Apartment and Work Place Fire safety - Since each building is unique, you should learn the approved "Fire Safety Plan" specifically designed for your building.

If there is a fire in your apartment you must decide if it is possible to leave or if you are not able to.

If you are able to leave

• Before opening any door; the door to the hall or stairway, make sure it is safe to do so. Reach high with the back of your hand to touch the door, the door handle, and the space between the door and frame. If any of them feel hot, do not exit. If everything feels cool, brace your shoulder against the door and open it carefully. Be ready to close it quickly if heat or smoke rush in. As you leave, close all doors behind you.

• Spread the word that there is a fire and pull the fire alarm as you exit through the nearest stairway

• DO NOT use the elevator.

• Once outside, call the fire department by dialing 911.

• Meet the firefighters at the front entrance and tell them where the fire is.

If you are not able to leave

• You must protect yourself from smoke. Stay in your apartment until you are rescued or until you are told to leave. This may take a long time. Do not try to leave your apartment a long time after the alarm has sounded. The longer you wait, the more risk there is that heavy smoke will have spread into stairways and corridors. Your chances of survival are less. Keep smoke from entering your apartment. Use duct tape to seal cracks around the door and place wet towels at the bottom. Seal vents or air ducts the same way.

• If smoke enters your apartment telephone the fire department, tell them where you are and then move to the balcony. Close the doors behind you. If you don't have a balcony, go to the most smoke-free room, close the door and seal it with tape and towels. Open the window for fresh air. Show your rescuers where you are by hanging a sheet from the window or balcony. Keep low to the floor where the air is cleaner. Listen for instructions from authorities.