, extinguishers should be tested once a month. Make sure you learn how to properly use an extinguisher once you purchase it.

Another way to protect yourself from fire is by making sure that the wiring in your complex is up to date. If you are in doubt, you can contact your local building inspector to find out if the wiring meets the current standards required in your area. If it is in violation of the current requirement, the landlord is typically forced to rewire.

Make sure too, that all cords on your appliances are in good shape. If the cord smokes, or smells like it's burning, turn it off immediately. Examine electrical cords before use and replace any that are frayed or cracked. Don't overload electrical outlets.

Eighty percent of fire accidents occur at home, and most of them could've been prevented with proper education. By learning how you can protect your home in the event of a fire, and taking precautions to prevent any potential fire hazards, you can save yourself and your neighbors.

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Published: November 9, 1999

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