Tenant Handbook

Fire Prevention

Elements of Fire
There are three elements of fire:

  • Fuel (furniture, plastics, grease, etc.)
  • Heat (matches, cigarettes, sparks, electric, etc.)
  • Oxygen

Fire needs all three elements. If you remove one, you can eliminate or reduce the fire. For example:

  • Closing doors – reduces the amount of oxygen 
  • Dousing with water – reduces heat
  • Using an ABC Type Fire Extinguisher – smothers the fire, reducing oxygen 
  • Removing nearby draperies, papers, furniture – removes the source of fuel

Fire Tips and Facts

  • In an emergency, use stairwells. Do not use elevators, unless instructed otherwise. 
  • Feel the stairwell door with the back of your hand for heat, before opening the door.
  • If you encounter smoke, get down on your hands and knees. The air is cleaner and cooler nearer the floor. Crawl to the nearest stairwell exit.
  • Most fatalities are a result of smoke inhalation, poisonous gases and panic. Panic, a sudden overpowering terror, is usually the result of not knowing what to do.
  • Smoke detectors serve as an early-warning system. Smoke detectors save lives.
  • A sprinkler system is designed to suppress a fire. Sprinkler heads are activated one at a time by a rise in the temperature.

Planning and Preparedness

  • Have a list of emergency phone numbers. 
  • Be familiar with your floor’s layout.
  • Know primary and secondary exits routes and termination points both up and down. 
  • Know location, type and how to use manual fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
  • Know primary and secondary methods of communication.
  • Know safe refuge areas (re-location floors) during a fire emergency:
  • When evacuating the building – move away from the building, and out of the way of emergency vehicles, flying glass and other obstacles. Usually a distance that is greater than the height of the building and proceed to your pre-determined outside assembly area.

Safe Stairwell Procedures

  • Remain quiet and calm. Do Not Talk and Do Not Text!
  • Remove high-heel shoes. Keep a pair of old sneakers next to your work station. 
  • Use handrails & move quickly. Walk in a single file.
  • Keep to the right so Emergency personnel can ascend the stairs on the left. 
  • Allow others to enter into stairwell flow, but do not unnecessarily hold up traffic. 
  • Assist those who are slower or physically impaired.
  • Walk down the stairs (unless otherwise instructed).
  • All injuries should be treated at stairwell landings when required and safe to do so. 
  • Do not spread false information, rumors, etc.
  • Do not bring drinks or food into stairwell.
  • Develop awareness of safety conditions, fire violations and potential hazards, for example: fire doors improperly blocked or open, improper lighting, frayed cords, overloaded outlets, obstructed halls and corridors, trash buildups, etc.
  • Participate in fire drills and review emergency procedures. 
  • Know your area of responsibility and your emergency actions.