In the aftermath of the tragic high-rise apartment fire in London, the Providence Fire Department would like to remind all local hi-rise apartment and condominium residents to think ahead and be prepared in the event of a fire. It is important to know the fire safety features in your building and work together with neighbors to help keep the building as fire-safe as possible. The PFD offers the following tips to citizens:
Have an evacuation plan and know the location of all available exits in the event the nearest one is blocked due to smoke or fire.
Make sure all exit and stairwell doors are marked and not blocked by clutter and/or debris.
If there is a fire, activate the fire alarm as you leave the building to notify the fire department and your neighbors.
If the fire alarm sounds, touch the door before opening and close all doors behind you as you leave. If a door knob is hot always utilize another way out. Otherwise, always escape through the nearest exit.
Listen to all announcements carefully and follow directions.
Always use the stairs and never use elevators unless you are directed to by the fire department.
If you can’t get out of your apartment because of fire, smoke or a disability, place enough wet towels or sheets around the door and vents to keep smoke out and call the fire department and tell them where you are located in the building. Open a window slightly and wave a bright cloth to signal your location but be prepared to close the window if it makes the smoke condition worse.
Anyone with questions of concerns can contact the office of Acting Fire Marshal, Captain Peter McMichael at (401) 243-6050.